Vermont Nonprofit Summit

Speakers & Facilitators

Alphabetical by last name. 

Taylor B. Anderson, MS
Session: Are you ready to create tomorrow? Using foresight methods in community

Taylor is a learning facilitator with nearly a decade of experience helping philanthropies, nonprofits, and public agencies think and plan for the long term. She brings a systems and futures orientation to her practice, grounded in connection to land and community and the belief that meaningful change is relational, embodied, and takes both rigor and humility.

Taylor spent the last seven years at Public Profit, where she partnered with mission-driven organizations on participatory evaluation, strategy, and data capacity building across economic, environmental, and social sectors. She co-leads the Advocacy Meets Foresight Community of Practice and serves on the leadership team of the American Evaluation Association's Environmental Topical Interest Group.

Taylor holds an MS in Econometrics from the University at Buffalo and BAs in Economics and Environmental Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Elise Annes
Consultant | Momentum Consulting
Session: It's Not Just You: Board Governance for the Questions That Keep You Up at Night

Elise has spent more than 25 years in organizational management, public engagement, and nonprofit strategy. Elise has worked for Yale University, the City of New Haven, Stonyfield Farm, World Cup Soccer, the Olympic Torch Relay, and the Coca-Cola Company. Most recently, Elise spent 15 years on the management team of the Vermont Land Trust, the nation’s most cutting-edge conservation organization based in one of the smallest states. Elise served for 14 years as the co-chair for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition, a Vermont statewide organization that provides education to legislators about affordable housing and conservation. Elise has a BA from the University of Rochester and an MBA from Yale University.

Since founding Momentum Consulting, Elise and her partner Emily have worked with more than 90 nonprofit clients helping them build skills and capacity with strategic planning, organization development, improved governance, and leadership team coaching.

Sarah McGowen Audet
Founder & Principal | Hedgehog + Fox Collaborative
Session: From Reactive to Ready: Communications for Small Nonprofit Teams

Sarah founded Hedgehog + Fox Collaborative after more than a decade of working in and alongside nonprofit organizations. She understands firsthand the complexity of nonprofit leadership: The pressure to move the mission forward while balancing strategy, governance, fundraising, and communications. Through Hedgehog + Fox, Sarah partners with nonprofit boards and leadership teams to strengthen organizations from the inside out. Sarah is known for creating space for thoughtful dialogue, helping organizations navigate complex decisions, and guiding leaders toward practical next steps.

Andy Barker
Senior Program Officer | Vermont Communifty Foundation
Session: Engaging Philanthropy through Regional Connection

Andy Barker is a Senior Program Officer at the Vermont Community Foundation. His work is broadly focused on Health & Wellbeing and Education & Training. In the past 4 years at VCF, he has stewarded partnerships and grantmaking related to social cohesion and belonging; youth mental health; mentoring; afterschool and expanded learning programs; workforce development and career pathways; substance use recovery; healthy aging; and Flood Response and Recovery, among other things.

Andy has worked in social impact and secondary education over the past 30 years. He spent 11 years at Ben & Jerry’s developing Social Mission partnerships and campaigns, taught in independent schools, and co-founded and directed the Burlington City & Lake Semester, a place-based experiential high school program.

Emily Boedecker
Consultant | Momentum Consulting
Session: It's Not Just You: Board Governance for the Questions That Keep You Up at Night

Emily transitioned to the non-profit sector after a career in high-tech. She led the Vermont Nature Conservancy’s development and marketing teams for ten years before becoming Executive Director of Local Motion, with a mission to build community and advocate for sustainable transportation. In 2017 she was appointed as Vermont’s Commissioner of Environmental Conservation. This alignment of purpose, leadership and team drives her passion for consulting with nonprofit organizations, from volunteer-led groups to statewide and multi-state coalitions. Since joining Momentum Consulting in 2020, Emily and her partner Elise have worked with more than 90 nonprofit clients helping them gain clarity on the big questions and bring-in the expertise and perspectives of the people and communities they serve to answer those questions. The starting point can be called strategic planning or organizational development, the journey is aligning on values, building skills, strengthening the team, and moving forward with actionable plans. Emily has a BA in Marketing and Engineering, and is a Boardsource Board Governance consultant.

Jesse Bridges
CEO | United Way of Northwest Vermont
Session: From Trust to Transformation: Vermont Nonprofits' Vision for Funder Collaboration

Jesse's 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. He enjoys connecting donors, partners, volunteers, and staff - we make community better together.

Jesse currently serves on the board of UVM Medical Center and the Lake Champlain Chamber. Previously, he served as the Director of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront for the City of Burlington and spent the first ten years of his career with UVM Athletics. He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Vermont in 2008 where he gained a deep appreciation for organizational culture and strategy. Supporting the people who do the work as much as the work itself is his guiding value. To that end, outside of work, Jesse stays active in the outdoors with his partner Andrea hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing and traveling. His main hobby being a love for the kitchen that he also shares with his two young daughters and partner. The family motto is: “What are we going to eat and when are we going to eat it.”

