Learn more about the people who lead and inspire us at Lund.
Liz Gamache
President & CEO
Liz Gamache joined Lund as President & CEO in May 2025. She is a dynamic and adaptive non-profit leader with over 20 years of experience in community and economic development. Known for her hands-on approach and results-driven mindset, Liz excels at empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to thrive. Liz recently served as the Chief Development Officer at United Way of Northwest Vermont. Liz has also held significant roles at the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, and Vermont Electric Cooperative where she drove impactful initiatives and fostered strong stakeholder relationships. As a former Mayor of Saint Albans, VT, Liz led a multi-million-dollar downtown revitalization initiative.
Timothy Keefe
Chief Financial Officer
Tim is a graduate of the University of Vermont and joined Lund in 2019. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Global Management Accountant and is a past Board President of the Vermont Society of CPA’s. During his four-decade career, he has held leadership roles in public accounting, commercial banking, and at a regulated public utility. As Chief Financial Officer, he oversees the overall health of Lund’s finances, accounting, and financial reporting. Tim lives in Shelburne with his wife, Rita. Together they have three daughters and three grandchildren. When not working, Tim’s biggest passions are baseball and travel, which he and Rita are combining with the goal to see a professional game in all 50 states.
Howie LeBlanco
Director of People & Culture
Howie joined Lund in 2024 as the Director for People and Culture. With a diverse background spanning non-profits, higher education, and aerospace technology, Howie built his career leading transformative human resources initiatives and advancing workplace equity, inclusion, and belonging. Before joining Lund, Howie held senior leadership roles as director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Vermont College of Fine Arts, director of human resources at Saint Michael’s College, and talent acquisition and people business partner at Beta Technologies. At Lund, Howie collaborates with staff and leadership to foster an inclusive, positive work culture, utilizing inclusive decision-making, transparent communication, and human-centered change management strategies. Howie lives in Colchester with his husband, their cat, Mildred, and their dog, Sophie.
Kim Laroche
Director of Parent Child Center Services
Kim rejoined Lund in 2023 after an 18-year career dedicated to leadership roles at Howard Center Developmental Services and UVM Medical Center. Her journey with Lund began as a residential counselor in 2003, where she developed a strong foundation in supporting families in need. Kim holds a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UVM. In her current role, she oversees a comprehensive range of supports and services for parents and caregivers of young children, emphasizing early identification, intervention, and prevention. A native Vermonter, Kim resides in Essex with her husband and two children. Outside of her professional commitments, she cherishes time spent with family and friends, enjoys watching her children participate in competitive athletics, and loves boating on the stunning Lake Champlain.
Karisa Thompson
Director of Adoption
Karisa began employment at Lund in 2004 after earning a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She was hired as a residential counselor and joined the adoption team in 2006. Karisa has worked in Project Family, Lund’s partnership with DCF, to finalize adoptions and secure permanency for youth with DCF involvement for the past nineteen years. In that time, she has finalized almost 1,750 adoptions. Karisa was named the Elizabeth Lund Employee of the Year in 2009, and she received the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angel in Adoption Award for Vermont in 2018. Karisa is an active participant of Leadership Champlain’s 2026 cohort. As the Director of Adoption, Karisa manages all aspects of Lund’s adoption services. She lives in Addison County with her husband and two daughters.
Yvonne Lockerby
Director of Operations
Yvonne joined Lund in December 2023. In her role as Director of Operations she oversees Facilities, IT and risk mitigation for the organization. She has over 25 years of leadership and operations experience across diverse industries, including the last 12 years at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, where she served in various executive roles. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Chittenden County. She and her husband live in Colchester with their two beloved dogs. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking with her dogs, and traveling.
Sam Rhoads
Director of Clinical Treatment Services
Sam rejoined Lund in 2021 as a licensed clinical supervisor eventually moving into the role of Director of Clinical Treatment Services. She began her career in human services at Lund many years ago as an intern in Lund’s Early Childcare Program and was excited to come back full circle to Lund to continue to support children and families. Sam is a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a focus on supporting individuals and families experiencing life challenges related to substance use and mental health. In her role, Sam oversees the Residential and Community Treatment programs offering wraparound support to parents and children throughout the state of Vermont. Sam is a native Vermonter who enjoys reading, photography and spending time outside with her husband and daughter.
