Board of Advisors

The Board links the College to its alumni, the local community, the state of Vermont, the nation, and the world of professional practice. It enables the College and the University to benefit from the experience and counsel of persons external to the University who have a wide range of experience, knowledge, and expertise. The Board helps to make the activities and accomplishments of the College more widely known in order to enhance public recognition. It also assists in strengthening financial support for the College.

Current CEMS Board of Advisors

Victoria Hildebrand, Chair

During her time in Washington as the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the United States Department of Transportation, Hildebrand spearheaded a digital transformation program that resulted in tens of millions of savings, a more resilient cybersecurity infrastructure, and the implementation of modern data management techniques across all the Department’s agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration.

For more than 30 years, Hildebrand led the organizations in hardware and software development, systems engineering, architecture, operations, and global services at Hewlett-Packard Inc. In her current role as CIO and SVP of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), Hildebrand implements future technology and data management capabilities to better serve consumers, clients, and employees. Prior to her role in MA, Hildebrand served as the CIO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont.  This proud former member of UVM’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Board of Advisors now serves on UVM’s Center for Biomedical Innovation Advisory Board. She is also a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist and former coach and is a national competition figure skating judge in her free time.

Michael Abbott

Michael Abbott is Vice President of Engineering & Quality at Simmonds Precision Products located in Vergennes, Vermont. He leads engineering and quality organizations responsible for the development and support of aerospace technologies including fuel measurement systems, electric actuation, embedded electronics, software, and health monitoring systems for commercial and defense aircraft.

Over his career, Michael has held leadership roles with Goodrich, UTC Aerospace Systems, Collins Aerospace, and Simmonds Precision, where he has managed global engineering organizations, led new product development programs, and driven strategic business transformation initiatives. His experience spans systems engineering, controls, embedded electronics, product certification, manufacturing support, and organizational leadership. Michael is an inventor of more than fifteen U.S. patents spanning aircraft braking systems, embedded electronics, sensing technologies, and aerospace control systems.

Michael is passionate about developing the next generation of engineers and strengthening partnerships between industry and higher education. He is particularly interested in expanding experiential learning opportunities, applied research, and workforce development to help prepare future engineering leaders and strengthen Vermont's innovation ecosystem. Through his service on the CEMS Board of Advisors, he hopes to help connect students and faculty with real-world engineering challenges while fostering collaboration that benefits both the university and Vermont's technology community.

Michael earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He lives in South Burlington, Vermont, with his wife, Katie, and their three children.

Rosario Arias

Rosario works as a Senior Software Engineer at Athenahealth in Burlington, VT, developing optimized hospital software solutions that help deliver accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare. Prior to joining Athenahealth in 2019, Rosario worked in software engineering roles for both IDX and GE Healthcare’s hospital software solutions.

As a UVM alum, Rosario has been involved with UVM in several volunteer roles. In 2012, she joined UVM President Sullivan’s Advisory Council, on which she served for 3 years. That same year, she also joined the UVM Alumni Association Board of Directors as the Chair of
the Admissions Committee for 6 years, helping to drive better connections between UVM alumni, UVM, and UVM families. Through the years, she has also volunteered for multiple events with the UVM Career Hub and Mosaic Center for Students of Color. In 2021, Rosario joined the UVM CEMS Advisory Board.

Rosario earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from UVM in 1987. Originally from Honduras, she currently lives in Williston, VT with her husband (UVM ’90). Her two adult children are also part of the UVM family. Her oldest son graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, and in 2022 with a Master of Science in Counseling. Her youngest son graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences and is currently a UVM Computer Science graduate student working to receive his Master of Science degree in 2023.

Robert Chernoff

Bob Chernoff is a Senior Vice President at Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU),  known for its leading bakery brands including Arnold, Thomas, Entenmann’s, Sara Lee and Freihofer.  Bob currently leads Corporate Strategy, Transformation and the Acelerada business unit. In his 36-plus-year career with BBU and its predecessors, Bob has held leadership roles in Information Technology, Supply Chain Logistics, Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, Transformation, Corporate Venture Capital, and Growth Opportunities.

Bob graduated from the University of Vermont in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

A. Gray Clark, PE

A. Gray Clark, PE, is President of Muller Engineering Company, a 150-person consulting firm based in Colorado that provides planning and design services for public infrastructure. Gray has spent his entire career in engineering consulting, focusing on the planning and design of transportation and roadway projects throughout Colorado. His experience includes managing large, complex public infrastructure projects and providing executive oversight of multidisciplinary teams that deliver planning and design services to state and local agencies.

Gray joined Muller Engineering Company in 1991 and has served as President since 2014. He has been a member of the firm’s board of directors since 1996. In his leadership role, he oversees company operations and supports project teams responsible for the planning and design of transportation infrastructure, including arterial corridors, urban roadways, and interstate facilities. His work regularly involves coordination with public agencies, permitting authorities, and community stakeholders to support project delivery.

