Who We Are
As required by our charter as a Community Action Agency, SEVCA’s unique tripartite governing Board of Directors is comprised of representatives of three sectors of the community: the Private Sector (the business community), the Public Sector (publicly appointed officials), and most importantly, the Client Sector (representatives elected by the low-income community).
SEVCA’s Board of Directors
Client
Donald Skekel, Vice President
Putney, VT
MA in Counseling
Publicly elected
Executive Committee
Policy/Planning Committee
Fundraising/ PR Committee
Timm Harris, Secretary
Guilford, VT
International Development Specialist
Elected by Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing Board
Finance Committee
Thomas Dougherty
Andover, VT
Healthcare Administrator
Elected by Neighborhood Connections Board
Nominating/Personnel Committee
Karie Stevens
Chester, VT
Head Start Policy Council Rep.
Carson Hoag
Springfield, VT
Personnel Administration
Member Emeritus
Private
Gladys Collins
Chester, VT
Early Childhood Coordinator
Appointed by Springfield School Board
Nominating/Personnel Committee
Policy/Planning Committee
Mandy Giles, CPA, Treasurer
White River Junction, VT
Certified Public Accountant
Executive Committee
Finance Committee
Nominating/Personnel Committee
Suzanne Swanson
Cambridgeport, VT
Employee Benefits Specialist
Finance Committee
Nominating/Personnel Committee
Member Emeritus
Public
Kathryn Poston, President
Chester, VT
Retired Teacher
Appointed by Chester Selectboard
Executive Committee
Policy/Planning Committee
Head Start Policy Council Rep.
Amanda Rundle
Springfield, VT
Rundle & Rundle, Attorneys
Appointed by Springfield Selectboard
Policy/Planning Committee
Nominating/Personnel Committee
Rep. to Head Start Policy Council
Lisa Pitcher
Guilford, VT
Director, Our Place Drop In Ctr.
Appointed by Guilford Selectboard
Nominating/Personnel Committee
Spotlight On SEVCA Directors
Client Representative
Donald Skekel,
Brattleboro
Donald has an MA in Counseling Psychology from Antioch. He specializes in helping adults with previously undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder and co-occurring conditions find successful coping strategies.
Donald organized the adult AD/HD Support Group in Brattleboro and the SW-NH Chapter of CHADD, and offers coaching and counseling that develops skill sets such as organizing priorities and self-monitoring. He notes that his training and experience is built upon a philosophy of cultural sensitivity, diversity, and a keen awareness of how privilege segregates our society.
Donald also works P-T in the deli at Hannaford’s in Brattleboro, and has served the arts community on several boards.
Private Sector (Emeritus)
Suzanne Swanson,
Springfield
Suzanne owns and operates IPG Benefits in Springfield, and is the principal broker for this location. She is responsible for the development and implementation of value-based, comprehensive benefit programs for progressive employers through Northern New England.
She graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a B.A. in Business Marketing and a minor in management. She became a certified employee benefits specialist through Wharton School of Business at the Univ. of Pennsylvania.
Suzanne is also a board member of “Making the Most of I”, and the Development & Communications Board Committee of Springfield Hospital.