WEST LEBANON — A number of organizations serving Upper Valley residents have hired new leaders or are in the process of undergoing leadership transitions.
Some leaders have retired while others have moved on to other opportunities. Here’s a look at where they stand.
Senior Solutions hires new executive director
Senior Solutions, a Springfield, Vt.-based organization that assists older adults in 46 towns, primarily in Windsor and Windham counties, has hired a leader.
Trisha Paradis, who currently serves as executive director of the Springfield Family Center, will succeed Mark Boutwell, who is set to retire in August after leading the organization for about five years.
“I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside staff, volunteers, community partners, and the people we serve to ensure Senior Solutions continues to provide exceptional support and services throughout our region,” Paradis, of Chester, Vt., said in a June 11 news release.
Senior Solutions provides a variety of services including case management, caregiver support programs and a helpline people can call to be connected with different services throughout the region.
Paradis will oversee a staff of roughly 40 employees and an approximately $5 million budget, which is funded by a mix of state, federal and town contributions, in addition to donations.
“(Paradis) brings a collaborative leadership style, a deep appreciation for the communities we serve, and a genuine commitment to listening and building relationships,” Senior Solutions Board President JoAnne Blanchard said in the release.
Paradis will join Senior Solutions in mid-July and overlap with Boutwell for a few weeks, said Renee Woliver, communications and data director at Senior Solutions.
Woodstock Foundation promotes vice president to lead Billings Farm & Museum
The Woodstock Foundation, the parent organization of Billings Farm & Museum, has promoted the working farm’s executive vice president to the top leadership role.
Frances McLaughlin replaces David Simmons, who has retired after 12 years at the Woodstock-based nonprofit organization, according to a news release.
Prior to joining Billings Farm & Museum 18 months ago, McLaughlin served as executive director of the Farm & Wilderness Foundation and Farm & Wilderness Conservation in Plymouth, Vt. Her first day as executive director was June 1.
“She brings tremendous experience and thoughtful leadership to this position,” The Woodstock Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Sligar said in the release.
Billings Farm & Museum has about 80 employees during its peak seasonal season, according to the release. It has a working dairy farm, hands-on programs for children, art exhibitions and other events.
Lake Sunapee VNA hires new leader
Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, which serves residents in 26 towns in New Hampshire’s Grafton, Merrimack and Sullivan counties, has hired a new CEO and president.
Andrea Patrick-Baudet will begin her new role June 22, according to a news release from the New London-based nonprofit organization. She replaces James Culhane, who has led the organization for 11 years and is the new leader of Granite VNA, a Concord-based nonprofit organization.
Patrick-Baudet has previously served as chief executive officer at Franklin County Home Health Agency and as executive director at Homestead Senior Living, in St. Albans, Vt.
The Lake Sunapee Region VNA had $10.2 million in expenses in 2025, according to its annual report. The majority of its funding comes from Medicare.
Lake Sunapee Region VNA, which employs 110 people, provides hospice care and other at-home nursing services, in addition to health care services throughout the community, including foot care clinics.
Advance Transit searches for new leader
Advance Transit, a White River Junction-based nonprofit organization that provides free transportation services in seven Upper Valley towns, is searching for a new executive director.
Teri Palmer, who joined the organization in January, left her role in May, according to a May 22 news release. The organization did not share a reason for Palmer’s departure, stating in the news release that Palmer and AT “have mutually agreed to part ways.”
Palmer replaced Adams Carroll, who had served as executive director since 2022. Carroll replaced longtime leader Van Chestnut who retired after leading the organization for 35 years.
The nonprofit’s board of directors appointed Chief Operations Officer Ashley Manning, to serve as interim executive director.
As of mid-June, AT has not started a search for a permanent leader, Manning said in a Tuesday email.
