April 2024

VELCO Announces New Leadership Appointments: Karin Chamberlain as Director, and Cheryl Mullins as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

RUTLAND, Vt. – [April 12, 2024] Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) Board Chair Larry Reilly and President and CEO Tom Dunn announce the appointment of Karin Chamberlain as a new Director, and the unanimous election of Cheryl Mullins to the position of Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.

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Karin Chamberlain

As the Director of Impact Investing at Clean Yield Asset Management, VELCO’s newest VELCO Board member Karin Chamberlain brings with her a wealth of experience in sustainable investment, community engagement and Board service. Karin is responsible for developing and implementing Clean Yield’s Impact Investment strategy, focusing on alternative investments in regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, social justice and racial equity in Vermont and beyond. Her career in sustainable investing dates back to 1997, when she started as a social research intern at Trillium Asset Management while earning her master’s at Tufts University.

Karin expressed her enthusiasm for joining the VELCO Board, stating, "I am excited to serve on VELCO's Board and contribute to shaping the electric transmission industry’s future during this critical time of transition towards clean energy. I look forward to leveraging my skillsets as I learn more about the industry."

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Cheryl Mullins, Chief Human Resources Officer

Cheryl Mullins, previously serving as VELCO’s Senior Director of Human Resources, steps into her new role as Vice President where she will continue to spearhead initiatives that foster a collaborative, innovative, and highly engaged work environment. Cheryl brings decades of experience in human resources management and corporate culture advancement, with the last four years dedicated to VELCO. Prior to joining VELCO, Cheryl served as the HR Director at Middlebury College. Cheryl holds a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University, and is SHRM-SCP certified. She resides in Orwell with her husband and is a proud parent of two grown children. 

Reflecting on Cheryl’s appointment, Tom Dunn, remarked, "We are thrilled to recognize Cheryl's exceptional contributions by promoting her to this key leadership role. In just four years, she has demonstrably improved HR competencies, relationships, and a culture of Belonging across the organization. Her extensive human resources experience, combined with her deep understanding VELCO and her talent for leading positive change, will be invaluable as we continue to attract, develop, and retain top talent. This promotion is well-deserved!"

Expressing her gratitude, Cheryl stated "I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by the Board and Tom. I'm grateful to be part of such a mission-driven organization with a dedicated and talented team. I'm excited to continue building a strong and supportive work environment where our employees can thrive and contribute their best."

Board Chair Larry Reilly praised both individuals as accomplished leaders, highlighting Karin's expertise in sustainable investment and Cheryl's rich background in human resources management. "Karin's background in sustainable investment adds valuable perspective to our Board, and Cheryl's 40 years of experience in human resources management make her an excellent addition to VELCO’s officer team. We welcome them both and are confident that their unique and collective contributions will strengthen VELCO’s performance and advance its strategic vision for a brighter energy future.”

 

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About VELCO: 

Vermont Electric Power Company: (VELCO) is Vermont’s statewide electric transmission provider, with our sights set on creating a sustainable Vermont through our people, assets, relationships and operating model. Formed in 1956 when local Vermont utilities established the nation’s first “transmission only” company to access clean hydro power from New York, VELCO’s system now includes: 740 miles of transmission lines, 55 substations, switching stations and terminal facilities, 13,000 acres of rights-of-way and a growing 1,500-mile fiber optic network that monitors and controls the electric system and serves as a key link for Vermonters’ high-speed data internet access. We are owned by the state’s 17 distribution utilities and a benefit corporation. VELCO is a for-profit company with a financial structure designed to return value to our owners, their customers, and to every Vermonter. For more information please visit our website at www.velco.com.