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Our Team

Our employee-owners value the refreshing ability to think creatively and possess, on average, 30 years of investment or trust-related experience. This exceptional team of trust professionals was attracted to the concepts of independence and empowerment and to the opportunity to design a company that reflects their philosophy.

Meet Our Team Members:

Brattleboro

Angela K. Bowman

Chief Operating Officer

Fiduciary Taxes
Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Angela is the Chief Operating Officer at Trust Company of Vermont. She works with clients as a relationship manager and focuses on increasing efficiencies throughout the company. Angela has over 20 years of experience in trust administration and working with clients to ensure their goals are met. She resides in West Chesterfield, NH with her husband and son, and enjoys cheering on her son, house renovations, and spending time with her family.

Western New England College, B.A.
Graduate Cannon Trust School
Trust, estate and tax experience since 2004

Paul Copeland, CFA

Vice President

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

Paul has extensive experience in financial management and is part of our investment management team. He moved from the Boston area in 2006 and is a board member of the International Fellowship House. Paul resides in West Chesterfield, NH with his wife and children. They enjoy playing tennis, biking, basketball, and board games in their free time.

Wheaton College, B.A.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
Portfolio Manager since 2013
Financial Industry experience since 1998
Equity and fixed income research

Lisa Edwards

Trust Officer

Account Administration

Lisa is an essential part of the administrative support team in the Brattleboro office. She joined Trust Company of Vermont with 18 years of experience leading the fee revenue team at TD Wealth Management. Lisa and her husband Joe reside in Vernon, and much of her free time is spent with her grandchildren or cruising on vacation.

Trust banking experience since 1994

Bobi Flynn

Vice President & Founder

Fiduciary Taxes
Trust Administration

Bobi is an enrolled agent who leads the fiduciary tax department at Trust Company of Vermont. With experience in trust taxation and the administration of trusts and estates, she is passionate about her work and is one of the company’s founding members. Bobi is one of the original founders and a resident of Newfane, Vermont. She enjoys outdoor activities like dog agility, kayaking, hiking, and skiing with her beloved Brittney Spaniel, Willow.

William Patterson College, B.A.
Graduate of the Williams College Trust School
Trust, tax and operations experience since 1974
Enrolled Agent (qualified to testify before the IRS)

ANGIE E. Freeman

Vice President & Founder

Operations

Angie is the Operations Department head. She was one of the Founders of Trust Company of Vermont and has worked in operations for her entire career. Angie and her husband Jim reside in Vernon and are working towards visiting every National Park in the United States.

Champlain College
Trust operations experience since 1984

Read Andrea’s personal profile. (2005)

Kelly L. Gagnon, CTFA

Trust Administrator

Trust Administration
Trust & Estate Settlement

Kelly is a trust administrator, with expertise in probate matters. With 25 years in financial institutions, including nine in trust operations and administration, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to Trust Company of Vermont. When she’s not at work, you can find her cheering on her kids at school events, volunteering in her community, or planning her next Disney vacation.

Greenfield Community College, A.S.
Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA)
Graduate Cannon Financial Institute
Trust Administration and Retail Banking since 1998

Katie Gardner

Trust Officer

Financial Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration

Katie is a trust administrator with a focus on financial planning for her clients. She joined Trust Company of Vermont after gaining experience in financial planning while working for a wealth management company in England. Katie previously worked as a nurse, specializing in Pulmonary and Rheumatology medicine. She lives with her family in Keene, NH, where she enjoys watching her son play soccer and camping in York, Maine.

Kaplan College of Financial Planning
Planning experience since 2018

Todd Gray

Vice President

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
Compliance

Todd is a seasoned member of our investment management team. His experience in investment research, strategy, and portfolio management spans a long career that includes two appointments as Chief Investment Officer. Since 1986, Todd has managed money for individuals, corporations, government entities, and non-profit organizations. He and his wife Karen live in Keene, NH.

University of Maine, B.S., Business Administration
Husson College, M.S., Business Management
Graduate of the ABA National Trust School
Equity & fixed income management & research
Portfolio Manager since 1985

Timberly Grout, CTFA, AEP

Vice President

Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Timberly is responsible for overseeing all aspects of client relationships, bringing with her over three decades of experience in wealth management. Though she’s still a “Vermonter” at heart, she now lives in Northfield, MA with her husband. When she’s not working, Timberly enjoys baking, golfing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with horses.