Our Board of Trustees
We are fortunate to have a dedicated, talented, and experienced Board of Trustees. They work hard daily on Lund’s behalf and bring their personal testimony and business acumen to their positions at Lund. We are grateful for their contributions.
Darren Springer
Chair
Darren Springer was appointed and confirmed as General Manager of Burlington Electric Department in October 2018. During Darren’s tenure, Burlington has been named the top northeastern city per capita for solar in 2019 and 2020 by Environment America, and launched dozens of new strategic electrification incentive programs and initiatives to help Burlington Electric Department customers switch from fossil fuel to clean electric technologies in the heating and transportation sectors. Formerly, Darren served as Burlington Electric Department’s Chief Operating Officer and led the Center for Innovation team which includes the Policy & Planning, Finance, Information Technology and Energy Services divisions. Prior to joining BED, Darren served as Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Peter Shumlin; was appointed as Deputy Commissioner at the Vermont Public Service Department, leading the advancement of the 2014 net metering law and 2015 renewable energy standard; and worked for 4 years in the Washington, D.C. Office of U.S. Senator Bernard Sanders as Senior Policy Advisor for Energy & Environment, and later as Chief Counsel. Darren has a B.A. from Florida Atlantic University and earned a J.D. and Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. He is a member of the Vermont Bar, Virginia Bar, and Florida Bar. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Vermont Electric Power Company, the Energy Action Network, and BTV Ignite.
Karen Vastine
Vice Chair
Karen is the Senior Community Relations Officer for the UVM Health Network. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families and ran the Burlington Community Justice Center. Karen has a strong record of advocacy for juvenile justice and for underserved populations and has extensive volunteer experience. Karen lives in Burlington.
Lucy Abair
Secretary
Lucy had worked with Lund for many years in her role at the Department for Children and Families, where she worked for over 40 years. She is pleased to now have the opportunity to become directly involved by joining the board. Having lived in Burlington all her life, Lucy sees Lund as “contributing enormously to the fabric of the town.” In her free time, she enjoys walking, gardening, tai chi, boating on the lake, and spending time with her four grandchildren.
John Hollar
Treasurer
John practiced law in Vermont for thirty years, most recently as a partner with the law firm Downs Rachlin Martin. Originally from Oklahoma, he graduated from Georgetown University Law Center. He has been active in Montpelier community life throughout his career. He served as chair of the Montpelier School Board from 2002-2010 and was mayor of Montpelier from 2012-2018. John also serves on the board of Let’s Grow Kids Action Network, the Montpelier Foundation, and the Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association. He is a member of the Capitol Complex Commission, which oversees the architectural and aesthetic integrity of the capitol complex.
Adam Bunting
Adam Bunting, named Superintendent of CVSD schools in 2024, has worked as an educator in Vermont since 1999. Prior to his current role, Adam served as Principal of Champlain Valley Union High School since 2015. After beginning his career as an English teacher and House Director at CVU, he became Principal of Montpelier High School from 2012 to 2015. While he loved his time in Montpelier, Adam couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to CVU—his alma mater. Since returning to CVSD, Adam has collaborated with an outstanding faculty and staff to create personalized, transformative learning experiences for all students. His work in education has been featured in Edutopia, Principal Leadership, and The Courage to Teach. He has also presented at conferences for the Coalition of Essential Schools and the League of Innovative Schools. In 2018, Adam was named Vermont Principal of the Year. His leadership extends beyond CVU, as he serves on the Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council, the Vermont Voices Project, the Vermont Principals’ Association, and the New England Secondary Schools Coalition. Outside of CVU, you can find Adam writing, coaching one of his two daughters, fishing, running, eating Doritos, or making valiant (however feeble) attempts at playing baseball in a senior league. He holds an M.Ed. from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in English and Education from Connecticut College.
Paige Church
Paige Terrien Church is a physician, certified in Neonatal Perinatal Medicine and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. She grew up in Vermont and graduated from medical school at UVM College of Medicine and went on to train in Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. She then did a dual fellowship in both Neonatal Perinatal Medicine and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Tufts University. This unique combination brought Paige to Canada where she was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto and then to Harvard Medical School, working at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital. She specializes in newborn intensive care and the outpatient follow-up of the children who were cared for in the intensive care nursery. Paige volunteers on medical advisory boards, including the Spina Bifida Association and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. As a Vermonter, she has long known Lund through her medical training, family roots, and work and is proud to be joining the board.
