Howard Center’s Board of Trustees elected new trustees, officers, and several current trustees to new three-year terms at its recent annual meeting.
The board is welcoming new members Abe Berman, Michael Bradshaw, Patrick Brown, Dr. Jessica O’Neil, Cassie Polhemus, and Cyndee Cochrane Sturtevant who bring a broad range of experience and expertise, as well as a deep commitment to Howard Center’s mission.
Returning board members Yves Bradley and John McSoley have been re-elected for additional three-year terms. The board also elected the following officers:
- President, Michael Couture
- Vice President, Heather Blackman
- Treasurer, John McSoley (continuing)
- Secretary, Karen Tyler
“We are honored to welcome these new trustees to our Board,” said Sandy McGuire, CEO. “Each brings valuable expertise and a deep commitment to Howard Center’s mission. Their expertise and perspectives will strengthen our work as we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our clients, staff, and community,” added McGuire.
Howard Center’s board represents the community it serves, combining lived experience and professional expertise, to support the organization’s mission by guiding its strategic direction, ensuring fiscal health, and acting as ambassadors for its work.
New Board Members
Abe Berman is the chief financial officer of Tapestry Health, a national leader in tech-enabled primary care. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare finance and strategic leadership, he has partnered with providers across the care continuum to advance Vermont’s healthcare system and improve patient outcomes through innovative, data-driven care models and value-based payment strategies.
Michael Bradshaw is director of sales & marketing at Great Eastern Radio, Vermont’s largest independently owned radio group, and a longtime community advocate for mental health awareness and access to care. He has more than 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and community engagement.
Patrick Brown is the founder and executive director of the Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center, where he has been a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also teaches at the University of Vermont and serves on several community boards. Patrick is returning to serve on the board, having previously held a board role, and he continues his decades-long work building equity, connection, and community.
Dr. Jessica O’Neil, DO, MS is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine and a psychiatrist at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She is passionate about expanding access to mental health services and strengthening relationships across Vermont’s behavioral health system.
Cassie Polhemus recently retired as chief executive officer of the Vermont Economic Development Authority after a 40-year career in financial services. She remains active in Vermont’s entrepreneurial and community development sectors and serves on several nonprofit and advisory boards, with a focus on collaboration and well-being.
Cyndee Cochrane Sturtevant returns to the Howard Center Board after previously serving from 2015 to 2024. With a background in finance, education, and human resources, she has held leadership roles in public, private, and nonprofit settings, including previously serving as board officers on the Howard Center and Lund boards.
As part of this transition the board extends appreciation to outgoing members Daniel Calder, Kelly Deforge (past president), Amanda Peden, and State Representative Trevor Squirrell for their years of service and leadership to advance access to mental health, substance use treatment, and developmental services for Vermonters.
To read the full biographies of all board members, visit howardcenter.org/about-us/leadership-board.