View from the Top

According to Vermont author Doug Wilhelm, friends and colleagues describe President Joyce Judy as earthy, real, and hard working. During our conversation with this extraordinary educator, you’ll find out that she is all of this and much more as we take a journey from her early years growing up on a working farm in New Hampshire to her long tenure as President of the Community College of Vermont.Joyce’s passion for bringing education and training to veterans, first-generation college students, working adults, incarcerated people, and everyone in between comes from her honest belief that navigating around scarcity and other challenges isn’t impossible if you can figure out how to utilize the many resources that are around you. This episode introduces you to an educator who has made it a personal mission to deliver the vast array of resources assembled by CCV through its community partners to help her students be personally and professionally successful.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected] at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

After just one year at the helm of the University of Vermont PACE Department, its Chief Officer Dr. Bettyjo Bouchey is making her presence felt, leading a team of energized professionals who are looking to broaden the impact of their continuing education and professional development programming outside of its Chittenden County footprint. This thoughtful and entertaining conversation brings us closer to knowing what initiatives were already working, and what collaborative programs are in the pipeline. And along the way we’ll learn a little bit about what brought this Oregon native back to the East Coast and how her extensive and impressive professional experience in both classroom-based and online learning is going to impact the existing and emerging needs of the Vermont workforce in programs like the UVM Summer Academy for high school students, and the PRIME program for members of the Vermont National Guard. Join us for a fascinating hour of conversation with one of Vermont’s newest and most influential post-secondary educational leaders.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

This episode of View from the Top brings the new Lieutenant Governor of the state of Vermont John Rodgers to our studio where host Bill Lucci sets a table for his listeners to feast upon the life lessons John has learned from living and working on the same farm that has been in his family for five generations; the importance of maintaining the culture and values of working-class Vermonters; his contributions to the legislature over the past sixteen years as a Democrat; and his departure across the aisle that led to his historic win in November to become the second most powerful leader in Montpelier.John's feelings about education reform, conservation, the environment, and the importance of laughter are served with the truth and honesty that have come to define him by friends and critics alike.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of View from the Top, listeners will meet Tom Cheney, Executive Director of Advance Vermont-MyFutureVT, an organization strategically tied to an initiative designed to connect Vermont students of all ages to employers, educational institutions, foundations, and government entities that facilitate access and enrollment in post-secondary opportunities. Tom’s track record of successfully connecting policy to practice comes from a career that started when as a young graduate from the University of Vermont he became the Chief of Staff for Vermont’s Speaker of the House which in a few short years led to him taking on the role of legislative assistant for Vermont Congressman and now U.S. Senator Peter Welch. Returning to Vermont as a senior official in the Shumlin administration provided Tom with a chance to put his education in political science, a family history of dedicated educators, and his love for community involvement together to build a conduit for education and workforce development. Spend some time learning about the good things that have happened since this soft-spoken Justice of the Peace married two partners who shared the same mission—educating Vermonters for a happy life and a rewarding career.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

For this episode of View from the Top we offer listeners an opportunity to catch up with a young Vermonter who is the very embodiment of grit, determination and positivity—Stefanie Schaffer. Critically injured during a dream vacation in the Bahamas in 2018, Stefanie has managed to cultivate during a long and painful recovery a perspective about living and dying. Stefanie’s “it is what it is” philosophy allows her to live every day like there will be lots of tomorrows because it fosters an ability to move on, to adapt, and to return to a state of perfect harmony. Our conversation also takes a few turns along the way to meet some of the players she encountered on her road to healing, all of whom encouraged her to write her book Without Any Warning: Casualties of a Caribbean Vacation. If you want to be inspired by someone who will prompt you to consider the things in your life that you might take for granted, and prompt you to appreciate and cherish what you have been given to lead a more fulfilled life, then spend an hour with Stefanie Schaffer.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

If you’ve ever listened to National Public Radio or Vermont Public, then you’ll recognize a voice that has graced the airwaves for many years, providing us with thoughtful analysis of topical issues and events that have impacted the lives of Americans and especially Vermonters for more than two decades. This episode of View from the Top has Jane Lindholm trading places with our host Bill Lucci as she shares verbal snapshots of her life as a student at Harvard, world traveler, reassuring radio host during Hurricane Irene and COVID, and now as the conduit for getting answers to the most vexing life questions facing kids. Come meet the person and personality whose work on Marketplace and Vermont Edition have made her peers and listeners dub her The Voice of VPR.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected] at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Episode # 16 features a conversation with Enoch Elwell, the creator of the Co.Starter program, a model curriculum for entrepreneurs that takes the MBA-speak out of a process that has brought thousands of startups from ideation to deployment all across America. Largely credited with creating a vibrant startup community in Chattanooga, Tennessee this program has since been successfully delivered in all kinds and sizes of towns and cities by engaged Co.Starter facilitators who are committed to breathing life into their local communities. Join us to learn more about Co.Starters and also about how Enoch’s passion for entrepreneurship and community engagement developed and still guides his life. Our conversation also includes a brief stop to hear about some amazing adult treehouses that he has created that might just have you booking your next vacation at Lookout Mountain in Flintstone, Georgia!Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