Greenfield Community College, A.S.
Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA)
Graduate Cannon Trust School
Accredited Estate Planner (AEP)
Trust administration and estate planning experience since 1989

Lori Miller

Trust Operations Officer

Operations

Lori is a valuable member of the Operations Department. With over a decade of experience in trust operations, Lori provides essential support to the company. During her free time, she enjoys exploring nearby trails and reading books from her town library.

Wilson College
Community College of Vermont
Trust operations experience since 1990

Kathy Patenaude

Office Manager

Office Management
Audit Clerk

Kathy is the office manager for the Brattleboro location and provides administrative support across the company. She has over 20 years of experience in trust work and has been with the Trust Company of Vermont since its early days. Kathy lives with her husband in Brattleboro and their three daughters are also nearby. In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys reading, watching football games, and spending time with family and friends.

American Institute of Banking
Trust operations experience since 1998
Retail banking experience since 1988

Jennifer Rowe, ESQ.

Vice President 

Fiduciary Taxes
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Jenny is an attorney and trust officer at our Brattleboro Office. She has over ten years of private practice experience in estate planning, taxation, and trusts. Before law school, she was an academic and teacher of writing and literature. She lives with her husband in Brattleboro and enjoys their old house and a garden that always has room for one more plant.

Amherst College, B.A.
Columbia University, Ph.D.
Albany Law School, J.D.
Estate planning and taxation experience since 2011

Crystal Winn

Trust Operations Specialist

Operations

Crystal is a valued member of our operations team, using her prior experience in education accounting to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She lives in Chesterfield, NH with her partner and enjoys scrapbooking, crafting, and going to concerts in her free time.

Champlain College B.S.
Accounting and retail banking experience since 2003

Burlington

Jeanne C. Blackmore, Esq.

Vice President

Trust Counsel
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
New Business Development

Jeanne provides in-house counsel and loves working with clients and their attorneys to achieve their estate planning goals. Before joining Trust Company of Vermont, Jeanne managed the estate planning practice at a large Burlington law firm for many years and worked in the National Office Tax Practice of Ernst & Young for over a decade. Jeanne resides in Charlotte, VT, and enjoys playing tennis and hiking with her dogs.

New York University School of Law, LL.M. Taxation 1994
University of San Diego School of Law, J.D. 1993 
St. John’s College, B.A. 1989
Admitted to bar in California, Vermont and U.S. Tax Court
ACTEC Fellow

Chris Cassidy, MBA

President & CEO

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

Chris is the President of Trust Company of Vermont and manages client portfolios and provides strategic planning for the company. He first joined as an intern before graduating and joining the company full-time. He now resides in Burlington with his wife Alice, and they enjoy spending as much time as possible with their daughter Callie.

University of Vermont, M.B.A.
Skidmore College, B.A., Economics and Business
Equity research since 2002
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II Candidate

Lynette A. Chase, CTFA

Vice President

Trust Administration

Lynette is a seasoned trust administrator and relationship manager at the Burlington Office. She joined Trust Company of Vermont after over two decades of experience in trust administration and investment management. Lynette lives in Jericho with her husband, Chris, and their pet American Foxhound, Vigor.

Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA)
Graduate of Cannon Trust School
Trust and Investment Experience since 1996

David T. Debellis, CFA

Vice President

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

David is a valued member of our investment management team and serves as the chair of our Trust Investment committee. Prior to joining, he worked at Chittenden Bank for more than 10 years. David and his wife Erica live in Saint Albans with their golden retriever, Rossi. They have two adult sons, whom they enjoy spending time with whenever they can.

St. Michael’s College, B.A.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation
Equity and fixed income management and research
Portfolio manager since 1992

View David’s personal profile. (2004)

Livia K. DeMarchis, Esq.

Vice President

Trust Counsel
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
New Business Development

Livia is a relationship manager and trust counsel. Previously, she worked as a partner in the estate planning group at a renowned Burlington, VT law firm. With experience as a clerk for the Hon. John A. Dooley at the Vermont Supreme Court and as an employee at a well-known Boston law firm, Livia brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She currently lives in Burlington with her husband and three children.

