United Way of Northwest Vermont is pleased to announce the promotion of Emma Paradis and Lisa Grefe as co-directors of Common Good Vermont, United Way’s statewide program dedicated to uniting, strengthening, and advocating for Vermont’s nonprofit sector. 

Emma Paradis came to Common Good Vermont in 2021and for the past two years has served as Manager of Policy and Strategic Initiatives. Paradis led the planning and implementation of the first-ever Vermont Nonprofit Summit in 2024 and spearheaded the second annual Summit in November with a sold-out crowd of 400 nonprofit professionals. She has led Common Good’s campaign for state and grant contract reform as well as its response to ongoing federal actions. Paradis was recognized in 2025 as a Rising Star by Vermont Business Magazine.  

 

Lisa Grefe joined the Common Good team in 2022 after several years as a United Way of Northwest Vermont volunteer. In her role as Common Good Vermont’s Manager of Learning and Education, Grefe developed exceptional learning opportunities that strengthen Vermont’s nonprofit sector, including the Nonprofit Management and Fundraising and Development certificate programs. She leads the bi-annual Nonprofit Wages & Benefits Survey & Report, a hallmark resource for nonprofit employers.  

Over 6,000 nonprofits serve every corner of Vermont, and one in five Vermont workers is employed by a nonprofit. Common Good Vermont officially became a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont in 2022 and since then expanded from one to four full-time staff members. 

Common Good Vermont’s current director, Martin Hahn, is stepping down from his role at the end of January, a transition that comes after extensive planning and intentionality. During his tenure, Hahn helped establish and launch Common Good Vermont’s Membership Program, a pivotal step in ensuring Common Good Vermont can sustain and expand its impactful work. 

“As Vermont nonprofits face uncertainty from shifting funding and unpredictable federal actions, Common Good Vermont’s role as a convenor, advocate, and trusted resource has never been more critical. The team’s ability to rise to this moment and strengthen the program has been truly inspiring,” said United Way Chief Impact Officer Amy Carmola. “We are deeply grateful for Martin’s leadership during this pivotal time and excited to see Emma and Lisa advance Common Good Vermont’s mission as co-directors.”