The Vermont Jump$tart coalition is overseen by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who have a passion for ensuring Vermont’s kids can achieve financial capability.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
Lori has over 24 years’ experience working in banking and currently serves as, as VP Community Reinvestment Act Officer (CRA) for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. In this role, Lori works to ensure that the bank meets the credit and community service needs of low and moderate income people in Bar Harbor’s service areas of Maine, NH and Vermont.
She has presented seminars of financial literacy to kids of all ages, from elementary school to senior citizens and believes everyone should develop of “spending plan”, rather than a budget. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport, and in her banking career, she earned several certificates including her Certified Financial Marketing Professional designation. Lori currently resides in Barre and volunteers with Special Olympics of Vermont, Green Mountain United Way, Granite United Way, and Downstreet Housing and Community Development.
Northfield Savings Bank
Gregg has seventeen years of professional experience within the financial services and banking industries. Gregg joined Northfield Saving Bank as Senior Community Banker in 2021. He has also worked for People’s United Bank and TD Bank. He relocated to Vermont in 2016. Prior to that he worked with First Niagara in Rochester, New York and Bank of America in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC as well as owned a small woodworking business. He was previously a volunteer with Junior Achievement in Greenville, SC. In his free time, Gregg enjoys woodworking, skiing, boating, and hiking. Gregg resides in Washington County with his wife, Lynn, newborn son, Crosby, and dog, Granby.
Community National Bank
Lorilee serves as the Office Manager for the Barre and Montpelier locations of Community National Bank.
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)
Chris is the Resource Center Supervisor where he oversees the VSAC Resource Center, a public-use space where Vermonters can receive hands-on, in-person assistance with saving for, planning for, and/or navigating college and career training. His interest in financial literacy stems from his background in higher education financial aid where he assisted students and families with reviewing and implementing options to fund their education.
Chris is originally from Vermont, and holds a BA in American Sign Language from Keuka College and a master’s degree in Corporate Communications from Northeastern University.
Margaret is a retired Business Counselor for Capstone Community Action’s Microbusiness Development Program. She is also an Accredited Financial Counselor and is a member of the Association of Financial Counselors Practitioners and Educators (AFCPE). She has extensive experience with personal finance education at the community level. Margaret is a longtime volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Margaret holds degrees from Miami University and Lyndon State College.
Opportunities Credit Union
Katy Bensen is the program manager for Money Sense at Opportunities Credit Union which provides financial education and housing counseling for Vermonters. Before joining the Credit Union, she worked as a bartender, server, and baker. Having experienced differing and inconsistent incomes, Katy is understanding and non-judgmental while helping clients reach their financial goals. She loves teaching people of all ages how credit scores work, and how to prioritize your personal budget. Katy received her B.A. cum laude from Mount Holyoke College in Philosophy and History and currently lives in Winooski.
Vermont Bankers Association
June is Vice President of the Vermont Bankers Association in Montpelier. VBA’s mission is to promote an environment which fosters a vibrant banking community to support a prosperous Vermont Economy.
Previously, June worked for the Tree Care Industry Association as a Meetings Coordinator organizing over 30 meetings and workshops a year. Prior to this role, June worked to develop the Arborist Apprenticeship Program as the Apprenticeship and Workforce Development Coordinator. Before the Tree Care Industry Association, Ms. Hibbs was the Member Services Manager for Hideaways International, a luxury travel club.
Ms. Hibbs received her A.S. in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. June recently moved to Vermont from New Hampshire and resides in Waterbury Center.
New England Federal Credit Union
Patricia leads the Financial Education program for New England Federal Credit Union. She brings a wide range of experience to the Board, including expertise as a classroom educator, community organizer, and delivering professional-based education. Patricia holds a B.S. from the Whittemore School of Business at the University of New Hampshire.
Office of the Vermont State Treasurer
Ashlynn serves as the Director of Financial Literacy, Outreach, and Special Projects. She has worked for three years in the State Treasurer's Office on various legislative and policy issues including retirement security, housing finance, environmental, social, and governance investment factors, and the Vermont Achieving a Better Life Experience tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities. She knows that financial literacy knowledge is a fundamental part of the solution to many policy challenges. Ashlynn received her B.A. from the University of Vermont and lives in Montpelier.