Yale Law School, J.D. 2010
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, M.E.M. 2005
Yale College, B.A. 2004
Admitted to the bar in Vermont and Massachusetts

Jill R. Dolan

Vice President

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Jill is a relationship manager specializing in estate and financial planning. She has over ten years of experience and is a graduate of American University. Jill and her husband, Patrick, live in Essex Junction with their two rescue dogs, Pearl, and Sage.

American University B.A.
Trust experience since 2014

Tanner Freeman

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

Tanner is a committed member of our investment management team. Tanner interned with Trust Company of Vermont and was later hired after graduating from the University of Vermont. Tanner lives in Burlington, enjoys staying active, and often takes his dog, Benny, along for the ride.

University of Vermont, B.S.
Business Administration & Finance

Judy Joly

Trust Administrator

Account Administration
529 Plan Administration

Judy is a trust administrator and 529 Plan specialist who provides thorough support to the Burlington office. With 37 years of experience working in the Probate Court, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Trust Company of Vermont. When she’s not working, you can find Judy taking leisurely walks and kayaking around her home in East Montpelier.

Chittenden County Probate Register 1979 – 2016

Chris Lafayette, CFA

Vice President

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

Chris brings a wide rage of experience to the investment team, having spent 12 years managing assets at a family office in NYC, as well as an interlude helping build electric aviation company BETA Technologies. Chris currently resides in South Burlington with his wife and spends his free time coaching his children in various sports.

Stonehill College, B.S.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)®
Equity and fixed income research since 2005
Portfolio manager since 2007

Cynthia McGregor

Vice President

Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration

Cynthia’s vast experience in trust and estate administration makes her a valuable member of the Trust Company of Vermont team. As a relationship manager, she is committed to providing top-notch support to her clients in trust administration and estate settlement. Cynthia lives in Colchester and cherishes spending time with her loved ones.

Certified Trust & Financial Advisor
Graduate of Cannon Trust School
Trust and retail banking experience since 1982

Nancy mongeon

Office Manager

Office Management

Nancy is an office manager for our Burlington office. Prior to joining TCV, Nancy worked as a legal assistant for 40+ years. She lives in Milton with her husband, Ken, and enjoys spending time with their 5 grandchildren.

41 years of law firm experience

Kate Murphy

Trust Officer

Trust Administration
Probate and Estate Administration

Kate supports her clients in trust administration. Kate came to TCV with nearly two decades of legal experience, most recently as a legal assistant in probate and estate at one of Burlington’s largest law firms. Kate resides in Essex Junction with her four young children. When she is not at her children’s extracurricular events, she can usually be found knitting – often in the company of the family cat, Cousy.

University of Vermont, B.A.
Probate and estate planning paralegal since 2012

Ashley Neary, CISP

Vice President

Trust Administration
IRA Administration

Ashley is a trust administrator who collaborates with clients and their attorneys to manage estate plans. After 8 years of experience providing legal support to a busy law firm specializing in real estate, Ashley joined the Trust Company of Vermont. She currently resides in Essex Junction with her husband Ryan and their three young children who keep them especially busy.

Champlain College, B.S.
Paralegal and registered law clerk experience since 2009

Michelle L. Paracka

Trust Officer

Account Administration

Michelle is a valuable member of the trust administration team. With more than 10 years of experience in banking and a background in commercial real estate and finance, she provides administrative support to trust administrators and relationship managers. Michelle is a Native Vermonter and lives with her family in Essex Junction.

Champlain College, BS
Retail banking experience since 2008

Nanette Stevens

Vice President & Founder

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Nanette is a relationship manager and founding member of Trust Company of Vermont. She takes great pride in crafting a personalized financial management plan for her clients that blends present and future goals with estate planning. Nanette’s trailblazing spirit and love for finance spans three generations of women. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing outdoor activities like golfing, skiing, and hiking.

University of Vermont, B.S.
Equity and Fixed income management
Portfolio manager since 1983

Devon Walsh

Portfolio Analyst

Equity/Fixed Income Analysis

Devon is a portfolio analyst in our investment management team. He joined Trust Company of Vermont after completing his studies at Stonehill College. He previously served as an Equity Analyst for Stonehill’s Mary Herlihy Opportunity Fund in the Energy and Utilities sectors. Devon lives in Essex Junction and enjoys spending his free time hiking, exercising, and hitting golf balls over the green.

