Same Mission, New Leader
Following the transition of Katherine Sims to the legislature and a rigorous three-month search process, we’ve hired Jennifer Carlo as our next Executive Director. Carlo, former Executive Director for NEK staple Circus Smirkus, had been on the hunt for her next calling and was drawn to the hands-on community building mission of the Collaborative.
“Katherine Sims was one of the first people I met when I came to the Northeast Kingdom years ago,” says Carlo. “She painted such a vivid picture of the Collaborative and the amazing work it does. I’ve had the chance to participate in several Collaborative programs over the years so I’ve seen firsthand the impact this organization and its partners have in the Kingdom.”
We’re dedicated to building vibrant, thriving communities in the Kingdom. For more than 20 years, we’ve worked to improve the quality of life for all residents of the region through coordinated economic and community development. We do it by building a community-driven common vision for the region and developing the leadership capacity and resources required to carry out that vision.
In 2017, we embraced a new organizational structure that has increased its community and economic impact in the region. We expanded the size of our governing board and hired Katherine Sims, now a Vermont state legislator, to direct the organization. We’ve since become a leader of collective action in our region.
In April of 2020, we shifted focus to region-wide economic recovery following the global pandemic crisis. Sims and the NEKC board collaborated with regional and local leaders and community partners to outline the most feasible and impactful strategies to accelerate the recovery of the NEK. The resulting NEK Recovery Action Plan is now in motion with the goal of increasing access to broadband, housing, education and business support.
Carlo says she’s ready to pick up the important work outlined in the recovery plan. With deep connections in the region and a clear penchant for community-building, Carlo is committed to tangible results for NEK residents.
“I’m grateful for all the work our communities and organizations have put into the plan and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves with people across the Kingdom to help bring real and lasting benefits to our communities.”
Tom Lovett, previously a member of our board of directors, stepped up as Interim Director to allow us ample time to find the right candidate between Sims’ election in November and the April start date.
“It’s been gratifying in this interim role to witness firsthand the impact of the Collaborative’s work. And to hear from others in Vermont and neighboring states about how much they admire our region’s ability to speak with a unified voice,” says Lovett. “I’m excited to see how Jen brings life to the vision of a thriving and dynamic Northeast Kingdom.”
Carlo immediately stood out from a large pool of candidates qualified for the position.
“We were looking for a very specific person and we’re quite lucky to have found her.” says long-time board chair, Jody Fried. “Jen has the expertise, the collaborative spirit and the local connections required to excel in this role. We’re excited to see where she takes it.”
The NEKC’s goal is to create strategic alignment, a shared vision and a unified voice across sectors so that the entire region can flourish. “Our role is to engage the community and support the projects of key partners region-wide.” says Fried. “To succeed, we must empower everyone living and working in the Northeast Kingdom to participate. Our Director must possess extraordinary flexibility and keen facilitation skills.”
Carlo is up for the challenge:
“I can’t wait to get started!” she says. "Collaborating across the region is the key to making real, impactful change for the residents of the Northeast Kingdom. The NEKC is proving that it can be done and I’m ready to carry the work forward.”
