Who We Are

As required by our charter as a Community Action Agency, SEVCA’s unique tripartite governing Board of Directors is comprised of representatives of three sectors of the community: the Private Sector (the business community), the Public Sector (publicly appointed officials), and most importantly, the Client Sector (representatives elected by the low-income community).

SEVCA’s Board of Directors

Client

Donald Skekel
Brattleboro, VT
MA in Counseling
Policy/Planning Comm.
Board Rep. to Policy Council

Carson Hoag
Springfield, VT
Personnel Administration
Fundraising/PR Comm.

W. Lynx Brammer
Windsor, VT
Head Start
Policy Council Rep.

SEVCA board member Donald Skekel is motivated by: “the macroeconomic realities that restrict individuals from opportunities to improve well-being and achieve potential…giving back is a value I revere.”

Private

Suzanne Swanson, Sec.
Cambridgeport, VT
Employee Benefits Specialist
Exec./Finance Comm.
Nominating/Personnel Comm.

Carl Padula, Treas.
CFO, Chroma Technology
Exec./Finance Comm.
Nominating/Personnel Comm.

Kimberly Buehler
Saxtons River, VT
Workforce Development

Public

Daryl Houk
Chester, VT
Preschool Collaborative Dir.
Fundraising/P.R. Comm.
Nominating/Personnel Comm.

Gladys Collins, President
Chester, VT
Early Childhood Coordinator
Exec.Finance Comm.
Policy/Planning Comm.

Lisa Pitcher, Vice-Pres.
Guilford, VT
Director, Our Place Drop In Ctr.
Fundraising/PR Comm.

Bruce Gardner
Brattleboro, VT
Senior Director,Brattleboro Development Credit Corp.

Spotlight On SEVCA  Directors

Client Representative

Donald Skekel,
Brattleboro

Donald has an MA in Counseling Psychology from Antioch. He specializes in helping adults with previously undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder and co-occurring conditions find successful coping strategies.
Donald organized the adult AD/HD Support Group in Brattleboro and the SW-NH Chapter of CHADD, and offers coaching and counseling that develops skill sets such as organizing priorities and self-monitoring. He notes that his training and experience is built upon a philosophy of cultural sensitivity, diversity, and a keen awareness of how privilege segregates our society.
Donald also works P-T in the deli at Hannaford’s in Brattleboro, and has served the arts community on several boards.

Private Sector

Suzanne Swanson,
Springfield

Suzanne owns and operates IPG Benefits in Springfield, and is the principal broker for this location. She is responsible for the development and implementation of value-based, comprehensive benefit programs for progressive employers through Northern New England.
She graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a B.A. in Business Marketing and a minor in management. She became a certified employee benefits specialist through Wharton School of Business at the Univ. of Pennsylvania.
Suzanne is also a board member of “Making the Most of I”, and the Development & Communications Board Committee of Springfield Hospital.