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 United Way’s Communications and CRM Manager, I lead communications for the Northwest & Central Vermont Prevention Network and support Common Good Vermont, the statewide association for nonprofits. My role is to amplify United Way’s Community Impact work by sharing program successes with relevant networks and the broader community while managing internal communications and data. I also help expand access to information about mental health resources by distributing a monthly newsletter and sharing learning opportunities across Vermont’s human services sectors.
I joined United Way in 2022 as part of the Mental Health Initiative, a collective impact project which brought community members together around mental health, and my role has since evolved to meet the changing needs of the organization. As United Way’s programs have grown more complex, so has the need for excellent data and consistent communication, and I am grateful to be working on this with multiple dedicated teams.
My favorite part of this job is building meaningful relationships with partners and making unlikely connections so that caring organizations and individuals can better work together to support our community.
As Development Coordinator on United Way’s Donor Relations team, I support donor engagement, fundraising operations, and data management, helping ensure gifts are processed accurately and donors feel connected to the impact of their support. I work to keep systems running smoothly and to support campaigns, reporting, and stewardship efforts behind the scenes.
Before joining United Way, I got my start in development at an ocean conservation nonprofit, where I discovered how meaningful relationship‑based fundraising can be. I’m a proud UVM grad, and returning to the area to serve an organization so deeply connected to the local community feels especially meaningful. I’m inspired by United Way’s collaborative spirit and its commitment to supporting neighbors across Northwest Vermont, and excited to contribute to work that makes a real, lasting difference where I live.
Outside of work, you can find me hiking, thrift shopping, swimming in Lake Champlain, or chasing live music and good food around Vermont.
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.
Andy Cao is a recent graduate of Middlebury College, where he studied environmental policy and sociology. His senior thesis explored funding and grantmaking in the nonprofit sector. Andy will be supporting Common Good Vermont as their Membership Coordinator.
1.What is a favorite place you’ve visited or vacationed?
2. What is a topic you enjoy learning about?
3. What inspired you to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA?
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 Senior Visual 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 wife Emma and making stylized travel videos along the way. I grew up in the deep Northeast Kingdom and have lived in Chittenden County for 10 years.
Check out my website!
briandelabuere.com
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.
I’m excited to serve as the Membership & Events Coordinator for Common Good VT, where I support a vibrant and connected network of nonprofit professionals across Vermont. My role blends relationship‑building with thoughtful event design, supporting statewide convenings, webinars, certificate programs, and the annual summit. I look forward to contributing to programs that help nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and lead together.
Before joining the team as staff, I spent several years volunteering with United Way’s Partner Funding Team. What began as a way to listen and learn about my community quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my month. Through program check-ins and collaborative funding work, I’ve seen firsthand how engagement, partnership, and shared purpose strengthen the social fabric of our region. That experience reaffirmed my commitment to work that expands access, supports thriving communities, and strengthens the systems that people rely on.
Outside of volunteering, I bring a professional background that combines strategic thinking with people‑centered leadership. I draw on experience in project & event management, psychology, and human‑centered design to help organizations to deliver impactful work. I value clear communication, creative problem‑solving, and strong organizational systems, and I pair those strengths with an empathetic approach that centers the people behind every project. While my professional experience has mainly been in the for-profit sector, I’m excited to make the transition to non-profit, mission-driven work.
Originally from Massachusetts, I moved to Vermont for college and have called it home ever since. The state’s natural beauty drew me here, but the deep sense of community was my reason to stay. I live in Essex Junction with my husband and enjoy baking, sewing, reading, and learning to garden.
I am a dedicated professional with 7 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Over the past year and a half, I have honed my skills in accounting and transitioned into the nonprofit sector. Currently, I serve as Accounting Coordinator at United Way.
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 Co-Director, I help to support Vermont’s nonprofit sector through CGVT’s advocacy and programming work. 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.
I live in Barre, VT with my husband and in my spare time, I enjoy gardening, crosswords, cooking and getting outside.
In my role, as the Corporate Engagement Manager, I work on developing new corporate relationships to leverage sponsorship and corporate gifts to support United Way programs. Local businesses play an important role in a thriving community from identifying areas of greatest need, raising funds, volunteering, and advocacy, to make Northwestern Vermont a vibrant place to live.
As a native Vermonter, connecting the community to resources that will enhance their quality of life and the lives around them is important to me. My passion for fundraising began in my youth and has been my professional path for the past 7 years. I most recently was the Director of Development at ANEW Place, a homeless services agency, where I created the Celebration of Trees fundraising event, raising over $85,000 in the two years of its existence to which supported the agency’s efforts in helping adults experiencing homelessness in Chittenden County. Prior to that I worked for many years at the American Cancer Society as a Community Manager, supporting volunteer-led events in various parts of Vermont with such as Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking Mount Philo, binging on HGTV, designing websites, learning languages, traveling domestically and internationally, and being outdoors with my wife and dog.
