Community Leaders

Cathy Davis

Cathy Davis is President of the Lake Champlain Chamber, leading the organization in its mission to create economic opportunity by celebrating business ownership, promoting a robust, diversified visitor economy, cultivating community leadership, and nurturing emerging talent. Prior to joining the Chamber, Cathy worked for former U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords. In addition to her service on the United Way of Northwest Vermont board, Cathy presently serves as the president of the Board of Hunger Free Vermont. She lives with her family in Jericho.

Chris Jarvis

Chris, his wife and their 5-yr old Maltese-Poodle live in So Burlington. They have 3 grown children living in various parts of the country.

Chris has been in banking for 30-years; working at Merchants Bank, Key Bank, and Northfield Savings Bank.  He has been with NSB for 8-yrs.   In his role as VP Commercial Banking, he assists businesses with their banking needs including lending, deposit accounts, cash management, and investments.

He first became involved with United Way in 2004 as a Loaned Executive while employed by Merchants Bank.  He has served in many volunteer roles at UWNWVT including serving on, and then co-chairing the Program Funding Team, he also has served as an Account Ambassador and he is currently on the CIC.

“I’m excited to join United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Board of Directors after many years volunteering in various roles. I look forward to leveraging my diverse volunteering experience to advance United Way’s mission of mobilizing our community to do the work no single organization can do alone.”

Denise Smith

Smith currently works as the Program Manager and Quality Improvement Facilitator for the Blueprint for Health in the St. Albans Health Service Area focused on improving the health of Vermonters.

She has a long history of service to others, having joined the Peace Corps shortly after graduating from the University of Vermont. As a Peace Corps volunteer, she worked in Mali.

More recently, she led Northwestern Medical Center’s Rise VT program, a multi-pronged approach to improving public health and reducing chronic disease by working with employers, schools and communities. Her volunteer work has included serving on the board of Samaritan House and the Healthy Roots Collaborative Advisory Committee.

“I am so honored to be joining the United Way Board of Directors,” said Smith. “This incredible organization has been at the forefront of community change initiatives in both Franklin and Chittenden Counties for more than 75 years, and I have had the privilege of working with United Way for many years as a staff member and volunteer. I am excited about the systems change and authentic community engagement work that United Way is embarking on and look forward to helping United Way continue to lead transformative initiatives throughout our region.”

Dr. Mark Levine

Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Levine became a familiar face to Vermonters as he coordinated the state’s widely-praised response to COVID-19. Prior to becoming Vermont’s health commissioner, he was a professor of medicine at the University of Vermont where he held multiple leadership positions.

In his own practice, Levine focused on health promotion and disease prevention, preventative health screening, nutrition and chronic disease management.

His expertise in prevention and interest in creating a culture of health will be especially valuable for UWNWVT, which has made working with partners to meet the basic needs of Vermonters in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties a focus of its work.

“I am excited to contribute to United Way’s work to make our communities stronger and healthier. Through strategic and creative investment in our communities and with a focus on prevention, a time-honored public health approach I am passionate about, I believe we can help improve Vermonter’s lives together,” Levine said.

Gamal Alsalahi

Gamal Alsalahi is the Area Retail Leader at KeyBank.

Gamal is a Fulbright Scholar alum and has a background working in higher education as a professor and writing coach. He holds a master’s degree focused in TESOL from Saint Michael’s College.

Having watched nonprofits deliver aid and medical care to people in war-torn Yemen, his home country, Alsalahi decided he wanted to volunteer to help nonprofits improve lives in local communities and is honored to join United Way’s board.

“I am from Yemen, a war-torn country. Yemen is going through the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, and nonprofits have been working tirelessly to bring aid and medical care to people in Yemen for years. For that, I have decided to volunteer and help nonprofits in their dignified missions in helping their communities. Being a board member with United Way of Northwest Vermont is an honor for me.”

Heidi Stumpff

Heidi Stumpff is a banking executive with over 25 years of commercial banking and real estate finance experience. In her current role as the Regional President of Vermont, Heidi has the privilege of collaborating with customers, colleagues, and community partners to deepen relationships and ensure the delivery of high-quality financial services. In addition to her Regional President role, Heidi serves as the Commercial Banking Manager for Vermont.

Heidi’s journey with M&T Bank began in 2022 following its acquisition of People’s United Bank, where she served as the Senior Vice President and Region Manager of Commercial Real Estate. She has been with the combined organization for 13 years.

Contributing to communities and neighbors through financial literacy and empowerment, as well as fostering small business generation, are steadfast pillars of Heidi’s leadership philosophy. She proudly serves on several non-profit boards in the Green Mountain State.

Heidi holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eckerd College, with a double major in International Business and Spanish.

“I am excited to join the United Way board to help support the mission and ensure critical programs continue to meet the needs in our community.”

