Guided by our neighbors. Driven by our mission.
United Way of Northwest Vermont employees are dedicated and passionate about our community. Our staff live, work and play right here in Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle Counties.
As the Administrative and Communications Coordinator for the Mental Health Initiative, I work to support United Way’s key strategy of promoting mental health in our community. I have always been passionate about bringing conversations around mental health out into the open and am delighted to be part of an organization doing just that. I am inspired daily by my colleagues at United Way and by the community members we engage with through this work.
In my free time you can find me walking through Burlington and taking pictures, painting, drawing, or bopping around Addison County with my family and loved ones.
I lead United Way’s strategic investments to strengthen our community and improve people’s lives across Northwest Vermont.
I work with United Way staff, volunteers, and partners to identify needs and opportunities to advance community-defined priorities through funding high-performing programs, driving community engagement and collaboration, mobilizing volunteers, and investing in strategic initiatives to create systems-level change.
I completed my doctoral degree at University of Vermont, where I studied lifespan development and community psychology, and joined United Way in 2003. My favorite part of my job is working with—and learning from—many people who care so deeply and who bring tremendous energy, expertise, and creativity to the work of realizing a shared vision for our community.
Every day, I am inspired by the power of optimism and collaboration, and by the great work being done by so many.
As Major Gifts and Planned Giving Manager, my role is to create and maintain strong relationships with community members. In over 24 years of being a fundraiser in Vermont, I have always believed in being transparent, listening to constituents and conveying the impact of community support.
As Director of Development and Public Education for the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, I was fortunate to travel throughout our beautiful state. I learned so much about Vermont history – not from books – but from the people that live here. In each of my previous employments, at UVM Home Health & Hospice (formerly the VNA of Chittenden & Grand Isle Counties), Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, and Pine Ridge School, I was privileged to meet hardworking, compassionate, and generous people. I’m proud to live and work in a community that cares about and makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
My desire to continue making Vermont a better place to live for all has led me to United Way of Northwest Vermont. I have had a relationship for many years with United Way through my previous positions at funded partners and have always admired United Way’s collaboration and forward-thinking approach, so this was a natural transition.
My favorite season is summer, and I spend most of it outdoors. I enjoy gardening, biking, kayaking, swimming, and playing golf. In the winter I ski and do most of my traveling heading to warmer places.
I serve as the Design & Marketing Coordinator on the Communications team. Between social media, the website, internal documents and printed media, I’m busy ensuring the timely delivery of graphics, photos and videos in collaboration with all UWNWVT departments. One of the things I love about my job is going out into the community and capturing photo and video content.
The nature of my role allows me to see the wide breadth of work that the United Way team does on a daily basis and I am consistently surprised by the number of connections UWNWVT has within our communities. I am thrilled to be on a team with such highly skilled and dedicated people.
When I’m not at work you can catch me teaching improv and sketch classes at Vermont Comedy Club and performing on their mainstage teams. I also enjoy staying at interesting Airbnbs and hotels with my girlfriend Emma and making stylized travel videos along the way. I grew up in the deep Northeast Kingdom and have lived in Chittenden County for 7 years.
Check out my website!
briandelabuere.com
I am the Workplace Donor Relations Manager and have been on the team of United Way of Northwest Vermont since October 31, 2016. In my role, I have the privilege of working with businesses and their employees on understanding the needs of the community, connecting them to what they are passionate about, and developing meaningful workplace campaigns to continue the impact of United Way. I truly love the ability to talk with CEOs, executives, and employees about all of the work that we do and answer their questions.
I came to United Way after more than 10 years at the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, where I managed the Leadership Development and Workforce Education programs such as Leadership Champlain. Before that, I was the Development Director at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Membership Development and Events Manager at the Home Builders and Remodelers Association. My vast experience has given me the ability to build the relationships necessary to help businesses understand the work of United Way.
I completed a Certificate in Human Relations and Organization Development from Champlain College in December of 2020 and graduated with my B.A. in Business Administration in the summer of 2021. A lifetime goal that I was able to complete as an adult student.
I truly enjoy traveling, playing the guitar, knitting, and spending time with my blended family and my partner, Greg. I am currently on the board of Destination Imagination, the State Rehabilitation Council, the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sail Beyond Cancer, and the Wheels for Jacquie Foundation, and try to engage as much as possible in my local community of Grand Isle. I am continuously dedicated to instilling the importance of community engagement with those around me.
