NAMI Vermont Annual Business Meeting
November 19, 2024
Thank you to everyone who participated in NAMI Vermont’s Annual Business Meeting! We have some exciting updates to share as we recap everything from the meeting. NAMI Vermont’s Annual Business Meeting was offered virtually on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Each person on the Slate of Candidates received a majority vote to join or begin a new term on the Board of Directors:
- Judy Siler, Guilford (4th Term)
- Reba Porter, Burlington (1st Term)
- Alex Lehning, St. Albans (1st Term)
- Daisy Berbeco, Winooski (1st Term)
- Lisa Martiny, Underhill (1st Term)
FY2025 NAMI Vermont Slate of Board Members:
Read about each of the newly-elected Board members here
During our Annual Business Meeting, we wanted to recognize and thank our volunteers for all they do. Here are the three individuals who have truly gone above and beyond:
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Charles Siler – Recognizes outstanding contributions of an individual to support the NAMI Vermont mission.
- Inspiration Award: Jodi Girouard – Recognizes an individual whose kind, compassionate, and understanding ways have helped to inspire others on their pathway to recovery.
- Rising Star Award: Amy Collins – Recognizes an individual whose enthusiasm, dedication, and exceptional service to NAMI Vermont have made a significant impact within a relatively short period.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Chip Siler
Rising Star Award
Amy Collins
Inspiration Award
Jodi Girouard
Our volunteers are the heart of NAMI Vermont, and they deserve recognition for their perseverance, determination, and authenticity. Without their voices and ongoing support, we would not be the strong, united organization we are today, advocating for mental health for everyone. Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers!
Thank you – Chip Siler
We are incredibly grateful to Charles ‘Chip’ Siler for his outstanding service as NAMI Vermont’s Board President. Chip’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in our mission, and we cannot thank him enough for all he has done. Chip is stepping down from his position as a board member after serving three consecutive terms, as required by our bylaws. As we celebrate his contributions, we’re pleased to introduce our new board officers and look forward to the future.
Reflecting on 40 Years with NAMI Vermont
At the Annual Business Meeting, Laurie Emerson, Executive Director of NAMI Vermont, presented a look back at our 40 years of impact. This powerful presentation highlighted how NAMI Vermont has grown, from expanding our advocacy efforts to creating new programs and taking our events to the next level.
Election of Officers
The NAMI Vermont Board met after the Annual Business Meeting to elect officers. Congratulations to the FY2025 Officers:
- President: Judy Siler
- Vice President: Maria McClellan
- Secretary: Ann Cooper
- Treasurer: Phil Blackburn
Annual Report
Please take a moment to review NAMI Vermont’s Annual Report covering July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
The report highlights our impact on individuals and communities across Vermont through our support, education, and advocacy efforts. It demonstrates how our free resources, such as support groups, programs, presentations, brochures, and flyers, have made a difference in people’s lives.
You’ll also see how these resources have extended to those closest to them, supporting families and loved ones.
Did you miss the previous Annual Business Meeting? Don’t worry, here’s a recap:
November 15, 2023
NAMI Vermont’s Annual Business Meeting was part of the Annual Conference this year on November 15 at the DoubleTree Conference Center (in-person) from 4:15-5:00 p.m. Members approved amendments to the Bylaws and voted for new and returning Board Members:
- Lois Beardwood, Manchester Center (1st Term)
- Kathleen Kilbourne, Vergennes (1st Term)
- Andrea Kolbe, Plymouth, MA (3rd Term)
- Thelma Stoudt, Sudbury (1st Term)
The Recognition and Awards Ceremony was held from 1:00-1:15 p.m. at the Conference. Three amazing volunteers were presented with awards in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to NAMI Vermont in 2023. These standout volunteers gave their time and effort to NAMI Vermont in a uniquely impactful way. We greatly appreciate their generosity and thank them for the wonderful work they have done!
- Kathy Johnson who received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Kathy is always willing to go the extra mile to deliver many of NAMI Vermont’s programs.
- Alexina Federhen, who received the Inspiration Award, whose efforts have made an impressive impact to inspire our youth and young adults.
- Robin Mallor who received the Rising Star Award, whose efforts and leadership have increased awareness about NAMI Vermont.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Kathy Johnson
Rising Star Award
Robin Mallor
Inspiration Award
Alexina Federhen
Election of Officers
The NAMI Vermont Board met after the Annual Business Meeting to elect officers. Congratulations to the FY2024 Officers:
- Chip Siler, President
- Judy Siler, Vice President
- Ann Cooper, Secretary
- Phil Blackburn, Treasurer