Hal Cohen
Hal is the Executive Director of Vermont Adult Learning (VAL), providing basic education, high school credentialing, English language learning and workforce development for Vermonters 16 years and older. He served as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services under Governor Peter Shumlin and previously was the Executive Director for Capstone Community Action in central Vermont for over 18 years. Hal’s professional and civic involvement has included sitting on several local and state boards such as the Vermont Council on Rural Development, the Central Vermont Workforce Investment Board, the Vermont Workforce Development Council, Food Works, EarthWalk Vermont, Central Vermont Hunger Taskforce and the Vermont Low Income Trust for Electricity. He has an M.A. in counseling psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School and an M.S. in nonprofit management from the New School for Social Research. Hal resides with his wife in Middlesex, Vermont and has three grown children and two young grandchildren.
Louise Gibbs
Louise is a Partner at Westview Investment Advisors, an investment management firm located in Burlington, VT. During the past decade she has contributed to the successful expansion of depth and reach of the firm. A lifelong Vermonter, she was born and raised in Shelburne and earned a degree in Economics from Saint Michael’s College. Throughout her life, Louise has been committed to meaningful community impact. She is familiar with Lund and was a supporter and participant in Lund’s inaugural Pitchin’ for a Purpose Cornhole Tournament at Airport Park. Lund’s mission to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, secure, and loving family is one that Louise shares. With two family members who were adopted, she has witnessed the profound and transformative journey of building families through adoption. Louise appreciates that no one adoption is the same, yet each adoption demonstrates the selflessness and generosity of all those involved, with the goal of each adoptee being able to flourish.
Zachary Key
Zachary Key MA, LCMHC has lived in Vermont for over 32 years and currently serves as an Assistant Director at the University of Vermont Counseling and Psychiatry Services Clinic. Zac began his work on the Lund Board in January of 2025 and is thrilled to be able to continue work that positively impacts Vermonters. Zac’s work history includes time at Laraway Youth and Family Services and other non-profit organizations where he developed a deep understanding of the complex needs of children and their families. Zac is a licensed clinical mental health therapist and has worked as an adjunct faculty member, consultant, and trainer around the state for business, organizations, and schools. Zac lives in Essex with his family.
Valerie Nikel
Valerie has known about and been interested in Lund since moving to Burlington to study at the University of Vermont. Spending time as a volunteer led her to join the Finance Committee and later transition to the Development Committee. Her professional experience includes marketing, research, and event planning, with the past 12 years of her career focused on Human Resources. Valerie spent several years working for the State of Vermont, has spent time in consulting, and is currently the Director of Human Resources at PedsOne. She lives in Williston with her family.
Meg O’Brien
Meg has been part of the client service team at Champlain Investment Partners, LLC in Burlington, VT since 2010. Prior to joining Champlain, Meg worked in operations management and customer service with Destination Hotels and Resorts. She also held positions in the nonprofit and development field, including Laraway Youth and Family Services. Meg graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Past board involvement and volunteer experiences includes the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Girls on the Run Vermont.
Kimberlee Phelps
Kimberlee is a Burlington native who returned to VT after some time living on the West Coast. Kim spent her entire career in the banking industry, retiring after more than 30 years with People’s United Bank as an SVP in Commercial Banking. She currently serves on the United Way of Northwestern Vermont’s Partner Funding Team and previously served on the board of the Burlington Chamber Orchestra. Kim has been aware of the important work that Lund provides to our community for decades and is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this team.
Hayden Pochop
Hayden Pochop has been an active supporter of Lund for years, beginning his involvement with a role on the Development Committee. A seasoned marketing professional, Hayden is a Senior SEO Manager at HawkSEM, specializing in helping organizations build online presence. With expertise in branding and communication strategies, Hayden has also consulted with nonprofits to expand their digital reach. As an adoptee himself, and with family members who have pursued adoption through Lund, Hayden brings a deeply personal connection to Lund’s mission. This lived experience drives his dedication to supporting Vermont families and children, regardless of circumstance.
