The Whitingham Community Trust is led by a group of dedicated volunteers, all of whom live in the town of Whitingham.
Corey Carris Duncan
Corey is a Vermont-based musician, DJ, and community advocate with a passion for the arts and creative collaboration. As a performing musician, Corey has contributed to a variety of recording and performance projects, and is passionate about creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with music.
Emily Carris Duncan
Emily represents Windham-6 District (Whitingham, Wilmington, and Halifax) in the Vermont House of Representatives, where they serve on the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. As a resident of Whitingham, they bring a background as an award-winning textile artist, arts educator, and small business owner, and serve on the board of several nonprofit organizations. Emily is an advocate for the arts, making them a natural champion for the proposed performing arts and community center.
Christos Contakos
Christos is a local contractor with extensive experience in construction and renovations, and is also a talented audio/visual engineer. As a long-time member of the local after-school program board of directors, he brings valuable nonprofit leadership experience and a strong network within the regional arts community. His expertise in facilities, technical infrastructure, and event production will be instrumental in transforming the historic building into a vibrant community space.
Lynne Feal-Staub
Lynne brings 25+ years experience in grant writing and nonprofit administration, having secured and administered over $20 million of funding for a wide range of community-based initiatives throughout Vermont. She has a strong track record of developing successful proposals, cultivating relationships with funders and private donors, and managing complex projects. Her expertise will support fundraising and long-term sustainability as the project moves from vision to reality.
Elizabeth Hanlon
Elizabeth is an educator who teaches English to new Americans and brings a strong commitment to community connection and inclusion. Elizabeth is also a talented photographer with expertise in social media management and communication strategies. Her experience working with diverse learners and fostering welcoming environments will support the creation of an accessible, inclusive community space, while her digital skills will help to build awareness, engage community members, and tell the story of the project as it unfolds.
Kevin Hanlon
Kevin is a high school principal with extensive experience in building and district administration, operations, organizational management, and working with a variety of stakeholders for a shared purpose. He brings valuable skills in overseeing the day-to-day management of educational facilities, coordinating complex logistics, and ensuring the spaces are safe, functional, and welcoming for the people who use them. In his role as Building Administrator for the project, Kevin will coordinate the purchase and renovation of the building, oversee building systems and maintenance planning, and ensure the space is well-managed as it evolves into a vibrant community asset. As the Building Administrator, Kevin is not a voting Board member.
Susie Hanna
Susie is a designer, creative entrepreneur, and owner of Daisy Stone Studio, where she brings together thoughtful design, artistic vision, and a passion for creating memorable spaces and experiences. Susie has extensive experience in event planning (including a local multi-day music festival currently in its fifth year), design, and creative collaboration and will bring these skills to the project to shape the look, feel, and function of the space.
Tory Hanna
Tory is a certified planner (AICP) and musician who brings expertise in community planning, project development, and the performing arts. With experience in both professional planning and creative expression, Tory offers a unique perspective on creating inclusive, vibrant spaces. His knowledge of community engagement and talent recruitment will help support the development of a dynamic performing arts and community center.
Karen Hein
Karen brings extensive experience in medicine, public policy, philanthropy, and community leadership to the Whitingham Community Trust. A pediatrician and public health expert, Karen has led innovative health initiatives and held senior leadership roles in philanthropy and national health organizations. As a longtime member of the Whitingham community, Karen brings valuable experience in program development, collaboration, and community-building to the Trust’s efforts.
Emily Obringer
Emily is new to the Whitingham community and brings experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, funder relations, and community engagement to the Whitingham Community Trust. Her experience in developing resources and building relationships with donors and partners will support fundraising efforts.
Aysha Peltz
Aysha is a studio potter, educator, and community organizer. Aysha is a faculty member at Bennington College and recently served as the Arts Committee Chair for Whitingham Old Home Week, a townwide celebration bringing together over 800 people.