Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships Team

The Innovation for Rural Partnerships team is comprised of the same team as our Office of Engagement, which serves as the “front door” to the University for private, public, and non-profit entities and communities looking to access UVM resources.

Patricia Coates, Director,
Patricia.Coates@uvm.edu
Patricia is responsible for providing leadership to the Institute, overseeing its strategic development, plan, budget, and resources, while also managing staff within the Institute and acting as first line of contact for all matters relating to the Institute.

 

 

 

Kristen Andrews, Internship Coordinator
Kristen.Andrews@uvm.edu
Kristen oversees student internship and engagement opportunities within the Institute and is responsible for connecting students with identified Vermont organizations to progress innovative ideas and partnerships through research and support.

 

 

Kevin Coburn, Communications Content Manager
Kevin.Coburn@uvm.edu
Kevin manages all content for the Institute, including newsletters, website, and general communication efforts, from content development to copywriting.

 

Maureen Hebert, Employee Partnership Manager (PACE)
Maureen.Hebert@uvm.edu
Maureen manages partnership outreach for the Institute in addition to supporting and managing program and workforce development within each partnership.
 

 

 

Daria Jarani, Program Manager
Daria.Jarani@uvm.edu
Daria assists with building and managing the Institutes grant programs and will assist with grant writing for approved programs and partner organizations.

 

 

 

Michele Karode, Outreach Professional
Michele.Karode@uvm.edu
Michele is responsible for reaching out to target Vermont organizations that align with the Institute’s mission. Organizations include non-profit, public service, government municipalities, arts, small businesses, education, and more.

 

 

Wayne Maceyka, Senior Business Outreach Professional
wmaceyka@uvm.edu
Wayne leads and oversees all Vermont business outreach, identifying key partners for the Institute that will support the needs of Vermont’s rural economy. 

 

 


Naomi Parekh, Graduate Research Assistant 
Naomi.Parekh@uvm.edu
Naomi carries out the social media strategy for the Institute and Office of Engagement and is a liaison with Vermont Global Exchange.
 

 

 

Emma Spett, Graduate Research Assistant
Emma.Spett@uvm.edu
Emma carries out research and provides data services on community resilience and economic development in Vermont, on behalf of the Office of Engagement and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships.