Staff & Board
Staff
Our strength lies in our people – a team of approximately 100 committed individuals driven by a shared passion to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. With a diverse range of talents and experiences, our staff is the driving force behind our extensive programs and initiatives, designed to address a wide spectrum of poverty-related needs.
From crisis intervention to affordable housing and homelessness prevention, from home energy cost management to supporting new businesses, our dedicated team works tirelessly to transform lives. We offer education and skills training, promote early childhood development, provide family support and parenting resources, ensure access to nourishing food, foster financial wellness, offer information and referral services, and coordinate resources to empower those in need.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Josh Davis
Executive Director
Pat Burke
Family Services Director
Victor Baisley
Weatherization Director
Lori Canfield
Head Start Director
Judy Trow
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Jacobs
Human Resources Director
Jon Hoover
Finance Director
Jon Megas-Russell
Development and Communications Director
Board of Directors
In compliance with our charter as a Community Action Agency, SEVCA’s governing Board of Directors follows a unique tripartite structure, consisting 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).
Gary Stroud, Client Sector
Brattleboro, VT
Gary Stroud is a long-time Brattleboro resident with 18 years of deep community involvement and 28 years of professional experience in marketing and sales. He currently serves as a Commissioner with the Brattleboro Housing Partnership, Vice-Chair of the Brattleboro Planning Commission, and District 8 Chair, and is an active member of the Meals on Wheels Committee. Mr. Stroud’s past service includes membership on Brattleboro’s ADA and Human Services Committees, reflecting a sustained commitment to housing, accessibility, and community wellbeing.
Mimi Yahn, Client Sector
Springfield, VT
Mimi is a resident of Springfield and served on the Springfield Housing Authority Board of Directors from May 2023 to January 2025 and on the Whitcomb Tenants Association Board as Treasurer Pro-Tem in 2021. She currently leads “Bone Builders” classes as a volunteer for Green Mountain RSVP/AmeriCorps Seniors. She has a long history of volunteer board membership in the areas of advocacy, policy, and compliance. She would like to help SEVCA continue to thrive in its ability to provide essential services to the community.
Tom Dougherty, Client Sector - President
Andover, VT
Currently the Director of Organizational Development, Quality and Community Health at North Star Health and President of the SEVCA Board, is a non-profit executive with 30 years of experience leading health and social welfare organizations to achieve mission success. With expertise in operations, organizational development, fundraising, change management, strategic planning, QI and talent management, Tom has been a key player as a CEO, COO, administrator, planner, board member and consultant in the growth of dynamic organizations addressing health, human rights and social welfare in New York, Vermont, the United States and around the world.
Jessica Ucci - Client Sector
Chester, VT
Jonathan Johnson, Public Sector
Putney, VT
Born in Istanbul, Jon moved to Putney in fifth grade. Jon spent years in Ohio and New York City before returning to Putney in 2014. Jon is currently the Town Clerk in Putney.
Kevin Kennedy, Public Sector
Brattleboro, VT
A native Vermonter, Kevin Kennedy has spent his career working in the field of communications, including as an editor of Vermont Business Magazine, marketing director at Marlboro College and in his current role as Director of Strategic Engagement at the Five College Consortium. He lives in Brattleboro, Vermont and has been on the SEVCA board since 2023.
Patricia Archambault, Private Sector
Ludlow, VT
I called Rhode Island home until retirement. I raised my two children in Scituate RI, where I became active in the local school system. I eventually ran for a position on the local school board and served for sixteen years. I started my tenure on the school board as a member-at-large. I served as clerk for several years overseeing the financials and for my last five years, I served as chair of the board. I also worked in the finance department of the state's Workers Compensation Insurance Company. As such I became a member of Insurance Collection Executives, a national organization. During my ten years on the board, I served as a member, then vice president and eventually as treasurer.
An avid skier, as well as a member of the Okemo Ambassador program, in 2021 I moved to Ludlow, VT. Currently, I serve as the secretary of Ludlow Streetscapes, I am a member of the Windsor County Youth Services’ Board and I am a certified bone builders instructor at the Ludlow Senior Center.
This is my second year serving on the board of SEVCA. So far I have participated in the Community Needs Assessment committee and I presently sit on the Finance Committee as well as the Development & Communication committee. It has been exciting and rewarding to work with the board and staff members of SEVCA as we navigate the journey of supporting others through the challenging issues of dealing with poverty related issues.
Camilla Arnold, Private Sector, Secretary
Westminster West, VT
Twenty-five plus years of experience in the conventional, natural and organics products industry including distribution, business and systems analysis, life cycle and pricing strategy, sales, customer experience, financial and budget management, and leadership development. Demonstrated ability to identify, plan and implement cost effective ways to meet business needs. An innovative professional welcoming responsibility and challenges. Conscientious, motivated and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) credentialed by The Project Management Institute.
Steve Mundahl, Private Sector, Vice President
Brattleboro, VT
The retired Goodwill of Massachusetts CEO and now lives in Brattleboro since 2019; has an orchard for a hobby. Married to Sharon and has one spoiled cat.
Mandy Giles, Private Sector, CPA, Treasurer
Lebanon, NH
A partner at A.M. Peisch & Company’s West Lebanon office, where she has worked since 1998 specializing in auditing, accounting, and consulting services for financial institutions, nonprofits, and a variety of clients. A long-time Board member and current Treasurer of Southeastern Vermont Community Action, she brings deep expertise in audit and accounting as Chair of her firm’s Audit and Accounting Committee and as a leading member of its Financial Institutions Committee.