From press release
The Snelling Center for Government is pleased to announce that Wayne Maceyka Jr. and Abbey Willard, both of Hinesburg, have graduated from the Vermont Leadership Institute. The Class of 2023 celebrated with family members, colleagues and friends in attendance at graduation on June 3 at Basin Harbor in Vergennes.
Maceyka is currently the Senior Business Outreach Professional at the University of Vermont Office of Engagement. Willard is currently the Development Division Director at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
As participants in the Vermont Leadership Institute (VLI), Maceyka and Willard joined 23 other leaders from around the state for a unique series of eight overnight sessions designed to foster meaningful relationships and explore some of the most important issues facing Vermont. With session themes including personal leadership adaptation, complex systems thinking, public policy, innovation, and leadership paradigms that actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion for all Vermonters, the program challenges and supports participants to develop self-awareness and acquire knowledge and skills that result in strong, effective leadership and thoughtful action.
With graduation as the culmination of the VLI journey, this year’s keynote address was delivered by Gus Seelig, Executive Director of Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Seelig reflected on leadership throughout history, making connections between historical movements and the ongoing work today. He encouraged the group to keep working and continuing to make progress.