I believe deeply in the power of philanthropy to strengthen communities and create lasting change. As Chief Development Officer at United Way of Northwest Vermont, my role is to connect donors with opportunities to make a meaningful difference, and to help build the relationships and trust that make our collective impact possible.
My work is guided by the belief that collaboration and shared purpose can move even our most complex challenges forward. I enjoy helping donors see the connection between their generosity and the meaningful change happening across our region. Together, we can make Vermont the best place to live, work, and find a sense of belonging.
Before joining United Way, I served as Director of Campaign Giving & Employer Engagement at Let’s Grow Kids, where I helped lead a statewide movement to secure affordable, quality child care for Vermont families. This work reinforced my belief that lasting change happens when philanthropy, advocacy, business, and community voices align. Earlier in my career, I worked in higher education and global health, experiences that shaped my commitment to equity and systems-level impact.
I’m a proud Middlebury College alumna and hold an MBA from Northeastern University, with a focus on marketing and social entrepreneurship. I currently serve as President of the Middlebury Alumni Association board.
Outside of work, you’ll most often find me enjoying Vermont with my husband and two young sons skiing, swimming, and staying connected to the community that makes this place such a special one to call home.
I joined the Working Bridges team in January of 2022 after working in a wide range of educational and advising roles for the previous 14 years. My first introduction to Working Bridges was through a Working Bridges Concepts Training. I was so impressed by the thoughtful commitment of the team and their focus on innovation, and I was delighted when an opportunity to join in this work arose. I take great pleasure in supporting Vermonters as they navigate challenges and opportunities they encounter, and I am especially passionate about financial coaching, equity work, and developing an encyclopedic knowledge of community resources.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in Religion and Arabic Language at Marlboro College, I moved to Istanbul, Turkey, where I worked as a teacher in settings as diverse as universities, corporate offices, and farm schools for the next six years. I spent four of those years working at an English-immersion preschool, honing my communications skills with stakeholders big and small. After returning to the US, I completed a master’s degree in International Education at the SIT Graduate Institute, and worked as an advisor in Vermont Adult Learning’s High School Completion Program until joining the Working Bridges team.
I am a proud resident of the Old North End in Burlington, where I live with my dog Ramona. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, cross-country skiing, and many other interests.
I am the Working Bridges Resource Coordinator dedicated to serving students and staff of the Community College of Vermont. I am grateful to be a part of this caring, creative, and talented team which provides trusted, individualized referrals to resources in the community.
I graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in English and a minor in Linguistics. I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician at Autism Care Partners, where I supported students on the autism spectrum to increase their independence, social connection, and communication skills. For three consecutive summers, I served as the Summer Outreach Coordinator for the Fletcher Free Library. I developed and led educational programming in the community, and connected youth (k-12) to relevant and interesting reading materials to prevent learning loss over the summer months.
I live in Burlington, and enjoy swimming, biking, reading, taking care of my house plants, and spending time with my friends and family.
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.”
I believe that strong financial leadership is essential to building resilient organizations and thriving communities. As CFO, my role is to ensure that United Way’s financial systems are not only sound and sustainable, but also aligned with and responsive to the needs of our programs and partners. I’m committed to providing clear, supportive financial guidance that helps our teams and collaborators carry out their work with confidence and clarity.
I’m drawn to United Way because of its strong role as a trusted leader and connector in the community—an organization that listens, responds, and works alongside others to strengthen the programs and networks that help communities thrive.
Before joining United Way, I served as Director of Financial Operations at VEIC, where I worked closely with program teams to align financial strategy with mission impact. I also held senior roles at National Life Group and Johnson Lambert LLP, bringing over two decades of experience in finance, audit, and treasury operations. I’m a licensed CPA in Vermont and a graduate of Champlain College.
I joined the United Way in May 2024 as a Resource Coordinator for the Working Bridges Program. I am thrilled to be on a highly skilled and compassionate team centering the needs of Vermonters across our network in northwestern Vermont.
My prior professional experience involves various roles for non-profits with the thread that the work uplifts the greater good. Most recently I worked with a team to found the Burlington Yoga Equity Project. I am a certified practicing yoga and meditation teacher and find immense joy working with people on the journey of self-growth and transformation.
Other interests include gardening, frequent visits to my library for a new stash of books, remembering to practice slowing down, being outside year-round, and spending time with my family of boys- my husband that I met on our first day as Americorps volunteers way back when in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, our son, and Copper- the quirkiest dog you’ve ever seen.
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 family. 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.
