The Vermont Commission on Women announces the selection of Cary Brown of Montpelier as Executive Director. Ms. Brown brings to the Commission more than 16 years of professional and volunteer experience working with issues that affect women, girls and their families. “The commission has made an excellent choice,” said Marcia Merrill, Commission Chair. “Cary has a wonderful combination of skills, a breadth and depth of relevant experience, and has shown a true devotion to social justice and equity throughout her working life. We are very excited about Cary taking the Commission into the future.”
Most recently Ms. Brown served as the Internship Coordinator for Norwich University. Previously, she served as the Interim Executive Director of Turtle Island Children’s Center and the Director of Girls’ Programs for Vermont Works for Women, a non-profit organization supporting training and work in non-traditional fields for women and girls. She directed the Women in Technology Project, a national award–winning summer technology camp for girls at Vermont Technical College. Ms. Brown has extensive experience in nonprofit administration and organizational development, and holds a Masters of Public Administration from Norwich University and a BA from Haverford College. She volunteers in several civic roles, including as a Justice of the Peace and serves in a leadership role in the New England Association for Cooperative Education and Field Experience.
“As a second term Commissioner, and as an Advisor to the Commission for many years before that, I know firsthand the powerful work the commission does and the real impact it has had on shaping conversations around women’s and girls’ experiences in the state. I’m both honored and excited to have been selected for this position,” said Ms. Brown. “Vermont is rich in individuals and organizations that are making a huge difference in the lives of women and girls, and I look forward to opportunities for new and strengthened partnerships.”
The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) is a non-partisan state agency dedicated to legislative, economic, social, and political fairness. Launched in 1964 by a call to action from President Kennedy, VCW is charged with reducing discrimination and encouraging opportunities for women. Sixteen volunteer commissioners, as well as representatives from organizations concerned with women’s issues, guide the VCW’s public education, coalition building, and advocacy efforts. VCW offers many services to the public, including a toll-free information and referral service at 1-800-881-156, a women’s resource directory, and many publications, including the latest: The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont – updated in 2011.