South Burlington, VT: United Way of Northwest Vermont (UWNWVT)—an organization dedicated to improving lives in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties—is excited to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors: Seth Bowden, president and CEO of the Vermont Business Roundtable, John St. Hilaire, chief financial officer for Green Mountain Credit Union, and Adrina Walker, associate vice president of Human Resources for the University of Vermont Medical Center and University of Vermont Health Network.

Seth Bowden was elected the Vermont Business Roundtable’s third president in May 2021 when he joined the organization. VBR utilizes employer-led public policy to create a stronger and more resilient future for Vermont’s economy and communities. Prior to joining VBR, he was the executive vice president of the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation. Seth received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Vermont, with minors in economics and English. 

 “United Way of Northwest Vermont is a champion for individuals, families, and employers throughout the region, utilizing a people-first approach to tackling the most pressing community needs faced by our friends, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to amplify their positive impact for Vermont and for Vermonters,” Seth said.  

John St. Hilaire is the chief financial officer for Green Mountain Credit Union and has served on United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Finance Committee for the past four years. John is a strong supporter of credit unions in providing financial opportunities to members who cannot find, or do not qualify for, solutions at other financial institutions. He holds a master’s degree in administration from St. Michael’s College as well as undergraduate degrees in accounting, business management, computer programming, and mechanical engineering technology. John is also an adjunct professor at Champlain College where he has taught managerial accounting. 

“United Way of Northwest Vermont has a long history of helping our community and positively impacting individuals and families in need. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the board and support United Way teams and volunteers who make it all possible,” John said.  

 Adrina Walker is associate vice president of Human Resources for the University of Vermont Medical Center and University of Vermont Health Network, bringing with her a wealth of human resources, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion expertise and experience, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the development of leaders and employees. Since joining UVMMC Adrina and her team have launched three professional development programs (“Hey HR,” “tHRive” and UVMMC LEAD). Prior to joining UVMMC, Adrina served as executive director of employee engagement for Estee Lauder Companies (ELC). In that role, she was responsible for setting the strategic direction of global initiatives, programs and communications. Adrina holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Training from Liberty University, a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership & Behavior and a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from Rider University.

“Thriving community health is essential to allowing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion to be embedded into our daily lives. United Way of Northwest Vermont sits at the intersection of these issues, and I am humbled to serve on the board as a partner in amplifying these connections,” Adrina said.

At United Way of Northwest Vermont, local volunteers hold the decision-making power. “We are 100 percent local and 100 percent community-driven,” says UWNWVT CEO Jesse Bridges. “We are incredibly grateful to be guided by passionate, talented, and committed volunteer board members who are representative of and invested in the communities we serve.”