Anna Brouillette
Policy and Program Director | Building Bright Futures
Session: Your Voice, Their Vote: Nonprofit Advocacy That Influences Legislation

Anna Brouillette leads policy and program work at Building Bright Futures (BBF), Vermont's Early Childhood State Advisory Council. She guides legislative strategy, fund development, and family leadership initiatives, and works to monitor and strengthen Vermont's early childhood system, including Act 76, the state's historic investment in child care.

Anna began her career at Let's Grow Kids during the advocacy campaign that led to Act 76's passage. She has since worked as a Data Coordinator for the Vermont Commission on Women and a Research Associate at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center, focusing throughout on translating policy and data into action for Vermont families and early educators.

Anna holds an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she was a Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative Fellow and a B.A. in Government from St. Lawrence University. She lives in Essex, Vermont.

Amy Carmola
Chief Impact Officer | United Way of Northwest Vermont
Session: From Trust to Transformation: Vermont Nonprofits' Vision for Funder Collaboration

Amy leads United Way’s strategic investments to strengthen our community and improve people’s lives across Northwest Vermont.

She works 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.

Amy completed her doctoral degree at University of Vermont, where she studied lifespan development and community psychology, and joined United Way in 2003. Her 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, Amy is inspired by the power of optimism and collaboration, and by the great work being done by so many.

Dan Cunningham
Founder | One Day In July
Session: Investing Through Uncertainty: How Indexing Can Help Navigate Volatility

I founded One Day In July with a singular vision: to fundamentally reshape wealth management by combining the efficiency of proprietary technology with the discipline of index-based investing.

My understanding of capital efficiency began long before I analyzed markets. I grew up in Bennington, Vermont. I came from a frugal household where my mother sewed all of our drapes and taught me the importance of not wasting money. My father, a physician, frequently reminded me that a fool and his money are soon separated.

My analytical framework was forged at Princeton University. I watched many highly intelligent peers head straight into high-finance careers. I realized in my early twenties that these were not people you wanted to try to outsmart. When it comes to finance, humility is a far more powerful and profitable trait than arrogance.

To build a model that genuinely serves the investor, I knew we had to master a simple approach and discard 99% of what the financial industry had created. By delivering clear, low-cost, fiduciary portfolio oversight, my goal is to ensure you can focus your finite time on your professional pursuits, your family, and your life.

Jasmine Daly
Principal Consultant & Founder | Daly Analytics
Session: Lead with Purpose: The Humane AI Playbook: A Framework for Intentional AI Implementation

Jasmine Daly is the Principal Consultant & Founder of Daly Analytics, an embedded data & AI consulting firm that delivers technology strategy, implementation, and training to mission-driven organizations. She builds human-centered decision systems — including custom dashboards, data systems, and automation workflows — that help nonprofits make better, fairer, and more confident choices with their data. With deep roots in open source software development, Jasmine has built freely available tools used by thousands of data practitioners worldwide. She is a frequent conference speaker on topics ranging from agentic AI development to AI policy, adoption, and practical implementation for both technical and nonprofit audiences. She serves on the board of directors for Hartford Performs, a local Connecticut arts-integration nonprofit. Jasmine is passionate about helping people use data and AI confidently, thoughtfully, and ethically.

Alicia DiCocco
Deputy Director | Green Mountain Club
Session: Using Your Voice: Leading Cultural Change for a Better Tomorrow

Alicia DiCocco is the Deputy Director at the Green Mountain Club, where she has spent more than a decade working to strengthen the organizations’ work to manage the Long Trail, its side trails, and the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. She’s passionate about sustainable trail management and the future of outdoor recreation in our state, which includes increasing access to the outdoors. With a development and communications background, she has served on boards and committees to support environmental and education organizations in Vermont. Alicia is honored to join this incredible community of nonprofit professionals whose work makes Vermont a stronger, more connected place every day.

Dave Dore
Co-Director & Co-Founder | Structural Integrity
Session: Beyond Buzzwords: Building Organizations That Actually Adapt

Dave Dore co-founded Structural Integrity and has spent 20+ years building nonprofit finance and operations teams. He finds joy in curating clear financial information that brings numbers into leaders’ comfort zones. His experience includes fostering trust across teams, EDs, and Boards; building budgets that advance programming and fundraising goals while honoring donor commitments; and strengthening development-finance ties. He holds an MBA and BS in finance from Boston College and an Accounting Diploma from Suffolk University.

Seth Gillim
Financial Advisor | One Day In July
Session: Investing Through Uncertainty: How Indexing Can Help Navigate Volatility

I was born and raised in Underhill, Vermont, and currently live with my wife and two daughters in Cambridge, less than five miles from the house where I grew up. After earning a B.A. in History and Literature from Bard College, I spent many years working in horticulture before completing an MBA in UVM’s Grossman School of Business Sustainable Innovation program. Prior to joining One Day In July, I held director-level roles for several regenerative agriculture start-ups (fun fact: I served as senior project manager on the largest chestnut orchard development in the United States, at over 1,800 acres).

My professional passion has always centered on growing and sustaining vibrant rural economies. One of the things I love most about One Day In July is that it’s a Vermont-based firm that has grown to over $1.5 billion in assets under management while staying true to its core mission and clients.1 In fact, I was a client for many years before joining the team.

