From the Shumlin operation:
Gov. Elect Peter Shumlin announced today the appointment of Dr. Harold (Hal) Colston as Executive Director of the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service. The Commission, with a state-administered $2 million grant from the federal government, coordinates Americorps National service programs and other volunteer and community services across Vermont.
Colston is currently executive director of the nonprofit organization NeighborKeepers, and is an adjunct professor at Champlain College, where he lectures about building community through volunteerism. He previously serviced as diversity coordinator at the Howard Center in Burlington, and is the founder of the Good News Garage in Burlington, which has been featured in several national media outlets.
This is a terrific appointment. Colston has received national recognition for his work (see his feature on Oprah).
The following video is worth a review to get a sense of what Colston brings to the table:
Peter could not have done better here. Hal will bring a fresh new perspective along with a history of social entrepreneurship, directly supporting AmeriCorps members and an understanding of how to engage Vermonters in solving problems.
I have served with Dr. Colston on several Burlington task forces and boards, and he brings incredible insight to every effort in which he participates. Community Service and community organizing are Hal’s forte. Great choice!