Stonehill College
Investment experience since 2022

Keene, NH

Nathan B. Alexander, CPA, CFP®

Vice President

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Advice
New Business Development

Nathan provides tax guidance and relationship management support to the entire company and came to Trust Company of Vermont from Ferguson & Alexander, CPA. His extensive history serving high-net-worth families with tax and estate planning makes him the perfect addition to our team. Nathan also enjoys kayaking, cooking, canning, and spending time with his young adult daughters.

Syracuse University, BS Accounting 2000
UCONN, MS Accounting 2002
Certified Public Accountant (NH) since 2006
Certified Financial Planner® since 2009

Matthew Cheever, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Finance
Compliance

Matt is the Chief Financial Officer and Compliance Officer for the company. He has over 15 years of financial experience, including 12 years as a financial auditor in both New Hampshire and Vermont. Matt lives in Barrington, NH with his wife Amy and their three young children. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, going for hikes, and taking part in local sports and other activities.

University of New Hampshire, B.S.
Southern New Hampshire University,
M.S.in Accounting
Certified Public Accountant since 2009

Lori Jankowski, MBA

Tax Officer

Tax Advice
Trust Administration

Lori provides tax and administrative support for the company. Before joining us, Lori worked at Ferguson & Alexander, CPA, where she gained expertise in accounting and taxes, including working with complex personal, trust, and estate tax returns, as well as estate plans. She lives in Keene, NH with her husband, David, and they are excited to explore new places and visit their two sons, now that they are empty nesters. Lori is passionate about volunteering and recently joined the Board of the Keene SwampBats.

Bentley College, BS Accounting 1989
Sacred Heart University, MBA Finance 1994

Andrea Reynolds

Tax Support

Tax Support
Trust Administration

Andrea provides comprehensive tax support for the company. With over 20 years of experience, she came to Trust Company of Vermont from Ferguson & Alexander, CPA, and has expertise in various fields including bookkeeping, payroll, insurance audits, personal and corporate tax preparation, and contractor/vendor relationships for general contractors. She lives in Keene with her family and her dog, Shadow.

Joan Goulet

Tax Support

Accounting Support

Joan offers complete tax support to the company. With a wealth of experience from Ferguson & Alexander, CPA, Joan is an expert in bookkeeping, non-profit budget accounting, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, collections, employee benefits, Sarbanes-Oxley, and internal audit compliance. Joan and her family live in Swanzey, NH with their three cats and three dogs, and enjoy hiking or having water slide adventures in their free time.

Franklin Pierce University, BS Accounting 2005

Manchester

Deborah Brown, CTFA

Vice President

Trust Administration
IRA Administration

Deb has been an important asset in supporting the administrative needs of Trust Company of Vermont. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her long career in the trust business, having been involved in trust operations and administration since 1988. Deb and her husband Rob, who are both Vermont natives, live in West Arlington and enjoy playing golf and spending time with their three sons and their families.

Champlain College, A.S.
Banking & Trust experience since 1989
Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation
Graduate of Cannon Trust School

Lisa Counsell, CTFA

Vice President

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Lisa is a relationship manager devoted to collaborating with clients, attorneys, and tax professionals to create estate and financial plans. She came to TCV with nearly a decade of experience as a paralegal in a busy general practice focusing on real estate, probate, estate planning, and Social Security matters. Native Vermonters, Lisa and her husband Merrick reside in East Dorset. When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys exploring and adventuring with her husband, their pug Pickles, and golden retriever Willoughby in their RV.

Hamilton College, B.A.
Paralegal experience since 2012
Graduate of Cannon Trust School

Jessica Granger

Trust Officer

Account Administration

Jessica is a trust administrator in our Manchester office. She’s been with Trust Company of Vermont for 17 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge from the banking industry. Jessica lives with her family and their dog, Oakley, in Bennington. When she’s not at work, she loves to go camping and watch her kids play sports.