Megan Grove
Associate Attorney | SRH Law 
Session: Employment Law Essentials for Vermont Nonprofits: Worker Classification, Compliance Updates, and Practical Risk Management

Megan is an associate attorney at SRH Law. Her practice focuses on nonprofit organizations, including formation and application for tax-exempt status, governance and compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. Previously, Megan worked for an environmental advocacy organization based in Montpelier and lobbied for campaign finance and election reform. She holds a J.D. from Vermont Law and Graduate School and a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Political Science from the University of Vermont. She lives in Huntington. 

Jenn Hayslett
Consultant | Jenn Hayslett Coaching & Consulting
Session: Boards & Fundraising: What Actually Works

Jenn Hayslett is an executive coach and consultant with over 30 years of experience helping people and organizations lead with clarity, integrity, and heart. Her work focuses on leadership development, strategic planning, fundraising, and team building.

She’s trained hundreds of professionals through hands-on workshops, courses, and coaching programs that focus on real-world impact—especially in values-driven and mission-based settings. Jenn is the creator and lead trainer for the Fundraising Certificate Program through Common Good Vermont and Philanthropy Massachusetts.

Michael Ibrahim
Chief Program and Impact Officer | TSNE
Session: A Smarter Back Office—Exploring Shared Services as Nonprofit Infrastructure

Michael Ibrahim is the Chief Program and Impact Officer at TSNE, where he develops and leads TSNE’s national program areas, conducts research for the social sector, and designs strategy that advances TSNE’s overall programmatic impact. Michael publishes works and presents nationally on organizational development, change management, philanthropy, learning & evaluation, and DEIB strategies with the goal of driving social and cultural impact. Michael is on the graduate school faculties of Boston University, Northeastern University, and The University of Kentucky, where he develops and teaches courses in nonprofit management and philanthropy. Prior to joining TSNE, Michael was Cultural Investment Portfolio Manager at the Mass Cultural Council, awarding tens of millions in unrestricted grantmaking and leading the Council’s capacity building initiatives.\

Robin Allen LaPlante
Lead Aviator/Principal | Strange Birds Consulting
Session: A Finance & Fundraising Meet-Cute: Tales of Love, Data, and Balanced Books

A musical theatre nerd who loved rehearsing more than performing…Strange Birds founder Robin Allen LaPlante leans into the spirit of collaboration and storytelling to help those who help others. The art of storytelling is crucial to demonstrating impact and engaging audiences to join in the journey.

Over the last two decades, Robin has relayed the experiences of young musicians and emerging circus artists, maintained clean data and implemented new information processes, and she has partnered with diverse organizations to discover new pathways to achieve goals. After launching her consulting practice in 2020 she has helped

• develop strategic communications plans;
• advise and execute marketing tactics to increase reach and engagement;
• fundraise through appeals, grants, events, and sponsorships;
• manage and report on data; and
• produce and execute online events.

Clients include Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Circus Smirkus, Vermont Youth Orchestra, Philadelphia Free Library Foundation, Atlantic Symphony, Upper Valley Humane Society, White River Ballet Academy, Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra, Theater in the Open, Puppet Showplace Theater, and Friends of Mascoma, among others. She lives in a cabin in the woods in Central Vermont with her family and a large dog that sometimes accompanies her on Zoom meetings.

Chelsea Levis
Co-Founder & Executive Director | Empty Arms Vermont
Session: Your Voice, Their Vote: Nonprofit Advocacy That Influences Legislation

Chelsea Levis is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Empty Arms Vermont, a statewide nonprofit supporting families after pregnancy and infant loss. Since launching the organization in 2022, she has built a network of peer support programs, hospital partnerships, professional education, and statewide resources to improve bereavement care across Vermont.

Chelsea's advocacy is rooted in both professional leadership and lived experience. After the sudden death of her firstborn son, Timothy, during labor in 2014, she encountered firsthand the gaps in bereavement care and peer support. Recognizing that Vermont families facing loss had few opportunities to connect with others who understood, she co-founded Empty Arms Vermont with a fellow bereaved parent. The organization now serves families statewide through free peer support groups, remembrance events, yoga classes, professional trainings, and healthcare partnerships. Chelsea works alongside legislators, state agencies, hospitals, and community organizations to strengthen bereavement care and elevate the voices of families too often unseen.

She holds a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International, a Nonprofit Management Certificate through Common Good Vermont, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid. Her work reflects the belief that strong public policy is informed by both evidence and lived experience.

Shannon Mitchell
Co-Owner | // gametheory
Session: Collective Sparks: Designing the Future of Our Sector

Shannon Mitchell is a game designer turned social impact strategist and co-owner of //gametheory, a Burlington studio that uses game design to help mission-driven organizations solve complex problems. She is driven by a belief that play, iteration, and value alignment can help communities work through the problems that matter most to them. Her work spans health, education, youth development, and civic engagement. She teaches at Champlain College, has spoken at Grace Hopper and DevLearn, and has been featured in Bustle among women redefining what it means to work in STEM.