Gray is active in the engineering profession and currently serves as a national director for the American Council of Engineering Companies after previously serving as President of the Colorado chapter. He is also involved with professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Gray earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1986 and later received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado. He met his wife, Linda, during his first year in Wilks Hall at the University of Vermont in 1981. 

Ed Conte

Ed is a Vice President at Moelis & Company, a leading global independent investment bank providing strategic and financial advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and capital markets. Ed focuses on strategic advisory for Healthcare companies in Life Sciences, including M&A, licensing, capital allocation, and restructuring. Prior to Moelis, Ed was at Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Jefferies LLC.

Ed graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Vermont in 2015 and also earned a Master of Business Administration with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. 

Jacqueline Dagesse

Jacqueline Dagesse began her career as a program manager in the tech industry. She worked with international teams to develop software products that aided the utility industry in federal regulation compliance. As the firm grew, she met with angel investors and investment partners to ‘pitch’ the business. This experience in mergers & acquisitions gave Jacquie the confidence to acquire a firm of her own, EIV Technical Services, in 2011. Along with her husband, Nathan, they have grown the firm to earn State and Federal retainer contracts in the transportation and energy industries. EIV provides construction management, environmental and project outreach consulting services. Their headquarters office is located in Winooski, Vt.

From 2012-2015, she led an EIV team to pioneer the State of Vermont accreditation process for materials testing laboratories. After starting and growing this side of the business, she sold it through an acquisition by SW Cole Engineering.

In 2016, she became a partner in a small real estate development company focused on urban infill redevelopment projects in Chittenden County, Vt., in addition to her role at EIV. She is currently working to expand and grow a complementary property management division of the business.

Jacquie has both a civil engineering management degree and a master’s in business administration from the University of Vermont. While at UVM, Jacquie started the first student chapter of Engineers Without Borders and led UVM student civil engineering projects in Honduras and Nicaragua. She is passionate about service-led engineering projects, both locally and abroad. She also serves on the Vermont Technical College Advisory Board.

Jacquie met her husband, Nathan, in Votey Hall on the first day of CE OO1. They live in Williston, Vt., with their four children.

Ezra Hall 

Ezra Hall is the Senior Director of the Aerospace, Defense and Critical Infrastructure End Market at GlobalFoundries, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers. In this role, he devises novel and strategic solutions to technical, legal, security, and business challenges in support of U.S. government, national security, and critical infrastructure sector needs. 

Previously, Ezra worked at IBM Microelectronics where he helped stand up and administer the program responsible for delivering trusted and secure technologies to the U.S. defense and intelligence communities. With thirty years of experience across technical and business roles, Ezra is a recognized leader in microelectronics supply chain security. Recognized as a Master Inventor by IBM and GlobalFoundries, he holds 21 U.S. patents, has published award-winning papers, and co-founded the National Defense Industry Association Electronics Division.

Ira Hoffman

Ira serves as the CEO of HighRes Biosolutions in Beverly, MA, leading a team of over 300 professionals dedicated to designing, developing, and implementing innovative automation solutions for the life sciences. HighRes offers comprehensive automation options ranging from laboratory automation to SaaS software and system integrations, spanning a variety of processes including High Throughput/Content Screening, Compound/Sample Management, Genomics, and Cell-Based Workflows.

Before joining HighRes Biosolutions, Ira was instrumental in transforming wheelchairs into autonomous robots capable of self-storing in the trunk of a vehicle at an assistive technology firm known as Freedom Sciences. He commenced his career at Merck, spending six years there and initially delving into Lab Automation and High Throughput Screening within Drug Discovery.

Ira obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from UVM in 1999. Throughout his undergraduate years, he engaged as a TA, experimental assistant, and electronics technician in both the Physics and Mathematics departments. He later achieved a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Villanova University. Ira resides in Stoneham, MA, with his wife and two daughters.

Brian Kirk

Brian Kirk is the Chief Technology Officer for the Amphenol High-Speed Products Group. He received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire. Over Brian's twenty-five-plus-year career, he has been granted more than 25 patents on interconnect design and architectures. His responsibilities included leading engineering divisions across North America, Europe, and Asia for both high-speed copper and optical interconnects.

Ryan McDevitt 

Ryan McDevitt is the president and chief executive officer at Benchmark Space Systems, a Burlington-based company he co-founded in 2017 to commercialize technology first developed at UVM.

Under Ryan’s guidance, Benchmark Space has completed contracts for NASA, USAF, and DARPA, expanded to offices in California and the UK, and launched its first hardware to space in 2020. As a native Vermonter and UVM alum, he focuses on generating opportunities in Vermont for students and recent grads to engage in STEM enrichment and employment.