As a colleague on the United Way team, I create opportunities to build relationships with our supporters throughout our community. Whether connecting to individual donors or working with our workplace campaigns I meet people where they are at in investing in community. I celebrate and honor the talents and differences in all people that make them uniquely successful in their work. I help facilitate this by making sure resources and culture support them – our greatest asset. My favorite part of working here is the people who care so much about improving lives.
In my life there has always been food, shelter, transportation and someone who loves me. Because my life is so richly blessed, I use these gifts to advocate for human kindness and equity, and volunteer my time and provide resources where I believe I can make a difference in someone’s life.
My passion is music and I am currently studying classical piano. I thrive on exercise. In 2016, I earned a master’s degree through the study of what leadership means for me, and how to support others to be the best they can be. I want to be a trusted resource, accountable and a faithful person who openly shares my life journey.
I lead a team of skilled Resource Coordinators, who support employees in workplaces to navigate community resources to help with things like housing, transportation, childcare, financial resources, healthcare and more. I am responsible for training development, innovation, community partnerships and convening the Working Bridges employer network to identify and design strategies and pilots to elevate resources and identify gaps in supporting the ever-changing needs of Vermont’s diverse workforce. Prior to Working Bridges, I was the Senior Resource Coordinator at Vermont 2-1-1, a 24/7 health and human service helpline. I draw on experience in both nonprofit and public sectors, anti-violence, substance misuse prevention, and community public health. I hold a Bachelor of Psychology from Colby College (2003) and Master of Public Administration from the University of Vermont (2008). I am a graduate of Leadership Champlain, class of 2019. Offline and off work, you’ll find me on a hiking trail, playing with my children, running for exercise, or sourcing my next piece of chocolate.
My work is to provide regular support to the staff to accomplish our organization’s goals. I am passionate about helping other people and want to make a difference in people’s lives.
I truly believe that “education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” Quoted by George Washington Carver.
I’m a native Vermonter, and have been involved in volunteer work and nonprofit organizations since I was very young. When I graduated from The University of Vermont with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2015, I knew I was headed toward nonprofit work. I spent time working at three different nonprofits in Chittenden County before finding myself in this role. Having lived in the volunteer world for so long, it seemed like the perfect fit. Many years later, I’m happy to say it was!
This position allows me the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships with so many individuals and organizations throughout Northwest Vermont. I believe strongly in the importance of staying connected to one’s community through volunteering. Not to mention, the many health benefits of volunteering for our older adult volunteers!
Outside of work, my partner Erich and I spend most of our time outdoors with our goldendoodle, Teemu. No matter the season, we often bring him to his favorite spot – the beach! I also enjoy tending to my many plants (or buying more), and helping Erich with his videography work.
As the Accounting Supervisor, I ensure the community campaign funds are applied accurately and accounted. I also manage accounts payable, accounts receivable as well as many other various accounting tasks. I love witnessing the collaboration between United Way and community partners to achieve the best outcomes for our community. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. When I’m not at work, I love to cook, bake, read and work on puzzles of all kinds.
Words to live by: Always be kinder than necessary – James M. Barrie
I serve as a member of the administration and operations team that supports the main office. My primary role falls under the categories of recruitment, retention and recognition. I ask myself everyday: how can I enable the best work to support United Way of Northwest Vermont’s mission and vision? My background is in psychology and organizational innovation and I also hold a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. I enjoy the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and talented team on a daily basis. The people at United Way of Northwest Vermont are some of the most compassionate and driven individuals that I have ever worked with and that only serves to make my job that much easier.
I came to Common Good Vermont (a program of UWNWVT serving Vermont nonprofits) after graduating from UVM’s Master of Public Administration program. In my role as Program Associate, I support the administration, advocacy and programming of CGVT. With a background in food systems, community organizing and nonprofits, I am excited to be working for an organization whose mission and values align so closely with my own.
When I’m not working for CGVT, I work part time as the Operations Director for Rural Vermont, a nonprofit farmer advocacy organization, and sit on the boards of two farm-based education programs. I live in Barre, VT with my fiancé and in my spare time, I enjoy gardening, crosswords, cooking and getting outside.