Amity Ollis
CPA | Lifeboat Accounting
Session: A Finance & Fundraising Meet-Cute: Tales of Love, Data, and Balanced Books

Amity is a licensed CPA in New Hampshire and Vermont. She has reported to boards, served on boards, audited nonprofits in public accounting, and been audited as a Finance Director. She has published books, written online courses, and has been a guest speaker at colleges, economic development associations, and various programs. She was the tax manager at one of the largest non-profit groups in New England ensuring non-profit compliance for dozens of entities. Her work has been presented at big 4 accounting firm national conferences as case studies. She also holds an EMBA in Strategic Leadership and the AICPA Nonprofit Certificate. Her firm, Lifeboat Accounting, provides services exclusively to nonprofit organizations. Lifeboat Accounting provides accounting and 990 tax services, staff training, strategic planning, consulting, and board education.

David Rose
CEO & Founder | Rose Computer Technology Services
Session: From Email Scams to AI Threats: Practical Cybersecurity for Nonprofit Leaders

David Rose is CEO and founder of Rose Computer Technology Services.

A best-selling author, and winner of Citizen’s bank Community Champion award, Dave has been helping Vermont businesses and non-profits for over 40 years.

Dave founded Rose Computers 29 years ago in April of 1997 after twelve years as Executive Vice President of another local IT firm.

A Cyber Security Expert, and AI methodologist, Dave enjoys helping non-profits protect their organization and turn technology into a strategic advantage rather than expense line item.

When not working, Dave enjoys time golfing and doing things outdoors.

Sage Ruth
Co-Director & Co-Founder | Structural Integrity
Session: Beyond Buzzwords: Building Organizations That Actually Adapt

Sage Ruth co-founded Structural Integrity, a nonprofit helping mission-driven organizations build foundational operations to grow capacity, sustainability, and impact. Since 2008 she’s worked in nonprofit finance and operations, spanning facilities, technology, HR, and financial management. She enjoys creating behind-the-scenes conditions that let others feel supported and focus on what matters most. She holds an MBA from Harvard and BA from Wesleyan University.

Rhonda Schlangen
Learning & Evaluation Consultant | Rhonda Schlangen Consulting LLC
Session: Are you ready to create tomorrow? Using foresight methods in community

Rhonda is a learning and evaluation partner to organizations working for social change. Across seventeen years of independent consulting, with over 78 projects with 48 clients, she has helped philanthropies and non-profits make sense of complex advocacy and system-change work. Futures and foresight is one of the newer threads in her practice, part of a longer effort to develop approaches that widen what learning and evaluation can do for change makers.

Recent partnerships include the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, the Gates Foundation, and the Pisces Foundation.

She writes about pushing practices in the evaluation field. Recent publications include Transformative Shifts: From Capacity to Movement Power; Pulling up the Floorboards: Reshaping Accountability and Evaluation in an Era of Core Costs Grantmaking; and No Royal Road: Finding and Following the Natural Pathways in Advocacy Evaluation.

Rhonda lives in West Pawlet, Vermont, where she and her husband raised their son and where she stays engaged in building a better future for their small community.

Jess Schmidt
Director of Strategic Initiatives | Vermont Community Foundation
Session: Engaging Philanthropy through Regional Connection

Jess Schmidt is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Vermont Community Foundation, focusing on partnering philanthropy with community to catalyze progress on Vermont’s most pressing issues. Her passion is working with others to transform grassroots ideas into actionable plans for positive change. And she finds hope in the way Vermonters come together to face challenges and to celebrate our care for each other and our communities. Jess made her way from Indiana to Vermont back in 1998, first working on the weeding crew at Cate Farm in Plainfield, VT. From sustainable agriculture to restorative justice, Jess has spent her career at nonprofits working to support vibrant Vermont communities.

Rachel Seelig
Of Counsel Attorney | SRH Law 
Session: Employment Law Essentials for Vermont Nonprofits: Worker Classification, Compliance Updates, and Practical Risk Management

Rachel joined SRH Law in May 2024, assisting clients in litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. She provides general counsel to nonprofit and government organizations, advising on a variety of legal issues including employment, land use and zoning, and compliance with state and federal regulatory obligations. Rachel has been a lobbyist in the nonprofit sector, and advises nonprofit clients on state lobbying compliance. Previously, she spent 12 years at Vermont Legal Aid specializing in disability law, administrative appeals, and policy advocacy. She is a committed advocate for affordable housing, disability rights, and youth transitioning to adulthood. Before practicing law, Rachel worked for Senator Peter Welch, served in AmeriCorps, and organized political campaigns. She earned her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and her B.A. from Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Rachel lives in Calais, Vermont. 

Amanda Silver
Leadership & Organizational Culture Consultant & Coach | Amanda Silver Consulting
Session: Collaboration by Design: Tools to Clarify Roles, Decisions, and Accountability

Amanda Silver, M.S. is a leadership development consultant, trainer, and executive coach with 24 years of experience helping leaders and organizations increase their impact. She partners with philanthropic and capacity-building organizations, executive directors and senior leaders to strengthen teamwork, communication and organizational culture. Amanda’s approach integrates mindfulness, emotional intelligence, inclusive practice, and strength-based mindsets to create practical, sustainable change.

Amanda has worked with hundreds of clients across higher education, health care, philanthropy, and mission-driven organizations. She specializes in building transformative cohort leadership programs to support field-building. She is the founder of the Women’s Leadership Incubator, a 3-month group coaching program for high-performing women in leadership. At Dartmouth College, Amanda created Dartmouth LEADS, a 9-month, cohort-based development program for high-performance managers, and supported institution-wide strategic planning for the Provost’s Office and the Division of Campus Services.

