NEWPORT, The Northeast Kingdom Collaborative (NEKC) has hired Jennifer Carlo as its executive director, succeeding Katherine Sims, who left in November after being elected to the Vermont Legislature.
Carlo previously served as executive director of Circus Smirkus, a well-known nonprofit based in Greensboro. She said she was drawn to the hands-on community-building work of the Collaborative.
“Katherine Sims was one of the first people I met when I came to the Northeast Kingdom years ago. She painted such a vivid picture of the Collaborative and the amazing work it does,” Carlo said.
Founded more than 20 years ago, the NEKC works to improve quality of life through coordinated economic and community development. In 2017 the organization restructured, expanding its board and hiring Sims. In April 2020 it shifted focus to pandemic recovery, producing the NEK Recovery Action Plan, which targets broadband, housing, education and business support.
Carlo said she is ready to implement the plan. “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 served as interim director after Sims’ departure. “It’s been gratifying in this interim role to witness firsthand the impact of the Collaborative’s work,” Lovett said. “I’m excited to see how Jen brings life to the vision of a thriving and dynamic Northeast Kingdom.”
Board chair Jody Fried said Carlo stood out from a large pool of candidates. “Jen has the expertise, the collaborative spirit, and the local connections required to excel in this role.”
NEK will be looking into the implementation of the NEK Recovery Action Plan and its impact on broadband, housing, education, and business support in the region.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Alex Moliski via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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