Donny Bazluke is a Network and Security Analyst at the Vermont State Colleges – Office of the Chancellor. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Security and Forensics. A lifelong Vermonter, he is now learning the skills of a network administrator and is also committed to ever increasing the information security posture of the Vermont State Colleges.
Alexandra Bergeron is a software engineer and database specialist for OC IT. Part of her duties include database analysis and developing new software solutions facilitating workflow for our colleges’ team members. She joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2015 bringing with her 25 years of experience in computer technology, having worked with organizations like Honeywell, Southwest Kidney Institute, Arizona Department of Transportation, Logibec, and more. As a proud new owner of land in Vermont, Alex is enjoying some of her favorite passions, architectural design and property engineering.
Jonathan Black is a System Administrator for the Chancellor’s Office, he has worked here since 2015. He has an AS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Vermont Technical College as well as a BS in Computer Information Systems from Champlain College.
Jill Carroll is a Colleague Specialist in the Chancellor’s Office IT Department (OCIT). Her main responsibilities include supporting Ellucian’s Colleague in the student area, interface development between Colleague and third party software, and Colleague integration processing. Jill has over 25 years experience working with higher education administrative Information systems, with 18 years of programming/analyst experience working with Ellucian’s Colleague software. She has a BA in Business Administration from Rutgers College, Rutgers University. Jill is also a Yankees and NY Giants fan.
Kevin Conroy is the Chief Information Officer. His over 25 years of engineering and information systems experience in healthcare, education and the private sector includes integrating information technology into all aspects of mission and business. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Norwich University and Master of Public Administration from Marist College. He enjoys design and installation of solar electrical systems and teaching as an adjunct professor of engineering and technology.
Emily Crone is a Systems Analyst for the VSCS. She earned her B.S. in Communications and Computer Science at SUNY-Brockport, and she is working toward her M.S. in Cybersecurity Forensics at Norwich University. Before Emily’s move to the VSCS, she was a programmer at Norwich. Emily lives in Roxbury with her husband and many pets.
Doug Eastman is the Director of Information Technology. Before coming to the Chancellor’s Office Doug spent 20 years at Johnson State College/NVU, including 12 years as Registrar. Doug earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Springfield College. In his spare time Doug enjoys spending time on Cape Cod with his family and playing ice hockey.
Jedediah Hock is the Lead Systems Administrator in the Chancellor’s Office. He manages numerous servers and applications including ImageNow, ServiceDesk, EMS, PGP, and SQL servers as well as providing local helpdesk support to the Chancellor’s Office. He joined the VSCS in September 2006 after working for 5 years at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY as a System Administrator. Jedediah graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2001 with a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science and completed an MS in Information Technology from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY in 2004. He lives with his family in Montpelier.
Mary Knapp is the Information Security Officer for VSC. She earned her Master’s degree in Information Security from Norwich University in 2016 and earned her B.S. in Computer Science from Augusta University in Georgia, where she grew up. She now lives in Northfield with her family and likes to spend her free time fishing, skiing, hunting, camping, and cooking. She volunteers at Northfield Elementary school in the spring and fall as a running coach for the Bridges program.
Richard Lee is a Lead Systems Analyst in the Chancellor’s Office. He has worked full time for the Vermont State Colleges System since 1973. Richard brews beer in his spare time.
Tom Maguire is Director of Network Services and has managed the Vermont State Colleges’ state-wide network infrastructure for over 25 years, including WAN, Internet, Internet2 and 3rd party collaborations. He works closely with IT staff at all of the colleges, ensuring that the network is designed to support the needs of students, faculty, and staff. Access to system-wide resources and the Internet is centrally located, making a robust, reliable network infrastructure critical. Under Tom’s leadership, the network has evolved from a simple point-to-point to a fully-redundant architecture that includes multiple paths to the Internet, I2 and WAN circuits to our colleges. Tom began his career at GTE Government systems in Needham, Ma., working in IT/Network support roles in both the manufacturing and engineering organizations. He holds a BS in CIS and an MBA, both from Bentley University.
Michael Martel is the Director of Data Center Administration for the Vermont State Colleges Office of the Chancellor. Michael joined the VSCS in 1994 after his graduation from VTC, and has been an integral part of the Information Technology staff since his arrival. In his free time, Michael can be found with his dogs or on the coast of Maine.
Bob Noble learned programming in college before it was called Computer Science. He has been an application programmer for 40 years. Bob has been a part of the Chancellor’s Office for 26 years.
Meg Walz is the Project Manager. Meg joined the VSCS in 2013, after moving to Vermont from North Carolina.
The department manages and oversees finance, accounting, facilities management, human resources, payroll, fiscal reporting, internal and external audits, and the pro-forma development and implementation of the operating and capital budgets for the system.