Amanda holds an M.S. in Positive Organizational Development and a Certificate in Coaching for Emotional Intelligence from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. She is a graduate of the Non-Profit Institute’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Consultant Training and the Racial Justice from the Heart Program; and a Development Dimensions International Certified Facilitator. Amanda is a frequent collaborator with Common Good Vermont, the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, and the Maine Association of Nonprofits. She lives in Hanover, NH with her husband and children, and enjoys salsa dancing, yoga, and diving into a good book.

Michael L. Thompson, CAP®, AEP®
Founder & Philanthropy Advisor | Aligned Giving, LLC
Session: What Today’s Donors (and Their Advisors) Are Really Thinking: Insights to Strengthen Your Fundraising Strategy

Michael L. Thompson is a philanthropic advisor and the founder of Aligned Giving, a Vermont practice that helps donors, families, nonprofits, and financial advisors move from transactional giving toward intentional, values-aligned philanthropy. Across more than thirty years as a wealth advisor, financial planner, and nonprofit board member, he came to believe the most important question in giving is not "How do we maximize the tax benefit?" but "How do we maximize the meaning?" Today he helps individuals clarify their charitable intent, nonprofits strengthen donor relationships and legacy giving, and advisors bring philanthropy into everyday client conversations. He holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designations and serves on several Vermont nonprofit boards. He lives in East Montpelier, Vermont.

Beth Truzansky
Deputy Director | Building Bright Futures
Session: Your Voice, Their Vote: Nonprofit Advocacy That Influences Legislation

Beth Truzansky has spent her career bringing people together to respond to complex social issues, working with state agencies, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses to build systems responsive to the changing needs of the communities they serve. Her skills include engaged decision-making, strategic systems change, and group facilitation, informed by her roots in the Quaker process. Since 2014, Beth has worked with Building Bright Futures, Vermont's Early Childhood State Advisory Council. As Deputy Director, she guides 14 staff and over 500 early childhood leaders in implementing Vermont's Early Childhood Strategic Plan, the state's five-year strategic vision, elevating family and community voices to build a more integrated system for children and families. Beth launched her career with the City of Burlington, leading community safety and neighborhood organizing efforts and managing AmeriCorps programs. In 2010, she launched the We All Belong Program, a DEI initiative supporting organizational and systems change across Vermont.

Beth holds a B.A. from the University of Vermont. She lives in Burlington with her partner, Tracy, and teenage daughter.

Nancy Westbrook
Financial Advisor | One Day In July
Session: Investing Through Uncertainty: How Indexing Can Help Navigate Volatility

Throughout my career, I have focused on building meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. My goal is to demystify the investment process, giving clients complete clarity on how their portfolios are structured to support both immediate needs and long-term goals.

I am a native Vermonter, born and raised in Burlington. After graduating from the University of Vermont, I worked in accounting and professional development at Investors Bank & Trust Company (now State Street Bank) in Boston, followed by a client management role in the mutual fund services industry at Deutsche Bank in New York City.

Alongside raising a family and maintaining a full-time career, I have remained deeply involved in our community. I’ve worked with the Clothes Exchange—raising funds for organizations like the King Street Center, Lund Home, and Vermont Works for Women—as well as Spectrum Youth and Family Services and Kayla’s Directory. I have also spent the last decade actively volunteering within Burlington public schools.

Sponsors & Exhibitors

*Visit their exhibit table at the Summit!

Champion Sponsors

One Day in July

One Day In July provides personalized investment management and financial advice to individuals and institutions. We work with clients to understand their financial goals and build investment solutions. We are fiduciaries on all accounts.

Vermont Community Foundation

The Vermont Community Foundation is an enduring source of philanthropic support for VT. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, VCF makes it easy for the people who care about VT to find and fund causes they love. VCF and its partners put more than $70 million annually to work in VT communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. Learn more at vermontcf.org. 

Advocate Sponsors

bytes.co

Bytes.co is Vermont's leading digital agency and acts as a strategic partner for businesses and nonprofits across industries. We combine deep technical expertise in web design and digital marketing with a focus on outcomes and impact.

Key Bank 

Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, providing deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. Learn more at key.com.

Mascoma Bank 

Mascoma Bank was founded in 1899 by community members seeking ways to establish a healthy local economy. For over 125 years, Mascoma Bank’s foundation of mutuality has continued to be a force for positive change supporting communities to reach thriving sustainability. Ask us about our Nonprofit Package which provides a streamlined, cost-effective banking solution designed specifically for nonprofit organizations- letting you focus on your mission. Learn more at mascoma.bank.

M&T Bank

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services with a branch and ATM network spanning the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.

Shock

Leader Sponsors

Acrisure

Whether you’re a hardworking individual, a large company on the rise, or anywhere in between, our team is here to help equip you with the business and insurance solutions you need to make your dreams a reality.

BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont

As Vermont's only local, non-profit health plan for more than 40 years, we have a simple mission: make health care work better for all Vermonters.

