Girls on the Run Vermont names board, staff and scholarship award winners - Vermont Business Magazine

Login
SUBSCRIBE
Sign up for FREE daily enews

Vermont Business Magazine Girls on the Run Vermont, a statewide nonprofit organization for girls in 3rd-8th grade, is pleased to announce three new board members to the GOTRVT Board of Directors. With varying professional backgrounds, these individuals bring years of experience and leadership from communities across Vermont and will be integral in the Board’s work to continue to advance the mission of GOTRVT.

Megan Miley (Moretown), employed with Casella spearheading their community engagement for the Burlington division, says she “soon realized that this would be a meaningful partnership for her company to support.” Miley added that, “it became personal when her daughter signed up in the 3rd grade.” Seeing and being part of the GOTRVT 5K event in 2024 solidified her love for the organization, “especially seeing how much her daughter blossomed from the program”.

Brian Van Horn (Manchester), is the Director of the Town of Manchester Parks & Recreation Department. Van Horn says, “GOTR creates a safe and empowering space for girls to grow into strong, compassionate leaders, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to support this mission.” Brian has been collaborating with GOTRVT since 2022 when the organization moved their 5K to the park to serve the central and southern participants of the program.

Caroline Mashia (Hinesburg), is the Chief Financial Officer at Vermont Electric Coop and joined the GOTRVT board of directors in time to experience the season-culminating 5K event at the Champlain Valley Exposition in May. Mashia reflects that, “Girls on the Run is so much more than just running — it’s an incredible program that helps young girls grow in confidence, self-respect, and resilience. I truly believe in what GOTR stands for, which is why I chose to join the board and support their mission.”
Girls on the Run Vermont has hired three new staff members in 2025. All bring a fresh perspective and joyful enthusiasm, along with their unique skillset, to help shape the program.

Katie Keidel (Jericho) stepped into the role of Development Manager in January. Keidel says, “I love being a part of this phenomenal team and am so energized by the mission to empower girls at such a pivotal time in their lives”.

Sarah Richardson (Berlin) began as 5K and Events Coordinator in May. “As a former teacher, lifelong runner, and coach, I had a gut feeling Girls on the Run Vermont was my kind of place — and wow, was I right. What a mighty community! Every day I get to be part of something that lights me up and makes a real difference, and I honestly couldn’t dream up a better fit!”, exclaims Richardson.

Tori Hubbard Ward (St. Albans) started in the newly created role of Program and Operations Coordinator in July. Ward, who participated in Girls on the Run in 2001 reflects, “it’s incredibly meaningful to now contribute to an organization that played such an important role in building my confidence and sense of self as a child”.
Girls on the Run Vermont recently awarded two $2,500 scholarships as part of their annual Rick Hashagen Limitless Potential Alumni Scholarship program. Both scholarship winners are graduating high school seniors who attended the GOTRVT 5K event in Essex Junction at the Champlain Valley Exposition to receive their award on stage prior to the start of the event on Saturday, May 31st, 2025.
Hannah Collins (South Royalton) and Penelope Zygarowski (Burlington), both submitted applications detailing the meaningful ways that being a participant of the program impacted their youth and helped bolster their self-confidence as they grew.
About Girls on the Run Vermont
Girls on the Run Vermont is an independent and 501 (c)(3) recognized council of Girls on the Run International (GOTRI), which has a network of 175 councils across the United States. Since 1999, Girls on the Run Vermont has empowered over 40,000 Vermont girls grades 3-8 to develop physical, emotional, and social well-being through a 10 week after school program held at over 120 sites statewide. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a research-based curriculum that addresses developmentally appropriate life skills and creatively integrates running, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Find out more at gotrvt.org.
WILLISTON, Vermont (August 1, 2025) – Girls on the Run Vermont

VermontBiz
365 Dorset Street
South Burlington, Vermont 05403