Staff monitor all financial accounts, budgets and financial conditions for compliance with national accounting standards, budgetary and policy requirements and plans; direct the implementation and ongoing maintenance of automated financial systems, system controls and user training and support; coordinate and develop the annual financial statements and provide system office financial and business office support functions.
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Shannon Billings serves the VSCS as a Business Services Assistant. Her duties include working with the Accounts Receivable Team and Grant Managers within the System. She joined the VSCS in 2018 after 22 years managing the financial operations of a small construction company. Shannon received her BS in accounting from Thomas College in Waterville, ME. In her free time, you will find Shannon with her Quarter Horse, Skylar, practicing the art of horsemanship.
Lea Collins joined the VSCS in 2008 and works in the Finance Department performing a variety of financial functions. Her previous employment included 12 years with a commercial real estate appraisal firm. She enjoys being outdoors and especially likes bird watching and snowmobiling. She also sings on the worship team at her church. Lea and her husband live in Williamstown and find time to spend with their family, which includes two grandsons.
Linda Davis joined the Chancellor’s Office from Johnson State College, where she spent over nine years. In addition to accounts payable, Linda has a depth of knowledge and understanding of many other important aspects of the Vermont State Colleges, such as student financial services. Linda is passionate about employee wellness and served as the Wellness Coordinator at Johnson State College for several years. Prior to her VSCS experience, Linda and her family owned three successful businesses in the Cambridge, VT area.
Dick Ethier is the VSCS Director of Facilities. He started working for the VSCS system in 1973 at Vermont Technical College. In 1989 he became the VTC Director of Physical Plant. He held that position until 2004, when he came to the Chancellor’s Office as Director of Facilities. Dick lives in Braintree with his wife and in his spare time enjoys collecting and working on antique cars and tractors.
Sheilah M. Evans is the Systems Controller & Senior Director of Financial Operations. She joined the Chancellor’s Office in July 2016 after 9 years in a similar role at Lyndon State College and 2 years at Johnson State College. Her previous experience includes positions in finance and accounting primarily in manufacturing corporations, as well as several years in the public accounting sector. Sheilah earned her BS from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and her MBA from Plymouth University. She resides in Danville with her family and farm animals.
Brenda Flint is the Director of Business Services. Among other responsibilities, she works very closely with accounts payable and accounts receivable. Brenda worked at Vermont Tech where she spent eight years working in the business office. Her prior experience includes accounting and human resources in an engineering firm and health insurance organization. Brenda lives in Brookfield with her husband and daughter and enjoys running and Spartan races.
Chassidy King joined the VSCS in June 2017 and works in the Accounts Payable Department. Chassidy lives in Fletcher with her husband and children where they own a maple sugaring business. In her spare time, Chassidy loves NASCAR races, gardening, and spending time with friends.
Tracy Sweet is a Payroll Specialist for the VSCS system. She joined the VSCS in 1990, starting at CCV in the business office. She worked as an accounts receivable clerk for five years before moving to payroll, eventually becoming CCV’s payroll director. Tracy joined the Chancellor’s Office in her current role in 2005. She has an associate’s degree in accounting from Champlain College.
Betsy Ward is the Grants Compliance Officer for the VSCS System. She splits her time between the Chancellor’s Office and the VSCS institutions, where she works with faculty, administrators, and staff who are developing grant proposals or managing grants. She has a BA in English and an MA in American Studies, both from Utah State University. She has spent most of her career in higher education, with previous positions at the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Poland and an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in rural Washington State. She lives in Burlington with her family.
Steve Wisloski is VSC’s Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office in 2016, he served as Vermont’s Deputy State Treasurer, where oversaw the State’s investment and debt management programs. Steve also worked for The PFM Group for twelve years advising state and local governments in municipal finance, and served in the U.S. Air Force as an acquisition program manager. Steve lives in South Burlington with his wife and two sons. He has a BS in Political Science from MIT, which he attended on an ROTC scholarship.
Ashley Kellett is the Associate Director of Human Resources. She manages retirement and benefits administration, serving as a liaison with carriers, staff and faculty. She assists the Director of HR on compliance, HIPPA, ADA, FMLA, and other tasks and works with the Director of Payroll & Employee Services on crossover information. She holds an MA in counseling from Johnson State College, a BA in English from UVM, and is certified by the Society for Human Resources as a Certified Professional in HR. She was also a licensed Realtor in Vermont prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office in 2008. Ashley serves on the board of her daughter’s preschool and is an Institutional Representative for Vermont Women in Higher Education.