There was no autopilot set in the podcast cabin here at the HUB Co.Works during our visit with Aaron Blinka, Vice President of Planning at Cape Air! The short, sixty-minute flight took us on a trip across Aaron's fascinating career as an executive in the airline industry with several unplanned vectors in real estate sales, scuba diving, and jumping out of a plane--just once--an experience he shared with podcast host Bill Lucci. Check out what's on the radar screen for air travel in Rutland, Vermont on this edition of View from the Top!Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected] at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

This episode of View from the Top takes us on a journey with an extraordinary career journalist who has been selected as the navigator for one of Vermont’s most important newspapers, VT Digger. As its new CEO, Sky Barsch takes the reigns of a powerful digital publication that proudly proclaims as its mission “news in pursuit of truth.”Supported by an energetic and talented staff of reporters and marketers, Barsch is hell-bent in making Digger the go to source for all news—local and state—affecting the lives of her beloved state of Vermont. Take a closer look into what lies ahead for Digger while taking more than a peek at the life and times of one of Vermont’s most influential young newsmakers.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Episode #13 of A View from the Top features a wonderful conversation with Dan Roswell, the Network Administrator for Rutland City Public Schools who has an interesting unpaid side hustle as the President of Rutland Area Robotics and mentor for the First FRC IBOTS 2370 Team. As if being responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of the entire IT infrastructure for one of Vermont’s largest public-school districts doesn’t keep him busy enough, his passion for leading dozens of high school kids into the world of designing and building robots and then competing at national and world competitions has literally put Rutland and Vermont on the map. Dan takes us through what a design, build and compete calendar is like for him and his legion of volunteers but also gives us his insight into his perception of the impact that Representative Monique Priestley’s House Bill 121 would be in protecting the personal information of consumers that can be mined and exploited for advertising by tech giants all over the world. Take an unconventional journey where RoboCop meets Google here on our HUB Co.Works based podcast.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

View from the Top introduces us to Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. We invite you to meet this extraordinary young leader of one of Vermont’s most vibrant and innovative institutions of higher learning. During this hour-long podcast Alex takes us on his personal and professional journey in education from a classroom in Los Angeles, to administrative public-school posts in Oregon and California, and most recently a dean and Vice Provost appointment at the University of Virginia. His career path even includes having stints with J.P. Morgan and a connection with Disney’s Steamboat Ventures, Disney’s venture capital arm. Join us for an insider’s look at a transformative leader who has brought his passion for innovation and opportunity to the shores of Lake Champlain. Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

We invite you to listen in on a conversation with Vermont State Senator Brian Collamore. His visit to the HUB Co.Works studio took us on a a fascinating journey that detailed his career in radio broadcasting for many years with fellow Hall of Famer Jack Healey, officiating collegiate hockey, and for several terms making the trek to Montpelier to represent the citizens of Rutland County under the Golden Dome as its senior legislator. Even if you think you know Brian well, spend an hour getting to know him and his remarkable life a little bit more here on a View from the Top.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

What do you get when you invite an infamous retired meteorologist and a minor league baseball executive into the studio of the HUB Co.Works to sit for a session of View from the Top?  The answer is an hour of conversation which exposes their love of baseball, weather, and the people and life here in Vermont. Lend us your ears and meet CJ Knudsen, Senior Vice President of the Vermont lake Monsters, and Tom Messner, former NBC5 weatherman and now minority owner of the Vermont Lake Monsters and host of Vermont Startup News. Nothing but blue skies after joining us for an hour here on a View from the Top. Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Join host Bill Lucci and his guests, Bill Olsen, Superintendent for Rutland Public Schools and Michael Martin, Executive Director for the Rowland Foundation as they have a conversation that looks at some of the challenges facing education here in Vermont and how the Rowland Foundation along with participating schools like Rutland High School are encouraging innovative teachers to develop strategies that will create and positive change in the culture and climate of classrooms and schools here in Vermont. Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

