Staff

Abby Long

Interim Executive Director

Abby considers herself fortunate to have lived and worked in a wide range of environments around the world. Her experiences include teaching in rural China, Southeast Asia, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and Belize, as well as contributing to Gulf Coast restoration efforts through AmeriCorps following Hurricane Katrina.

She holds a B.A. in Public & Community Service Studies and American Studies from Providence College in Rhode Island, and a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Service, Leadership & Management from the School for International Training Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont.

For eight years, Abby served as the Executive Director of Kingdom Trails, where she championed the power of outdoor recreation to support community and economic vitality. Today, she is honored to continue advancing the Northeast Kingdom region she calls home, where she lives with her husband and their 5-year-old son.

Alia Salem

Communications & Design Coordinator

Alia began her career in 2020 after graduating from the University of Florida and has since built a strong background in brand strategy, UX, and visual design.

Her work spans brand identity, graphic design, web design, and user experience, with a focus on clear communication and meaningful connection.

Alia has roots in Newport, Vermont, and stays connected to the region while working remotely across the U.S in her self-converted shuttle bus. She is also the founder of the Adventurepreneur Design Den, where she supports creative small businesses in building strategic online brands.


Board Organization

For decades, our board has been organized to cover the region’s concerns thoroughly and address them effectively. In the center of our board, leading with decisive action, we have advisors and directors from the region’s finest and most dedicated change-making organizations. Our sector advisors, covering everything from manufacturing to faith, make sure that all of the region’s concerns are given adequate voice in the planning of our projects.

Board of Directors

David Snedeker | TreasurerExecutive Director, Northeastern Vermont Development Assoc.

David Snedeker | Treasurer

Executive Director, Northeastern Vermont Development Assoc.

Chris Caldwell | Secretary

President, CEO, Community National Bank

Chris Mitchell | Executive Committee

Field Director, Vermont Agency of Human Services

Nolan Atkins

Provost, VTSU

Elaine Collins

Superintendent of Schools, North Country Supervisory Union

Tom Frank

CEO, North Country Hospital

Christa Shute

Executive Director of NEK Broadband

Jody Fried | ChairExecutive Director, Catamount Arts

Jody Fried

Executive Director, Catamount Arts

Jeanne GervaisPresident, Island Pond Chamber of Commerce

Jeanne Gervais

President, Island Pond Chamber of Commerce

Caleb Grant

Executive Director, Community Rural Transportation

Joe Kasprzak | SecretaryAsst. Town Manager, Town of St. Johnsbury

Joe Kasprzak

Asst. Town Manager, Town of St. Johnsbury

Jim KischNEKC Board TreasurerPresident and CEO, Passumpsic Bank

Jim Kisch

President and CEO, Passumpsic Bank

Katie Losito

President, Jasper Hill Farm

Patrick ShattuckCEO, RuralEdge

Patrick Shattuck

CEO, RuralEdge

Mike Morin

VT/NH Program Director, Northern Forest Center

Rev. Dr. Ed Sunday-WintersPastor, Greensboro United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. Ed Sunday-Winters

Pastor, Greensboro United Church of Christ

Loralee Tester

Executive Director, NEK Chamber of Commerce

Steve WrightPresident & General Manager, Jay Peak Resort

Steve Wright

President & General Manager, Jay Peak Resort

Tim TierneyDirector of Business Recruitment, VT Agency of Commerce

Tim Tierney

Acting Commissioner, VT Agency of Commerce