Dinse Law

Dinse is a law firm based in Burlington, VT, serving businesses, institutions and individuals. Our attorneys’ exemplary work is driven by a core set of values that place a premium on integrity, respect, and compassion in our relationships and our work. This dedication to superior legal service sets us apart from other law firms because it extends beyond rhetoric and informs our actions in real life, measurably impacting each client’s experience. For more information, visit dinse.com.

Ernest L. Tomkiewicz, CPA

ELT CPA specializes exclusively in audit and tax for charitable organizations, foundations, and associations. With deep knowledge of nonprofit regulations and reporting, we ensure compliance, accuracy, and peace of mind. From IRS Form 990 to financial statement audits, we help you maintain transparency and trust with donors and stakeholders. Partner with us to keep your mission thriving while we handle the numbers. Learn more at eltcpa.com.

Gallagher, Flynn & Company

Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP, is a fully integrated professional services firm supporting non-profits and companies throughout Vermont and beyond. Our Client Accounting Services (CAS) team delivers a full suite of expert finance and accounting services at customized and scalable levels to companies and non-profit organizations of all sizes. CAS services include finance assessments and other projects, fractional controller/CFO services, and complete finance outsourcing. Our Human Resources Consulting (HRC) team provides a full range of fractional HR services and recruiting to meet the unique needs of your organization. Gallagher, Flynn is also an Everything DiSC® Authorized Partner, and our HRC team offers DiSC® assessments and leadership training for the team. Learn more at gfc.com. 

Lawson's Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids is an independent craft brewery and certified B Corp, founded in 2008 in Warren, Vermont. We craft and deliver the finest and freshest beer possible to delight our fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities. Lawson’s Finest opened our destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail store in Waitsfield in 2018 and our beer can be found in nine states across the Northeast. We are is committed to leaving the planet a better place by leading with our values, employing sustainable business practices and giving generously to benefit people and the environment. Our Social Impact Program (SIP) has donated over $3 million to 500+ Vermont-based nonprofits in the past five years. Learn more about our company and our SIP at lawsonsfinest.com/sip. 

UVM’s Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships at the University of Vermont connects communities, organizations, and leaders with UVM resources and expertise to address rural challenges across Vermont. Through community-driven partnerships, applied research, and innovation, the Institute works to strengthen Vermont’s rural economy and help communities thrive.

Quick$tart

At Quick$tart, we boost our clients’ ability to achieve their goals by providing timely, relevant, and manageable accounting information, allowing them to make informed and strategic decisions about their organization. Access to this information is a powerful tool that allows all organizations to accomplish their mission more effectively.

With a deep understanding of non-profits, we appreciate the unique challenges you face. From an individualized assessment of your organization’s needs, our QB checkup service, to the creation of an accounting system that specifically addresses those needs while saving time and money, we work with you every step of the way using the most popular QuickBooks accounting products and integrated apps available. Learn more at quickstartqb.com.

Rose Computer Technology Services

Rose Computer Technology Services is a leading Cyber Security and IT Management firm with over 28 years of experience serving businesses and nonprofit organizations across Vermont. We are recognized for our expertise in supporting 501c3 corporations by streamlining technology operations, enhancing cyber resilience, and maximizing budget efficiency.

With references from both large and small nonprofit clients, Rose Computer Technology Services stands as the premier choice for technology management and cybersecurity solutions. Our team values the opportunity to partner with nonprofit organizations, finding great purpose in supporting those who positively impact our local communities. We are deeply committed to community service, as evidenced by being the sole Vermont recipient of the Citizens Bank Community Champion Award.

Our firm is an authority in Cyber Security and is proud to be the only Vermont organization certified by Comptia (now GTIA) for Cyber Security. We invite you to visit our booth to discuss how we can assist your nonprofit with comprehensive technology solutions. Learn more at rosects.com/non-profit.

United Way of Northwest Vermont

United Way of Northwest Vermont mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person can reach their full potential. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. We see how our community’s greatest challenges are connected and bring people and resources together to address them. We exist at the intersection of government, businesses, nonprofits and community, because that’s where change happens. Learn more at unitedwaynwvt.org

Ally Sponsors

Alchemist Foundation 

The Alchemist Foundation is focused on expanding educational & economic opportunity for youth in and around Lamoille County Vermont . Learn more at alchemistopportunityfund.org.

All Brains Belong VT

All Brains Belong VT is a community health nonprofit supporting neurodivergent people — Autistic people, those with ADHD, and others whose brains work differently. All Brains Belong offers neuroinclusive healthcare, free community programs, and neurodiversity training for employers and organizations across Vermont and beyond. Our first book launches September 2026: A Failure of Imagination: How the Healthcare System Fails Neurodivergent People—and What We're Doing Instead — a systemic critique and practical toolkit for anyone who wants to build neuroinclusive spaces in healthcare, workplaces, schools, and beyond. Stop by our table to learn more and pick up a copy, or visit https://allbrainsbelong.org/book

Capital CFO+

Clear Spot

Clear Spot offers caring, nimble, and affordable communications for mission-driven organizations. Our clients make our communities stronger and our world better.

If you seek a trusted partner to advance your mission through creative storytelling, we deliver timely, relevant, and effective communications with compassion and curiosity. Learn more at at ClearSpotVT.com.

Community Bank

We're a full-service financial institution, offering all the things much bigger banks offer. But we also have the one thing they don't—a passion for providing the highest level of customer service in whatever we do.