In this captivating episode of “View from the Top,” we delve into the inspiring journey of Monique Priestley, a dynamic leader and advocate for community and consumer protections. Monique shares her experience working on the groundbreaking H121 legislation, a pivotal bill to safeguard Vermonters’ data. Through her passionate storytelling, listeners will gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of passing a strong consumer protection law amidst intense lobbying pressures. Additionally, Monique reflects on her multifaceted career, from founding The Space on Main, a vibrant coworking and community space in Bradford, Vermont, to her role in the Vermont Legislature. Join us for an engaging conversation highlighting the importance of community, resilience, and standing up for what’s right in the digital age.This episode was recorded before Governor Phil Scott vetoed the discussed bill. Learn more here.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of “View from the Top,” host Bill Lucci sits down with Scott Giles, President and CEO of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). Join us as Scott shares his journey from studying religious ethics to leading one of Vermont’s critical educational organizations. Learn about VSAC’s evolving role in supporting Vermonters of all ages through various educational and training pathways, including the new trades forgivable loan program and advancements in non-degree certifications. Scott discusses the impact of demographics on education, the significance of connecting students to career opportunities, and the vital support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. This insightful conversation sheds light on the challenges and innovations in Vermont’s education system, making it a must-listen for educators, students, and anyone interested in the future of education in the state.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

In this captivating episode of “View From The Top,” host Bill Lucci interviews Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent of the Slate Valley Unified School District. Brooke shares her inspiring journey from a science teacher in her hometown to becoming a leading figure in Vermont’s educational landscape. Listeners will gain insight into her dedication to education, the challenges she faced during a significant crisis, and her innovative approaches to improving staff resilience and student outcomes. This episode delves deep into the realities of modern education, touching on critical issues such as mental health, school safety, and the evolving role of public schools. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that highlights the triumphs and tribulations of a dedicated educator working to shape the future of Vermont’s schools.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Welcome to the latest episode of View from the Top! Today's conversation features Matt Dunne, the founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Matt is a visionary leader who aims to bridge the opportunity gap in rural America by fostering inclusive, tech-enabled economies in small towns nationwide through CORI.In this episode, we dive deep into Matt's journey, from his personal experiences growing up in a supportive rural community in Hartland, Vermont, to his pivotal role in empowering similar communities to thrive economically. We explore his efforts to counter the increasing divide between rural and urban areas since the Great Recession. Matt emphasizes the need to create a future-proof economy that transcends geographical boundaries.Matt's compelling narrative takes us through his time at Google, his insights into the tech economy, and his work with CORI to establish a network of 38 communities in 24 states. The mission is to build robust economies for rural America. His ultimate goal is to expand this network to 90 communities by 2026, representing a critical mass of the rural population.This conversation is not just about economic development; it's a testament to the power of local leadership, community collaboration, and the unyielding spirit of rural America. Join us as we unpack Matt's proudest moments, his take on the socio-economic challenges Vermont faces, and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that small-town America is not left behind in the tech revolution. It's an episode that promises to inspire and challenge our perspectives on the potential of rural innovation. Stay tuned for this transformative edition of View from the Top!Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of "View from the Top," Bill Lucci welcomes Dan Smith, President and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation, to discuss the transformative power of philanthropy in Vermont. Dan shares his journey from revitalizing Vermont Technical College to leading an organization managing over $400 million in assets, focusing on bridging the opportunity gap. He discusses critical societal issues such as workforce development, education, and the creation of resilient communities. Listen to Dan's vision of a thriving Vermont, where economic security enables civic engagement and how partnerships across sectors are critical to a sustainable future. Join the conversation to celebrate the collective spirit of Vermonters and the impactful role of philanthropy in fostering community strength and growth.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of "View from the Top," Bill Lucci welcomes Kevin Chu, the Executive Director of the Vermont Futures Project. Kevin discusses how his work impacts Vermont's evolving economy, highlighting how research and data analysis guide decisions to enhance Vermont. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for everyone, sharing his anecdotes, including his parents' immigration story. Kevin also talks about his unconventional path from environmental studies to economic development and his commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental and equity perspectives. Kevin's insights into Vermont's demographic challenges, such as declining high school graduates and the need for diversifying our population, are highlighted alongside his vision for the state's future. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on fostering an inclusive and thriving Vermont.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Dr. David Bergh, the President of Vermont State University, was a guest on Episode 2 of the "View From The Top" podcast. The show, hosted by Bill Lucci, discussed Dr. Bergh's journey to becoming a college president, his commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, and his plans for the future of VTSU. Dr. Bergh's discussion highlights his focus on direct student interaction, commitment to supporting underrepresented groups, and enthusiasm for collaborative planning. The podcast aims to provide insights and inspiration to the state's community by featuring influential leaders in various fields within Vermont.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.

Bill Lucci, the Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, recently interviewed Mike Pieciak, the Vermont State Treasurer. During the interview, they discussed Vermont's baby bonds program, Mike's perspective on Vermont's current situation, and his plans for the future. Mike also shared his background and explained what led him to be in the position he holds today.Recorded at The Hub CoWorks Podcast Studio, this show is presented by Bill Lucci, Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, and VTTSG Podcast Productions. The music used in this project is "Dirt Track" by Scott Holmes, which is available on the Free Music Archive.