WESTMINSTER, Vt. – On Sept. 23, Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children held its Annual Meeting of Trustees and Incorporators. On the heels of historic momentum and strategic transition for the residential and academic community, the board elected five new incorporators to three-year terms: Jahyde Bullard, of Pittsfield, Mass.; Deb Hamel Gay, of Hernando, Fla.; Bruce Maysilles, of Advance, N.C.; Heidi Schwieger, of Keene, N.H.; and Cynthia Staniszewski, of Swarthmore, Pa.
In addition, the board reelected seven incorporators to another term: Heather Hunter, of Grafton, N.H.; Lyssa Jackson, of Gansevoort, N.Y.; Shannon Nolan, of Boston, Mass.; Michael Obuchowski, of Montpelier, Vt.; Bob Swartz, of Keene, N.H.; David Therrien, of Alstead, N.H.; and Rennie Washburn, of West Chesterfield, N.H.
New trustees, to serve three-year terms, include Charles Kelsey, of New London, N.H.; and Shannon Nolan. Previous trustees Susan Johnson, of Walpole, N.H.; and Leslie Rennie-Hill, of Harwich, Mass., were re-elected to the position.
For officers and executive committee members serving one-year terms, Vice President Eric Velto, of Springfield, Vt.; and Chairman Jerry Bardwell, ’73, of Middleboro, Mass., were reelected. Toni Ciampaglione, of Keene, N.H., was appointed to serve as the new board president, with Charles Kelsey replacing her as treasurer. Diane Bazin, of Westminster, Vt., previous incorporator, was elected to serve as secretary. Retiring President Christopher Hackett, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., will remain on the board as a trustee.
Executive Director Sue Kessler, speaking to these newly elected and reelected incorporators, trustees, and officers, reflected on recent organizational realignment to better serve the children of Kurn Hattin, saying, “For 132 years, Kurn Hattin has weathered change, evolved with the times, and remained committed to our fundamental mission: transforming the lives of children and their families. We are still here. And we are still making a difference.”
Kessler also recognized Hackett for his “leadership and commitment” during his time as board president, especially in an “important period of transition.” Kurn Hattin staff, the “heart and soul” of the organization, were praised for their “compassion, dedication, creativity, and deep commitment to the children’s success.”
Another highlight of the afternoon was the official unveiling of a championship banner to celebrate Rezig Akot, ’25, and his outstanding 2025 track and field season. Akot became the 2025 Vermont Middle School State Champion in discus with a throw of 112 feet, 8 inches. His accomplishments, now represented in the Wheeler Gymnasium, will inspire the Kurn Hattin athletes who follow in his footsteps.
Marked by inspiring new leadership, the event represented exciting potential for Kurn Hattin and the power the organization has in transforming lives.