Staff
Faith I. Brown, Interim Executive Director
Faith joined Smart Growth Vermont in January 2011 to guide the Board in determining the future of Smart Growth Vermont. Before working with us, Faith served as Vice President for Finance and Operations at the Vermont Community Foundation and was later named Executive Vice President and Interim CEO. During her time with VCF, Faith guided her team through a tripling of Foundation assets over a nine year period and was also responsible for spearheading the development and growth of the VCF’s mission investing, which includes Vermont Investments, shareholder activism, and the creation of a socially responsive investment pool. Faith is passionate about working for an organization that integrates its mission in every facet of its work. Faith is a Vermont native and received her B.S. in Public Health Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and her MBA from the University of Vermont. Prior to joining the VCF she was employed in health care administration for 17 years. Faith and her partner, Jennifer, live in Underhill with their much-loved dogs and cats, and they relish outdoor activities that bring them in contact with Vermont’s natural beauty.
Serena Parnau, Office Manager & Development Assistant
Serena has joined Smart Growth Vermont with a background in Nonprofit Management and years of experience working with various nonprofit organizations. A former resident of Colorado, Serena was instrumental in forming a farmers market in the community where she lived as well as developing a Community Volunteer Guide. While obtaining an undergraduate degree at Western State College, Serena also created a county-wide Renters Rights Guide. Additionally, she received a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon. Serena, her husband Chris, and their daughter Lily, enjoy spending time outdoors.
Board of Directors
Smart Growth Vermont has an active and dedicated board who represent all areas of the state. The diverse backgrounds of our board members ensure that growth, development, conservation, and smart solutions are available in all of Vermont’s dynamic economic sectors. Members include:
John Ewing, Burlington, Founder
Lawrence E. Gubb, II, Londonderry
Peter Helmetag, Dorset
Tracy Himmel Isham, Cornwall
Bill Roper, Weybridge
Robin Poole-Scheu, Middlebury, Board Chair
Ellen Strauss, Warren
Don Webster, Brattleboro
For complete bios of our Board members, visit our Board of Directors page.