Vermont CARES Names Interim Executive Director

     The Vermont CARES Board of Directors has named Kendall Farrell as Interim Executive Director, effective December 1, 2001. Farrell replaces David Hooks, who resigned in early November for health reasons
      “I am happy to be able to provide additional support to Vermont CARES during this time of transition,” said Farrell.
      “Vermont CARES is fortunate that an individual with a long history of service is able to step into the position and provide a period of seamless leadership to Vermonters living with HIV and those at risk,” said Hooks.
      Services before Development. “Kendall’s enthusiasm and willingness to accept this responsibility is clear indication of her deep and continuing commitment to this agency and its mission,” said Joseph Boisse, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vermont CARES.
      “From my perspective, David really understood the importance of prevention in fighting HIV/AIDS in Vermont, and the value of building collaborative relationships with community partners as an important part of improving the quality of life for Vermonters who are living with HIV/AIDS. He brought compassion and a gentle leadership style to Vermont CARES. He will be missed, but we understand and respect his choice to step down. I have every confidence in Kendall Farrell’s leadership as Interim Executive Director until the position can be filled permanently,” said Amy Livingston, Program Director, Prevention, Vermont CARES.
      Joseph Boisse, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vermont Cares, stated that, “The Board was very disappointed that David had to resign for health reasons. We were very pleased with the leadership he provided. In his brief tenure, David carried through a lot of initiatives started by Tim Palmer [previous Executive Director]. He continued to provide a very strong leadership that was the hallmark of Tim Palmer. David strengthened our relationship with the State Board of Health and other organizations that provide services to the HIV positive community. We have also begun a nationwide search for a successor to David Hooks.
      Vermont CARES is the state’s largest AIDS Services Organization, serving 10 of 14 counties. Its mission is “to improve the quality of life, create compassionate communities, and prevent the spread of HIV by working with people affected by HIV/AIDS as catalysts for social and individual change.”
      For more info on Vermont CARES, log on at www.vtcares.org or in Burlington, call: 1-800-649-2437 or (802) 863-2437. In Rutland, call: (802) 775-5884, in Montpelier, call: (802) 229-4560, in Colchester, call: (802) 655-8328 and in St. Johnsbury, call: (802) 748-9061.