In my role as resource coordinator, I am honored to support Vermonters as they navigate housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and many other areas of their lives. Before coming to United Way, I worked in the field of education for over 14 years, teaching and advising learners from early childhood through adulthood. After first learning about Working Bridges through a presentation with a former employer, I knew I wanted to be part of this program. I was so impressed by the thoughtful commitment of the team and their ability to be both innovative and empowering. Resource coordination allows me to do the thing I love most- to be present with others as they consider opportunities which allow them to live happier, healthier, and more equitable lives. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active in my community, working in my garden, cross country skiing, and cooking up all kinds of things. I live in Burlington with my dog Ramona.
As a Resource Coordinator, my job is to help people navigate tricky situations in their personal lives by accessing community resources. I am available to employees at their places of work, and I enjoy the variety of work sites and challenges. Before coming to United Way, I worked in the Winooski High School as an intensive needs paraeducator for three years. I received my B.A. from UVM in Classics with a minor in art history.
With my free time, I try to get outside, bike, and enjoy Lake Champlain as much as possible, but often I end up watching TV or listening to podcasts while I hang out with my cat, Bean. I also like trying out new types of crafts, and I am prone to having multiple overly ambitious craft projects going on at any given time.
I truly believe that leadership can play an important role in solving many of our community’s most pressing issues, but as I look forward with excitement about the opportunities before us, I look to our staff, our volunteers/donors, and our community. Leadership is about opening the doors to success and allowing others to walk through. My job is to foster a supportive and constructive environment that embraces equity through inclusive decision making and mindful daily actions.
My belief is that strong collaboration and building social capital in our communities can make a real difference in the quality of life for us all. I enjoy connecting donors, partners, volunteers, and staff with our exceptional work. We make community better together.
I currently serve on the board of UVM Medical Center and the Lake Champlain Chamber. Previously, I served as the Director of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront for the City of Burlington and spent the first ten years of my career with UVM Athletics. I earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Vermont in 2008 where I gained a deep appreciation for organizational culture and strategy. Supporting the people who do the work as much as the work itself is my guiding value. To that end, outside of work, I stay active in the outdoors with my partner Andrea hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing and traveling. My main hobby being a love for the kitchen that I also share with my two young daughters and partner. My family motto is: “What are we going to eat and when are we going to eat it.”
As part of the Donor Relations Team, Katie works to expand community partnerships, support United Way’s Working Bridges program to sustain Vermont’s workforce, and advance community engagement and policy efforts.
Katie started her career in policy and community development by serving Vermonters in Senator Leahy’s office prior to leading student fellowships advising for national grant applications at the University of Vermont.
She joined United Way after graduating from UVM’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, with a concentration in rural community development.
Katie enjoys cooking, dancing, and outdoor adventuring (especially hiking and cross-country skiing) with her husband.
As a Resource Coordinator for the Working Bridges team, I help working Vermonters navigate various life challenges by connecting them with appropriate community resources. It is a dream realized to work for an organization that both talks-the-talk and walks-the-walk of prioritizing community, collaboration and connection.
I’m coming to United Way with a background in adult and higher education. I’ve lived all over: from Latin America, to NYC, to the Midwest (where I got my M.S., at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and B.A., at Beloit College), but am so grateful to call Vermont my home. I live in Addison County with my partner and sweet pup, Tugboat. You’ll find me swimming, skiing, and all around outdoors-ing in my free time!
I support Vermont’s employees to empower themselves and strategize through awareness and resiliency development. Assisting others to hone their personal strengths and abilities brings me much joy and teaming with United Way to provide such opportunities to fellow Vermonters is incredibly exciting. I believe in the magic within communities and it is such an honor to work within an organization that not only envisions goodness, but puts that into action for the betterment of all. Previous professional experiences include human services and educational settings: residential treatment, program management and special education. I also love to volunteer in our communities; favorites include the Penguin Plunge, 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and biking in the first Boston-NY AIDS Ride. At the University of NH, I received a BA in Psychology and Classics and earned an MS in Counseling and Psychological Services from Springfield College. I currently play ice hockey after retiring from rugby after 26 seasons, but it’s just as thrilling to watch my teenage son grow into a compassionate, capable and involved young man. We live in Shelburne with our adorable (hefty) cat.