Community College of Vermont

The Community College of Vermont is Vermont’s second largest college, serving more than 10,000 students each year. Offering a supportive, flexible, affordable education online and in your community.

Davis & Hodgen CPAs

gametheory

At GameTheory we believe, the time has never been better to leap for an aspirational future, and the best way to leap is to do so together. Experts in utilizing technology, design, and human engagement to make challenges a joy to conquer, GameTheory has worked over the past 10 years with local, national, and global partners. With these partners we have created over 100 adventurous solutions across research, education, healthcare, economic equity, energy, civics, and agriculture.

Kerri Surridge Insurance Agency

Partnering with Purpose: Insurance Solutions for Local Non-Profits & Businesses

At the Kerri Surridge Insurance Agency, we know your organization is the heart of your community. Whether leading a non-profit, running a business, or protecting your family, we provide customized policies to meet your needs. As a Local Independent Agency serving VT, NH, NY, and NJ, we don't work for one carrier—we work for you! With access to many top-rated carriers, we find the right protection and provide the service you deserve. Why Partner With Us? Advocacy for Non-Profits: Specialized policies like D&O liability, volunteer accident, special event coverage and more tailored to your budget.
Guidance with a Personal Touch: We explain your options with clear trusted advice for true peace of mind. Protection: From non-profits to personal insurance, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most.

Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA

Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA is a Certified Public Accounting firm serving clients across New England. Since 1973, its team has delivered tailored financial, accounting, and tax services to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

National Life Group

National Life Group has been keeping promises since 1848, providing access to flexible, secure life insurance and annuities for families, businesses, educators, and first responders nationwide. With an independent, entrepreneurial spirit, our values are to “Do good, Be good, Make good” for our customers, agents, employees, and the communities we serve.

NorthCountry Credit Union

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union believes that through donations, volunteers, and fundraising, we can support the communities where our members live, work and play. That’s why set aside funding to support our local community non-profits that steward health, human services, arts and leisure, social responsibility, and education.

NPI Technology Management

NPI is an integrated IT services company that makes your technology environment a powerful, reliable vehicle for reaching your goals. You get the best business IT support and network security from a company with decades of worth of experience. We operate the “Vermont Way”, with a focus on building solid business relationships through innovation, collaboration, and trust.

The Richards Group

The Richards Group, an IMA Company, provides Insurance, Wealth Management, Retirement Plan, and Employee Benefits solutions across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Recognized as a Best Place to Work in Vermont for 10 consecutive years. Learn more: therichardsgrp.com

simpleroute

Why simpleroute? We help Vermont nonprofits manage IT with 17+ years of experience and a clear focus on your bottom line. Our approach reduces risk, limits surprise costs, and keeps your organization running smoothly.

SRH Law

At SRH Law we’re focused on making a difference with our practice. We work with clients — including businesses, nonprofits, cooperatives, government entities, and individuals — who share our commitment to making a difference in their communities and the broader world. We take our inspiration from our clients’ good work and help them excel in their business or mission by resolving their legal issues with creativity and integrity. At SRH Law, our top priority is doing excellent work for our clients, supporting the positive impact they have in our communities. Learn more at srhlaw.com.

TruePlan Benefit and Retirement Advisors

You’re passionate about your success and so are we. Our dedicated team helps you design and implement retirement and benefit programs for your employees so they can focus on moving your organization forward. TruePlan Benefit and Retirement Advisors provides customized solutions for your retirement and benefit needs. We are a full-service independent consulting firm, registered investment advisor and broker-dealer.

University of Vermont Masters of Public Administration Program

The UVM MPA prepares ethical, forward-thinking public service professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead effectively, promote sustainability, and enhance community resilience in an ever-changing world.

Vermont Creative Network

The Vermont Creative Network is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working to advance Vermont’s creative sector, through research, advocacy, and networking.

Vermont Community Loan Fund 

The Vermont Community Loan Fund is a mission-driven, community-focused alternative lender. We provide loans and other resources to local businesses, community organizations & nonprofits, early care & learning providers and developers of affordable housing who don’t qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. We develop and promote innovative capital-based solutions to issues of poverty, justice and opportunity. We’re invested in a stronger, healthier, happier Vermont. Learn more at investinvermont.org.

VELCO 

VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network. This requires us to maintain our existing system including our facilities and more than 13,000 acres of rights-of-way; to plan for the future needs of Vermont and New England electric customers; and to construct upgrades when needed for system reliability or growth. In addition, we constantly seek ways that innovative solutions and technology can make us more affordable, effective, and more efficient at being a trusted partner in grid solutions. Learn more at velco.com.

Vermont Gas (VGS)

Did your gas bill go up last winter? Set up a 1-hr energy assessment with an efficiency professional to ensure you aren't letting money fly out the window!

Vermont Professionals of Color Network 

VT PoC is a designated 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to advance the social and economic prosperity of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community in Vermont.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, over 65,000 BIPOC individuals now call Vermont home, an increase of 112% over the previous decade. This significant growth reflects a rising draw to the state, which remains one of the oldest and whitest in the nation. As our demographics shift, it is essential that Vermonters come together to reexamine existing systems and structures to ensure they are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of our evolving community. VT PoC believes that systems supporting communities of color benefit the entire state.