Ryan earned his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from WPI in 2003, and his M.S. (2011) and Ph.D. (2014) in mechanical engineering from UVM.

Christian Monberg

Christian Monberg is the Chief Technology Officer at Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA), an industry-leading AI-driven marketing technology company. He joined Zeta in 2017 following the acquisition of Boomtrain, a company he co-founded in 2013 that specialized in machine learning and AI.

 Earlier in his career, Monberg held several leadership roles, pioneering advanced technological frameworks that significantly enhanced business efficiencies and innovation capabilities. His deep-rooted involvement in the San Francisco startup community as an investor and advisor has supported numerous early-stage and public businesses in realizing their full potential.

 An avid aviator, sailor, and snowboarder, Monberg enjoys these activities with his two young children and his wife, Michelle, a fellow University of Vermont (UVM) graduate ('03) and continues to adventure with dozens of his Buckham dorm mates. He graduated from UVM in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering.

Rooted in his engineering background and galvanized by his expansive career at the intersection of technology, design, and business, Monberg is a fervent mentor, particularly passionate about inspiring and guiding the next generation of innovators. 

Julie Moore 

Julie Moore is the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), the state agency with primary responsibility for protecting and sustaining Vermont’s environment, natural resources, wildlife and forests, and for maintaining Vermont’s beloved state parks. Moore was named to that position by Governor Phil Scott in January 2017. As ANR Secretary, Moore shapes Vermont’s environmental agenda, focusing on water quality, the forest economy, and the importance of conservation. She currently serves on the boards of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Vermont Council on Rural Development, as well as ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center.

Before her appointment, Moore worked as the Water Resources Group Leader at Stone Environmental, an environmental consulting firm headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont. She led a variety of watershed planning and assessment projects, and has a deep understanding of water quality concerns associated with runoff from developed land and agricultural areas, as well as stream channel processes and flooding. Moore has diverse experience engaging the public in watershed management programs and activities. 

Prior to joining Stone in 2011, Moore spent seven years at ANR where she led the state’s efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution in Lake Champlain. In that role, she coordinated a multi-million dollar budget and grant allocations, and served as the primary Agency liaison to related programs at the agencies of Agriculture, Food & Markets and Transportation. 

During her years outside of state service, Moore volunteered her expertise for several organizations dedicated to improving Vermont’s water resources, including: Friends of Northern Lake Champlain Advisory Council (Chair); Friends of the Winooski River and Watersheds United (Board of Directors); Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (Associate Supervisor); Rumney Memorial School Board (Chair). She also served two three-year terms on the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Future of Lake Champlain, including two years as Chair. 

Moore earned a B.S. in civil engineering, cum laude, from the University at Buffalo and an M.S. in environmental science and policy from the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University. She is a registered professional engineer in Vermont and New Hampshire. 

Moore currently resides in Middlesex, Vermont, with her husband, Aaron, and their two children.

Dan Nardi

Dan Nardi is the CEO of Reimagine Care, the nation’s leading provider of cancer care services in the home. Dan is a proven leader and has over 23 years of experience with rapidly growing companies in the digital health space. 

Prior to joining Reimagine Care, Dan was the Chief Operating Officer of Carrum Health, a company focused on value-based care, where he led operations, care delivery, and growth, among other areas. Prior to Carrum Health, he helped grow and scale Livongo, as Vice President of Operations, from 13 employees to the IPO. Dan brings significant leadership and operational expertise, having been successful in building high-performing teams and converting an aspiring company vision & mission into reality. 

Dan is a board member and advisor for several non-profits and startups and earned his bachelor’s in mathematics and master’s in computer science from the University of Vermont. Dan resides in Boulder, CO, with his wife, son, and their dog, Yoshi.

Janet Lee Redmond

Over a 37-year career with Pacific Gas and Electric Company Janet held a wide variety of positions.  Her career started as a customer account representative with a focus on improving energy efficiency for agricultural customers in California’s central and southern San Joaquin Valley.  She later moved into energy efficiency program management, with responsibility for both local implementation and national energy efficiency policy advocacy.  After stints in Communications, including as the CEO’s executive speechwriter and leading the formation of the Company’s first Compliance and Ethics program, she led a variety of different programs and projects.  In the information technology area, this included leading the implementation of an enterprise Human Resources and Payroll system, and an enterprise-wide team of 170 people responsible for system requirements and testing.  She became an expert in California utility regulation related to Human Resources and was responsible for rate recovery of approximately $1 billion per year.  She developed procedures to support the regulatory process across the company.  Her final assignment was to oversee PG&E’s retirement plans, with a specific focus on plan administration and process improvement.

Janet earned a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Oregon State University, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont, and a Master's in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco.

She currently resides in Oregon on her multi-generational family farm. Janet was recently appointed to be a member of the Yamhill County Fair Board and is an active volunteer with the local 4-H program.