Hakeem Nuru assists in benefits administration, employee training and data analysis as Employee Services Specialist. Most recently a human resources analyst with the Louisville Metro Government, this new addition to the team holds an MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Elmhurst College and a BA in Psychology from the University of Louisville. During his graduate studies, Hakeem functioned as an organizational development consultant in the Chicago area, working with both public and private sector clients.
As Director of Human Resources for the Vermont State Colleges since 1999, Nancy Shaw serves as a resource for the colleges in the system for labor and employee relations, classification and compensation, training, compliance, and benefits administration and design. Nancy has been in the field of human resources for over 25 years and was previously employed at the Howard Center for Human Services and The Shelburne Museum.
Sophie Zdatny is the General Counsel for the Vermont State Colleges System. She represents and provides legal advice to the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor’s Office, and the member institutions. She joined the Chancellor’s Office in August 2014, following fifteen years in private practice litigating cases and two years clerking for a federal judge. She taught several classes at West Virginia University’s College of Law, prior to moving to Vermont in 2008. She previously served as the President of the Vermont Bar Foundation and she currently sits on the Vermont Board of Bar Examiners. She is a member of the Central Vermont American Inns of Court. She has a BA in Political Science from Wellesley College and a J.D. from West Virginia University.
Todd Daloz is Associate General Counsel for the Vermont State Colleges. He provides a wide range of legal services for the Chancellor’s Office and the state colleges. Before joining VSC in December 2016, Todd spent five years working at the Vermont Attorney General’s Office representing the State in a variety of cases. He also spent two years as a law clerk for the Hon. Marilyn Skoglund of the Vermont Supreme Court. A native of the Northeast Kingdom, Todd received a BA in History from Oberlin College and a JD from UC Hastings College of the Law. He currently serves on the board of the Vermont Humanities Council and is a member of the Board of Bar Examiners.
Susan Law is the Investigator for the Vermont State College System. As such, she serves as the primary investigator on complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking involving students, employees and third parties, as well as handling employment, whistle-blower and other investigations. Prior to coming to the VSC, Susan was an officer for U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services in Maine, where she conducted pretrial and presentence investigations, and drafted reports for the U.S. Courts. Susan, who has family in Vermont, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended Shippensburg University, where she received her B.A. in Psychology and Political Science. She went on to earn her J.D. from Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts, and had the opportunity to complete an internship at the Vermont Conservation Law Foundation. In her free time, Susan enjoys making ice cream, visiting goat farms, and rockhounding.
In addition to our departments, Chancellor’s Office staff are responsible for several other areas of work, including academic affairs, Board of Trustees support, grants administration, institutional research, and legislative affairs.
Tricia Coates is the Director of External and Governmental Affairs. She is the VSCS’ chief liaison to the Vermont Legislature and develops and maintains meaningful alliances with stakeholders in the business, government, education, non-profit, and philanthropic communities in support of the mission and work of the VSCS. Tricia joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2015 after serving for eight years as State Director for Congressman Peter Welch. Tricia is a former high school history teacher. She has a BA in history from St. Michael’s College and an MAT from Union College. She lives in Jericho with her family.
Patroklos Karantinos is the Director of Institutional Research, and leads the prioritization and development of new data for strategic analysis and decision-making at the colleges and for the system. Patroklos has experience in strategic program development, including programs for veterans and international admissions, via the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, where he also earned an MBA. He has a previous master’s degree and background in finance in Greece.
Jen Porrier is the Administrative Director to the Office of the Chancellor. She provides support and management to the Chancellor, Leadership staff and the Board of Trustees. Prior to coming to the Chancellor’s Office Jen worked for IBM for 18 years, most recently as Business Operations Specialist for Watson Health. Jen earned a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Nevada, Reno and is excited to be back in the world of Academics. She lives in Montpelier with her husband.
Juan Zhang is the VSCS Institutional Research Analyst. She has primary responsibility for the IPEDS and other required reporting and is working to transform routine operational reporting needs across all the colleges. Juan was a data analyst at Cathedral Square in Burlington, Vermont where she was responsible for creating an internal data warehouse, developing reports, assuring data quality and integrity, and conducting outcomes evaluation for grants. She has a master’s degree in public administration from UVM and a second master’s of economics in information economy from the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, China.
Yasmine Ziesler serves as the VSCS Chief Academic Officer. She supports the work of the Education, Personnel, and Student Life (EPSL) Committee of the Board and works closely with several VSCS-wide teams including academic deans, institutional research, registrars, teaching and learning technologies, and advising technology. Prior to coming to the Chancellor’s Office in 2015, Yasmine served as Dean of Technology and Associate Academic Dean for first year programs at Castleton University, and she began her VSCS career at the Community College of Vermont Burlington site as an academic coordinator in 2003. Yasmine received her Ph.D. in anthropology from Boston University and was a Fulbright English teacher in the Republic of Korea in 1995-1996.