Joe Halko

Joe Halko is the Director of Community Relations for Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS). Halko has been with NCSS for over 23 years and in his current role for the past 17 years.

NCSS, is a private, non-profit, human services agency serving Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. NCSS provides intervention and support to children, adolescents, and adults with emotional and behavioral problems; a mental health diagnosis; adolescent substance use; or an intellectual or developmental disability. Staff help nearly 4,000 people each year in collaboration with community partners. NCSS’ 24/7/365 emergency services team and mobile outreach is available to meet the needs of Franklin and Grand Isle County children, adults, and families in crisis.

Prior to NCSS, his experience included general and marketing management for growth organizations ranging from women’s sports apparel to footwear and the automotive aftermarket.

Halko hosts a monthly television show, NCSS Here for You, which has earned the People’s Choice Award and Best Non-Profit Show on Northwest Access TV. He has also been asked to speak about marketing at various functions such as, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations – World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Western Educators Marketing Association Conference in Las Vegas and, at the University of Maryland.

Halko also serves on the boards of Northwest Access TV, Rotary Club of St. Albans, Franklin-Grand Isle Community Partnership, and NMC Board of Directors Nominating Committee.

Halko first began his association with the United Way as Campaign Co-Chair in 2005 for the former Franklin-Grand Isle United Way and served as Board President from 2010 -2012. He has been a staunch supporter of the United Way since 2005.

“Being a member of the United Way board will allow me to continually gain a greater understanding of the complex challenges facing the community and to address priorities collaboratively by investing in initiatives that have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people of Northwest Vermont.”

John St. Hilaire

John is the Chief Financial Officer of Green Mountain Credit Union (GMCU) where he leads and mentors the accounting/finance team in their daily operations and plays an integral role in developing and implementing the organizations strategic initiatives.

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. Previously, John served on the GMCU board for 24 years with 13 of them as Chairman.

John enjoys the educational experience and holds a Masters of Science degree in Administration from St.Micheal’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.

John first volunteered with the United Way many years ago when he participated on the Allocations Teams. More recently, John serves on the United Way finance committee.

“The United Way 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 the United Way teams and volunteers who make it all possible”

Julia Guy

Julia is Associate Director of Leadership Giving at the University of Vermont Foundation where she promotes the reengagement of individual philanthropists with their alma mater. Julia graduated from Skidmore College in 2019. Following which, she completed 2 years of AmeriCorps VISTA in Vermont. Julia has been involved with United Way of Northwest Vermont since she completed the Nonprofit Management Certificate in 2022. Julia lives in Burlington with her partner and her tuxedo cat, Strega Nona.

“As a proud graduate of the Common Good Vermont Nonprofit Management Certificate program, I’m so excited to help more young nonprofit professionals learn and grow through all of United Way’s amazing resources.”

Katherine Meyers

Katherine Meyers is a CPA specializing in nonprofit finance and is committed to serving mission-based organizations. She is currently director of finance at Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), and has been with VEIC for more than 9 years. Katherine has particular interest in financial planning, reporting, and analysis, having started and built out an FP&A function at VEIC over the last several years. Prior to VEIC, she worked as an auditor at JMM & Associates in Colchester, VT, focusing on audits of local nonprofit organizations. Katherine has previously served as a member of the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association Finance Committee and the Burlington Chamber Orchestra board of director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Hamilton College, a Master’s in Music Theory from Boston University, a Professional Certificate in Advanced Accounting from Champlain College and is a graduate of Leadership Champlain class of 2011.

Katie Titterton

Katie Titterton is founder and co-owner of Clear Spot: a small consulting business that supports Vermont mission-driven organizations with communications content and strategy. She is a trained writer and editor with a background in nonprofit marketing, membership, and fundraising, and a lens on audience experience. She previously served as a board officer with her local restorative justice center and has volunteered with many organizations. Katie lives in Richmond with her partner and two sons.

Liz Gamache

Liz Gamache is the President and CEO of Lund, a Vermont nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families. With more than two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit and public sectors, Liz has served as Mayor of St. Albans and held senior roles at organizations like the United Way of Northwest Vermont. She is passionate about building strong, inclusive communities through collaboration and service. Liz lives in St. Albans with her family, two rescue dogs and Jack the Cat who is the boss of everything.

“For over 25 years, I’ve been connected to United Way—as a staff member, a volunteer, a donor, and now a board member. Over the years, I’ve seen how United Way brings people and organizations together to make a real difference. Whether we’re offering help or receiving it, United Way is here to build a stronger, more caring community.”

Seth Bowden

Seth Bowden is the President and CEO of the Vermont Business Roundtable (VBR), utilizing 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 and his wife, Whitney, live in South Burlington. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Vermont, with minors in Economics and English.