I joined Common Good Vermont (and United Way NWVT) after volunteering with them for many years. In my role, I get to support the professional growth of nonprofit professionals across Vermont by organizing certificate programs, webinars, convenings, and workshops. I bring a background in psychology, adult learning, coaching, and people analytics to my work and I strive to create meaningful and relevant learning opportunities that strengthen Vermont’s nonprofit sector.
My husband and I live with our two miniature dachshunds in Burlington, VT where we take them on lots of hikes and walks, preferably to bakeries and ice cream shops.
I am an Airman in the Vermont National Guard and serve as a Drug Demand Reduction Civil Operations Specialist. In my role with the United Way of Northwest Vermont, I work as a Prevention Network Manager supporting the Northwest and Central Vermont Prevention Network.
The role of the Network is to provide operational and organizational support that enables partners across the region to work collaboratively toward shared prevention priorities. What I enjoy most about my work is building relationships and collaborating with community members to address challenges collectively.
Outside of work, you can usually find me on the soccer field. I coach and play soccer, serving as the Head Coach of the EHS Boys Varsity team and a Head Coach at Nordic Soccer Club.
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I am thrilled to rejoin the United Way Working Bridges Team as the Senior Program Manager, after some time away working with the Vermont Human Rights Commission. In this role, I help support our compassionate and knowledgeable Resource Coordinators at both United Way of Northwest Vermont and Green Mountain United Way. As a previous Resource Coordinator, I am passionate about helping Vermonters troubleshoot challenges that may impact the stability of their work and homelife. I have additional previous work experience in State government as a Reach Up Case Manager, and Higher Education experience in Operations, Admissions, and Career Development. My education includes an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Maine, Orono, and a Masters in Education from Castleton University.
I live in Washington County with my family and two quirky pups. Outside of work, I love to travel and attend as many bluegrass festivals as I can squeeze into my schedule.
My role at United Way is to foster connections, build relationships, and offer support and collaboration with all our partners. I manage and oversee United Way’s partner relationships including funding, volunteer engagement, and collaboration. These relationships and connections help to leverage our network of staff, volunteers, and partners in order to increase access to resources and help create a thriving Northwest Vermont.
I have the pleasure of working year-round with our Partner Funding Team of volunteers to support our partner funding portfolio and I also manage the funding processes for our other investments. In addition, I collaborate with the Donor Relations team to promote corporate engagement opportunities and share what we are learning from our nonprofit partners about community conditions and how United Way is bringing people together to create positive long-lasting change.
An important resource for our community is the time and talents of volunteers. I oversee our efforts to connect people to volunteering opportunities in our community nonprofits. Volunteer engagement has always been a cornerstone of United Way and is key to strengthening community trust, supporting organizational functions, and achieving impact goals.
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 lead United Way’s Marketing and Communications team and work with all United Way teams to develop and implement effective marketing strategies with the goal of engaging the community in local solutions to our community’s greatest challenges.
I truly believe we are all interconnected, and our individual wellbeing is tied to that of our neighbors. I appreciate that United Way is focused on local issues that impact everyone.
My favorite part of my job is engaging with and learning from passionate staff, volunteers, and United Way partners. I’m grateful to United Way for supporting my continued professional and personal growth including getting certified in Mental Health First Aid and participating in Leadership Champlain (class of 2023). I currently serve on the Leadership Champlain Advisory Board.
My professional career began in journalism before transitioning to nonprofit communications. Before United Way, I worked for Let’s Grow Kids (Vermont’s child care campaign) and UVM Health Network Home Health and Hospice.
Outside of work, I enjoy creating mixed media art and going on family adventures with my husband and young daughter.
Olivia (Liv) Peterson returns to national service after serving with NCCC AmeriCorps. She now joins us through the AmeriCorps VISTA program and will be supporting the Prevention Network as the Prevention Network Coordinator.
1.What is a favorite place you’ve visited or vacationed?
2. What is a topic you enjoy learning about?
3. What inspired you to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA?
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!
I joined the Working Bridges team in January 2024 to come along side community members at their workplace and help them navigate the many resources available. Growing up in Chittenden County I have seen the many changes and challenges people living and working here face.
My education includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology (St Michael’s College, 1993) and a master’s in counseling (Johnson State College, now Northern Vermont University, 2012). Previously I worked as the assistant director of a childcare center, a program manager at Howard Center Developmental Services and, most recently, the program director at the ANEW Place Community House sober shelter and transitional housing program. I enjoy helping people to identify the various options they have, particularly regarding finances.
I live in Jericho with my husband and our two dogs. When not at work, you will find me reading, cooking, kayaking, or camping.
Zoey Quigley brings a strong background in direct service volunteer work and a passion for engaging with nonprofits at the systems level. She will be supporting our volunteer programs as the Community Engagement Coordinator.
1.What is a favorite place you’ve visited or vacationed?
2. What is a topic you enjoy learning about?
3. What inspired you to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA?
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