Join us in shaping a vibrant Vermont where BIPOC individuals are socially connected, economically secure, and equally represented across all sectors of society. Learn more at vtpoc.net.

Your Part-Time Controller

YPTC assists with each of our nonprofit clients’ unique accounting and bookkeeping needs: from internal, grant, and board reporting, to forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management, to creating financial statements and customized dashboards. We help executive directors and board members determine how effectively and efficiently their organization is accomplishing its mission and provide them with the timely, accurate information needed for data-driven fiscal decision-making. Learn more at yptc.com. 

More on the Morning Plenary Session

Stories from the Field: Nonprofits Leading the Way, Together 

Amazing things can happen when nonprofits come together for the common good! To kick off the Summit and set the tone of the day, we will hear stories from the field uplifting the collaboration, innovation, and tenacity that nonprofit leaders bring to our Vermont communities. Vermont Comedy Arts’ Natalie Miller will be the host of our plenary session, guiding us through three ‘moth style’ stories from nonprofit leaders – each from different backgrounds and experiences, allowing them to show up for Vermonters in unique ways. Here is a sneak peek into their stories:  

• Connie Beal shares the story of how the Vermont Benefit Assister Coalition transformed a moment of disruption into an opportunity, showing how in times of uncertainty, relationships can become solutions. When changes to Medicaid and SNAP (3SquaresVT) left Vermonters searching for answers, community partners stepped forward before there was a roadmap. This coalition demonstrated what's possible when community and state partners come together, creating new pathways to food, health care, and hope for Vermonters across the state. 

• Cameron Lauf tells the story of how Turning Point of Chittenden County helped embed peer-based recovery support throughout Vermont's healthcare and social service landscape, fostering collaboration among providers and improving pathways to recovery for countless Vermonters. Through partnerships with corrections, courts, homeless shelters, and family support programs, and a recent initiative with COTS, Lauf and his team have played a pivotal role in strengthening Vermont's substance use disorder continuum of care. 

• Jill Martin Diaz explores what movement and community lawyering in Vermont can teach about decentering legal expertise and redistributing power and resources. Their story offers a powerful lesson in becoming a more reflective and accountable community partner. Through collaborative efforts like the Vermont Immigration Legal Services Roundtable, Diaz and the Vermont Asylum Assistant Project have helped build networks that expand access to justice and strengthen community-led solutions. 

Meet the Speakers 

Your Host: 

Natalie Miller is the Executive Director of Vermont Comedy Arts, a non-profit dedicated to making comedy education, performance and community accessible for all. VCA hosts local standup, improv and sketch comedy shows on Friday and Saturday evenings and offers classes for all ages at their cozy black box theater in downtown Burlington.   

Natalie trained in musical theater at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and has studied improvisation with teachers from Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City and more. She has been producing, performing and teaching comedy since 2010, when she and her husband/business partner, Nathan Hartswick, founded Vermont Comedy Club. In 2015, they opened a 140-seat physical venue in downtown Burlington. Natalie is a firm believer that improv changes lives and builds community! 

Nonprofit Storytellers: 

Cameron Lauf is a Vermont-based healthcare and community services leader dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Cameron developed the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance as a collegiate baseball player. He has called Vermont home since 2012 and is a proud graduate of the University of Vermont. Throughout his career, carrying strong advocacy from his lived experience as a person in recovery from SUD, he has leveraged his deep understanding of Vermont's communities to build partnerships, drive innovation, and expand access to critical behavioral health and recovery services across the state.  

Connie Beal (she/they) is the Director of Working Bridges at United Way of Northwest Vermont, where she partners with employers, health care providers, nonprofits, funders and community organizations to help Vermonters overcome barriers to stability and well-being. Her work focuses on strengthening access to resources and fostering collaboration across sectors. 

Connie is an experienced speaker and trainer who has presented locally and nationally in partnership with organizations including the FINRA Foundation, United Way Worldwide, Prosperity Now, SHRM, and the National Governors Association. She brings a practical, people-centered perspective shaped by Vermonters' stories, her own lived experiences, and a commitment to helping individuals, families, and communities thrive.  

Jill Martin Diaz (they/them, elle/ellx) is an immigration attorney licensed in New York, Vermont, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont. Since becoming VAAP’s first paid staff member in January 2024, Jill has grown the start-up organization into a team of nine direct service-providing advocates representing VT noncitizens statewide. Under Jill’s leadership, VAAP has welcomed Vermont’s first-ever Immigrant Justice Corps fellows and now serves as IJC’s first “rural infusion” pilot site; helped launch the FY26 Vermont Immigrant Legal Defense Fund and raise over $1M for whole-sector sustainability; supported advocacy for Vermont’s first state appropriations for immigration legal aid; piloted Vermont’s first universal representation models for noncitizens in ICE detention; developed one of the country’s earliest Immigration Habeas practice models to scale; and grown the organization’s budget to $1.4 million. Previously, Jill taught doctrinal and clinical immigration law at Vermont Law and Graduate School and refugee and immigrant service provision at the University of Vermont School of Social Work. Their life’s work is helping Vermont to develop and sustain an immigration legal services infrastructure commensurate with its progressive history and humanitarian values.