Erin Regan
Erin is currently the Corporate Engagement Manager at United Way of Northwest Vermont. In this role, Erin works on developing new corporate relationships to leverage sponsorship and corporate gifts to support United Way programs. As a born and raised Vermonter, Erin is passionate about connecting the community to resources that will enhance their quality of life and the lives around them. Her passion for fundraising began in her youth and has been her professional path for almost 9 years. Prior to her role at the United Way, she was the Director of Development at ANEW Place, where she created the Celebration of Trees fundraising event, raising over $85,000 in the two years of its existence, which supported the agency’s efforts in helping adults experiencing homelessness in Chittenden County. She started her nonprofit path in the fall of 2016 at the American Cancer Society as a Community Manager, supporting volunteer-led events in various parts of Vermont, such as Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. As a person in long-term recovery from alcohol, she is interested in sharing her insights regarding substance misuse and recovery. Erin lives in Hinesburg and in her free time, she enjoys hiking Mount Philo, binging on HGTV, watching sports, learning languages, traveling domestically and internationally, and being outdoors with her wife and dog.
Emily Smith
Emily is deeply committed to strengthening systems that support children, families, and communities across Vermont. With a doctorate in lifespan developmental psychology, she has built her career around helping public health programs turn insight into action. Her work as the Director of Program Evaluation for the Division of Family and Child Health at the Vermont Department of Health, centers on listening to real voices partnering with government agencies, community organizations, and healthcare providers to understand what families need, create meaningful interventions, and make sure research leads to real results. Emily is grateful to continue being part of the Lund community and is committed to supporting its mission to help children and families thrive with dignity, compassion, and hope.
Maribeth Spellman
Maribeth Spellman is currently the Chief People Officer & General Counsel at Vermont Federal Credit Union. Prior to joining the Credit Union, Maribeth was the former Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer at Hickok & Boardman HR Intelligence. Maribeth began her career as a military officer and attorney, serving within the Department of the Army for over 15 years in numerous assignments both overseas and throughout the United States. She returned to Vermont in 2013, and was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources. Maribeth holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from The Catholic University of America. Maribeth serves as the Board Chair for Vermont Federal Foundation, which focuses on helping Vermonters prosper through building healthy communities. Maribeth lives in Burlington with her family.
Laura Taylor
Laura is the advisor to Private Health Management and has significant executive experience in change management, risk analysis, and strategic planning. Previously, Laura was Global Head of Client Delivery and Managing Director of Aon Inpoint. Laura was involved in Aon’s fundraising events supporting New Orleans post Katrina and NYC post 9/11. Laura is looking to give to the Vermont community by supporting the Lund board.
Lisa Tiffin
Lisa Tiffin is the Assistant Vice President of Government, Corporate & Foundation Relations for Champlain College, where she connects internal projects with external funding. She grew up in Rochester, NY, has lived in five states and two countries, and is focused on making an impact wherever she lands. Living in Vermont since 2021, she is pleased to align with Lund to serve the community. Lisa is Grants Professional Certified (GPC) and holds an MA from SUNY Brockport and a Doctorate of Executive Leadership (DEL) from the University of Charleston, WV. She lives in South Burlington and enjoys visiting her adult twins who live in North Carolina.
Anna Walls
Giving back through human services has long been Anna’s passion. As a senior in high school, she interned with the lead prosecuting attorney for the Department of Children and Families and since then has continually amplified her voice as an advocate for children. Anna has 15-plus years of experience in banking and finance, and in her current role oversees the customer experience at community-focused Mascoma Bank, a B Corp. This expertise informs her volunteer service, which includes supporting Lund’s development initiatives. Lund is dear to her heart, Anna says, as the organization helped shape her own family through adoption. She lives in Waterbury, Vt., with her husband, two children, and two cattle dogs.
Chris Yager
Chris Yager is a seasoned technology leader with nearly 30 years of experience leading software engineering organizations and currently serves as Head of Engineering at Upside. His expertise lies in scaling teams and systems through empowerment, thoughtful process design, and organizational transformation. He has served on multiple Vermont boards, including the Vermont Technology Alliance and the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, and has deep personal ties to Lund and its mission. Outside of work, you can find Chris in the woods (often off-trail, on purpose), playing board games, and going on spirited (and occasionally ridiculous) adventures with his family.
