2025 Board of Directors

Carolyn Gilbert (she/her), Chair

  • Carolyn is an eighth generation Vermonter, person of color, and Bennington resident. Raised in Thetford and Montpelier, she left Vermont for college and spent her twenties living in Albany, London, and Washington, DC. In 2021, she relocated to The Shires with her partner where she works remotely for DAI, a USAID government contractor, working in proposal writing. Carolyn loves Southern VT for its natural beauty, close knit community, and ability to make a difference.

    She has a bachelor's in International Relations (Macalester College) and Master's in International Development (The London School of Economics). She also serves on the Vermont Land Trust's board.

    Current Term: 2024 - 2026

Courtnay Wilson (she/her), Vice Chair

  • Courtnay (she/her) has been living in Bennington with her husband and two dogs since 2019. She has been working in Bennington at The Memory Clinic since 2015 and is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Vermont, specializing in Geriatric Neuropsychology. Courtnay is a member of the clinical team responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients at The Memory Clinic.

    Courtnay has a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.

    In her spare time, Courtnay enjoys going for walks and hikes, playing tennis, traveling, trying new restaurants and food, and baking delicious treats! Courtnay joined the SYP board in 2022, and has planned several mixers, but focuses on volunteer events as she has a passion for helping members of her community while trying to make The Shires a better place to live.

    She loves living in a small tight knit community, and enjoys networking and connecting people to others. Courtnay also serves on the board of Lake Paran. 

    Current Term: 2024 - 2026

Beth Sturgeon (she/her), Secretary

  • Beth moved to Pownal in 2021 from St. Louis MO with her Pownal-native spouse Nate, her mother Sharon, and dog Lizzie. She's since adopted a 2nd Chance dog named Bruiser. Beth works in corporate sustainability, calculating carbon emissions for ESG reporting. She's passionate about mitigating climate change, protecting the natural world, and local and national politics.

    In her free time, she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring all Vermont has to offer! Beth is grateful to SYP for making moving here so rewarding, and is excited to contribute to SYP's work.

    Service: 2023 - 2025

Jill Arkind (she/her)

  • Jill Arkind (she/her) lives in Bennington with her family. Originally from Massachusetts, she spent her twenties in Portland, Oregon pursuing her master's degree and beginning a career in public health and health information technology. She returned to the east coast to settle in Vermont and currently works as a Principal Consultant at NYSTEC, a non-profit consulting organization in New York.

    Some of her many favorite things about Southern Vermont are the strong sense of community, endless outdoor adventures, and the Blue Benn's sourdough French toast. 

    Current Term: 2022 - 2024

Steven DeTeso (he/him)

  • Steven is a recent transplant to Southern Vermont and The Shires after spending most of his life in the Greater Boston area. He relocated to North Bennington in 2023 to start a new chapter with his partner. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Steven has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. He is currently the co-owner and managing partner of Bennington Bagel Company.

    When not working, Steven enjoys running and hiking with his partner and their dog, swimming in local rivers and lakes, and connecting with his community through volunteer projects.

    Current Term: 2024 - 2026

Sarah Blizzard (they/them)

  • Sarah Blizzard (they/them) moved to Bennington County in 2019 after finishing their EdD in Higher Education from University of Denver. Since then, Sarah has founded their own coaching and consulting firm (Blizzard Solutions, LLC), worked in Student Life at Bennington College, worked in Multicultural Affairs at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, MA, settled down in Shaftsbury, and begun working for Greater Bennington Community Services (GBCS).

    Sarah is a self-proclaimed academic geek who loves discussing multicultural organizational change, issues of diversity and inclusion, and professional/personal development (Sarah is certified in Myers-Briggs assessments and is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach).

    When not working, they enjoy writing, playing piano, crocheting, and spending time with their partner (Henry) and dogs (Olaf and Earl). Sarah loves calling Southwestern Vermont home. 

    Current Term: 2024 - 2026

Franklin Cody (he/him)

  • Frank is a lifelong Vermonter who grew up in Bennington. He is a 5th generation Bennington resident and a 7th generation Vermonter. After graduating from Mount Anthony Union High School, Frank went to the University of Vermont and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

    Currently, Frank works in the Office of Governor Phil Scott as a junior staffer, and splits his time between Montpelier and Bennington. He is also a member of the Vermont Army National Guard, and is working to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant by September, 2024.

    Southern Vermont is special to Frank because of its tight communities, beautiful outdoors, and rich history. In his free time, Frank loves to find ways to get outside, including playing soccer, running, and downhill or cross-country skiing.

    Service: 2024 - 2026

Analee Patel

Dylan Moss

Sponsoring Organization: Southwestern Vermont Chamber:

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce directly supports and sponsors the Shires Young Professionals group through technical assistance, networking, capacity, and more.

Luis J. Lascari - SYP Support & Marketing

  • Luis Lascari moved to Vermont in 2021 and joined the Chamber staff in the Spring of 2024 as their GROW Specialist, working on relocation and retention of young professionals and families to the region of Southwestern Vermont.

    He has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Literature and Philosophy and has previously worked in economic development at the international level, leveraging strategic partnerships for foreign direct investment initiatives along the Texas-Mexico border.

    Outside of work, Luis enjoys writing Texas folk music, swimming, grilling, and watching his cat slowly destroy his furniture.