As Chief Development Officer (CDO) I lead a team that is focused on building trusted relationships with generous donors who support our local community through charitable giving. We help by sharing data, insights and advice about emerging needs and ongoing trends. That way our supporters know that their gifts are staying local, being used effectively and going where they are needed most. I also support United Way’s Working Bridges program and Common Good Vermont.
I’m one of the newest members of the team at United Way of Northwest Vermont, but it feels like I’ve come back home. About twenty years ago I joined the staff at the Franklin Grand Isle United Way and I saw firsthand how important Vermont’s nonprofits are to building stronger communities. Since then, my career focused has been focused on service to Vermont-based, mission-driven organizations. I’ve worked for small and large nonprofits and in local government. I was even the Mayor of St. Albans for six years!
At home, the youngest of our five kids has become a grown up and our nest is a bit emptier these days. Fortunately, we have three terrific grandchildren and a couple of rescue pups. Francine and Ollie work every day to help us improve our skills at playing fetch and handing out treats!
I believe in the power of collaboration and this is one of the reasons United Way’s mission to ”build a stronger community by working together” resonates so strongly for me!
I am an Airman of the Vermont National Guard and I serve as a Drug Demand Reduction Civil Operations Specialist. In a year-long partnership between VTNG and United Way of Northwest Vermont, I have joined the United Way staff as a Prevention Network Manager to assist with the newly launched Northwest Vermont Regional Prevention Network.
The role of the network is to establish a regional framework for people and organizations to come together around a holistic and comprehensive approach to preventing substance misuse and promoting wellbeing among youth and young adults. The best part about my job is relationship building and collaborating with the community members to address a common issue.
When I am not at work, I am either coaching or playing soccer. I am the Assistant Coach of the BHS Boys Varsity team and an Under-14 Girls coach for Burlington Football Club.
I manage the work that supports UNWVT’s program funding investments in many of our valued community programs. This means working year-round with our volunteer Partner Funding Team as well as our community partners to support and enhance our collective work. I also work to connect people to volunteering opportunities in our community nonprofits. Mobilizing volunteers is a key element in United Way’s work to build a stronger Northwest Vermont. I am passionate about people helping each other to make our community a great place to live.
My introduction to United Way was in the workplace through the community campaign. After donating for a few years, I had the opportunity to twice be a keyperson and really learned about United Way’s impact in the community. I was thrilled to join this team several years ago and be able to contribute to the mission to improve people’s lives.
For as long as I can remember, I have always felt the call to help others. I am honored to be able to answer this call as a part of the United Way team. As a Resource Coordinator, I connect employees with resources to overcome barriers in their personal lives and cheer them on along the way.
My professional background is in human resources, training and development, and mental health. I graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s in Human Services and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Northern Vermont University.
When I’m not at work, I often have a craft project in my hands (usually knitting, embroidery, or quilting). Otherwise I’m behind my drum kit or reading with a cat in my lap.
When I was 16, I wrote my first grant as part of United Way of Windham County’s Youth Initiated Grants Program. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it sparked a lifelong passion for nonprofit work. After receiving a Bachelor of Science from Skidmore College in 2009, I returned to Vermont and have served in various nonprofit roles in nonprofit management, capacity building, events management, and strategic communications.
As Director of Common Good Vermont (a recently merged program of UWNWVT), I manage the overall operations and planning of Vermont’s go-to resource for nonprofits to share resources, gain skills, and build partnerships. Common Good Vermont is the only statewide program dedicated to uniting and strengthening all mission-driven organizations in Vermont through our advocacy and capacity-building training and resources.
I have a master’s degree in Mission-Driven Management, with a focus in Nonprofit Leadership, and two graduate certificates from Marlboro Graduate School in Nonprofit Management and Training, Facilitation and Consulting.
My husband and I currently reside in Essex Junction with our rescue dog, Pugsley.
As a child the United Way impacted my future in very positive ways, which led me to a strong desire to be part of this solution-based organization.
I am thrilled to be part of the Working Bridges team and support community members in securing their employment by offering resources when life’s challenges may get in the way.
My background in staffing, as well as human services assisting Vermonters in securing employment, is a perfect lead into this role assisting employees in need of help.
In my free time I enjoy traveling as well as spending time with my beloved children, grandchildren, family and friends.
