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 | 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
Executive Director, Catamount Arts
Jeanne Gervais
President, Island Pond Chamber of Commerce
Caleb Grant
Executive Director, Community Rural Transportation
Joe Kasprzak
Asst. Town Manager, Town of St. Johnsbury
Jim Kisch
President and CEO, Passumpsic Bank
Katie Losito
President, Jasper Hill Farm
Patrick Shattuck
CEO, RuralEdge
Mike Morin
VT/NH Program Director, Northern Forest Center
Rev. Dr. Ed Sunday-Winters
Pastor, Greensboro United Church of Christ
Loralee Tester
Executive Director, NEK Chamber of Commerce
Steve Wright
President & General Manager, Jay Peak Resort
Tim Tierney
Acting Commissioner, VT Agency of Commerce