Community College of Vermont
Trust experience since 2010
Retail banking experience since 2000

Sharry Rutken, CTFA

Vice President

Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Financial Planning
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Sharry is a relationship manager who has been with TCV since 2007. She specializes in creating, modifying, and managing estate plans for clients and their attorneys. Sharry’s experience as a Trust Officer and regional bank manager spans over a decade. Outside of work, Sharry has been involved with various local community organizations. She resides in Manchester with her husband, Chris.

Southern Vermont College, B.A.
Graduate of the ABA National Trust School & Cannon Trust School
Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation
Retail banking experience 1975 – 1996
Trust and estate experience since 1996

Rutland

Christine Diekel

Vice President

Estate Planning
Trust Administration
IRA Administration
New Business Development

Chris is a relationship manager at Trust Company of Vermont’s Rutland office. With 23 years’ experience in the financial industry, primarily in trust, Chris came to Trust Company of Vermont from a local bank. She resides in Clemons, NY, with her husband Paul, and they have two adult children. In her free time, Chris volunteers with her local children’s programs and food pantries and enjoys being an Oma to two grandchildren.

Graduate Cannon Trust School
Trust administration, estate, financial and tax planning experience since 2005
Banking experience since 1996

Kasey Franzoni, CISP

Vice President

IRA Administration
Trust Administration

Kasey plays a key role as part of our IRA team and helps us keep up to date with the ever-changing IRA rules and regulations. With her expertise from over two decades of experience in the banking industry, Kasey is also skilled in Trust and Estate Administration, Risk Management, Retail Banking, and Lending. She and her husband Peter live in Rutland with their cat Maverick, and in her free time, Kasey enjoys spending time with loved ones and performing in community theater groups.

Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) Designation
Boston University, BA
Graduate Cannon Trust School Levels I, II & III
Retail & Trust Banking experience since 1994

Gary Gibbs

Vice President

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

Gary brings 25 years of experience in the trust and investment field, joining Trust Company of Vermont from a local bank. He currently resides in Leicester, VT with his Labrador Retrievers, and enjoys coaching soccer, and outdoor activities, and working part-time for Middlebury College.

Virginia Tech, B.S
Investment experience since 1990

Jeanne Gilbert, CISP

Vice President

IRA Administration
Trust Administration

Jeanne is a seasoned professional in tax planning and IRA management, with over 50 years of experience in the financial industry. She joined Trust Company of Vermont after a long career in tax preparation, banking, trust, and IRA management. In her free time, Jeanne enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, and watching her grandchildren in various school and sports activities. She also loves getting to know her beautiful great-granddaughter who was born in 2023.

Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation
Graduate of the Williams College Trust School
American Institute of Banking
Retail banking, trust and estate experience since 1974

Read Jeanne’s personal profile. (2005)

Bonnie McLellan

Vice President

Portfolio Management
Equity/Fixed Income Analysis
New Business Development

Bonnie began her career in portfolio management in 1987 and has built client relationships spanning multiple generations.  Her investment management experience guides our clients through transitions in the trust world, managing assets for individuals, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Early in her career, Bonnie was responsible for the management of two proprietary trust funds.  As a member of the Trust Investment team, she takes pride in helping clients to achieve their investment goals. Bonnie resides in Rutland, Vermont, enjoys skiing with her children, is an avid gardener and loves to travel and hike with her dog, Charlie.  She also volunteers as a guardian ad litem for children in the Rutland courts.

Kurt H. Merrill

Investment Compliance Officer

Compliance

Kurt is a seasoned professional in the investment industry. His expertise lies in audits and oversight of portfolio management. With decades of experience in the trust business, Kurt brings valuable insight to Trust Company of Vermont. Kurt and his wife Suzanne reside in Lebanon, NH. When he’s not working, Kurt enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with family.

Graduate Williams College Trust School
Graduate ABA National Trust Graduate School Northwestern University
American Institute of Banking Diploma
Trust Administration and Investment experience since 1979

Stephanie Whitehorne

Trust Compliance Officer

Compliance

Stephanie brings extensive experience in the banking industry to her role in audit and oversight at Trust Company of Vermont. She’s been working in trust administration and retail banking since 1985 and enjoys traveling and spending time with her children at her home in North Carolina.

Graduate Cannon Trust School
Trust administration experience since 1997
Banking experience since 1985