I believe in the power of storytelling to promote empathy and create positive change. As co-editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper, I authored a column called “Respect Diversity” writing about topics including racism and homophobia. I’ve always been passionate about social justice issues. I studied journalism at Northeastern University and was a newspaper reporter in the Boston area before transitioning to a role in nonprofit communications at the Perkins School for the Blind.
I moved to Vermont in 2012 and became an editor at the Burlington Free Press where I managed the Arts section. I loved getting to know the local arts community but soon found myself called back to mission-driven work. As a grant writer at the Visiting Nurse Association (now UVM Home Health & Hospice), I managed United Way funding applications and became familiar with the broad range of interconnected issues United Way supports.
I spent 5+ exciting years as Senior Manager of Public Relations at Let’s Grow Kids, Vermont’s campaign for high-quality, affordable child care, before joining the United Way as Director of Marketing & Communications in January 2022.
I’m excited to support and promote United Way’s work bringing the community together to do the work that no single organization can do alone. I truly believe we are all interconnected and our individual wellbeing is tied to that of our neighbors.
Outside of work, I love creating mixed media art and going on family adventures with my husband and young daughter.
I provide strategic organizational financial leadership and manage day-to-day finance, grants compliance, and accounting functions on the administration and operations team. I launched my career with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance Concentration from Towson University. The first 10 years were spent in manufacturing, working my way up from Accountant into Accounting Management at Pepsi and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers. The next 10 were spent in IT, construction, and most notably as Managing Director of my own firm, providing financial leadership for varied small business clients. There was some overlap during this time with Human Resources and Organizational Development, with a hybrid complex finance analysis/accounting blend throughout. My passion for people-oriented and mission-driven work is fueled by my education – a Master’s in Organizational Leadership preceded by a Master’s in Counseling and Spirituality. I relocated to Vermont in 2021 due to the pandemic impacting business.
I’m thrilled to be a member of a team where I can be inspired and energized by the mission every day. Working with people that are passionate and dedicated to mobilizing the community is a dream come true.
I enjoy spending time with my sociable teenage son. He’s an honors student, karate black belt, football fanatic, and trumpet musician. I’m an avid supporter of the arts, with enthusiasm for my mindfulness practice, football, and culinary adventures.
I believe that our greatest impact comes from sustained and committed work to validate and empower the voices of the community. While mental health has always been a priority of United Way of Northwest Vermont, the current pandemic has exposed the fault lines in our system of care and created greater need among our children, youth, and adults. These challenges can be opportunities for innovation, and my job is to facilitate stakeholder collaborations that ignite that innovation. Through hard work, we can advance well-being for Vermonters and create effective change.
I serve on several boards for my local community, including the Winooski School Board, and my work previously has included leadership in state, federal, and tribal education and social services. As superintendent for geographically isolated schools on a Native American reservation, I increased the graduation rate and reduced instances of youth self-harm and pregnancy. I earned a doctorate in education from Boston University and I am currently a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Northern Vermont University.
My greatest love is for my family and my community, which is like a larger family for us. We love exploring in the woods, with my wife leading the search for hard-to-find mushrooms and our two children collecting as many rocks and leaves as can fit in their pockets.
As the Grant Compliance Coordinator, I assist in grant management efforts in support of programs that are developed at United Way. I’m responsible for compliance with all grants and monitoring approved funds as programs continue to run smoothly and efficiently. Before United Way, I have served numerous nonprofits in California, Montana, and now Vermont. Coming to Vermont in 2019, I had served as the Program and Resource Development Director at a Boys & Girls Club.
Finding Burlington to be my home, I’m always continuing to explore the New England area either backpacking, mountain biking, or snowboarding!
In my role, as the AmeriCorps Seniors Manager for the Foster Grandparent Program, I work with volunteers 55 years and older helping them find meaningful opportunities through placement in local PreK through grade 12 schools. I enjoy spending time and engaging with older adults – helping them contribute to a positive societal impact through volunteerism. I strongly believe they bring a very robust and vast wealth of experience to the community.
I hold a specialized accounting degree from Thompson Education Direct and a certification in human resources management from Champlain College in Burlington. I have many years of experience in a variety of industries, including banking, direct sales, tourism, print & digital marketing, and project management.
My many interests include—but are not limited to— gardening, cooking, hiking, skiing, and volunteering in the community, as well as spending time with my precocious son.
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