Meet Our Directors

Kelly has a depth of experience in energy efficiency policy, legislative strategy and corporate communications. She is currently the Director of Strategy and Partnerships for Efficiency Vermont at the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) where she formerly served as Director of External and Government Affairs. Prior to joining VEIC, Kelly was an outreach representative in the office of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. She holds a degree in Political Science from Middlebury College, and resides in Fletcher, Vermont.

Eric Hoffman is the Manager of Business Development for Homeownership at VHFA. Eric is responsible for marketing, outreach, and education to help homebuyers, lenders, realtors, and others understand how to access VHFA programs. Before joining VHFA, Eric was a Housing Counselor with Champlain Housing Trust where he helped Vermonters gain access to safe and affordable housing. Eric holds a law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, and briefly practiced real estate law in Vermont before entering the affordable housing non-profit sector. In addition to working at VHFA, Eric teaches property law as an adjunct at Champlain College.

Jessica serves as the Director of Financial Operations at VEIC. Prior to joining VEIC, she was the Director of Treasury Operations Group at National Life Group, for two years. Prior to joining National Life Group, she worked as a Principal with Johnson Lambert & Co. LLP for 11 years, and as a Senior Auditor with Berry Dunn for 3 years, responsible for providing audit, consulting services and engagement management to various financial services companies. She has extensive experience in the assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of internal control systems in place within nonprofit organizations as well as public and non-public entities. Jessica has served as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors for Generator and the Northeast Disabled Athletic Association. She is a licensed CPA in the State of Vermont and graduated from Champlain College in 2002. Jessica lives in Burlington and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Rob and their four boys and dog.

Jonathan is a 20-year veteran of the professional services industry, where he held roles leading corporate communications at PwC and EY. In 2024, he started a new venture that enhances strategic communication and visibility for business leaders, driven by a belief in responsible leadership in today’s world. A Syracuse University alumnus, Jonathan cheers passionately for the “Orange.” Away from work, he and his wife Kate, a talented voice actor, created a pioneering audio guide for travelers on Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Their love for adventure sees them exploring Vermont’s seasons with their toddler, from cycling in Shelburne to skiing at Cochran’s, and enjoying the water in the summer. An early adopter of electric vehicles, Jonathan actively shares his enthusiasm and insights with others in the community, and you may find him answering questions about EVs in parking lots across Burlington and beyond.

Zach is VPIRG’s Communications & Engagement Director. Before joining VPIRG in 2015, Zach was an Online Organizer and Community Director at the progressive news and activism website Firedoglake where he worked on everything from environmental protection to drug policy reform. He’s also spent time at the American Civil Liberties Union, Democracy Now!, Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) and National Public Radio. Zach is a 2011 graduate of Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. In his role at VPIRG, Zach manages all of VPIRG’s advocacy and outreach communications including emails, web posts, social media, mailings and publications. He’s also leads VPIRG advocacy efforts on digital consumer protection issues – fighting for data privacy/security, net neutrality and affordable high-speed internet access for all Vermonters. Zach also oversees VPIRG’s data, information and internal technology operations.

Chris is the Chief Financial Officer for the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. He is an experienced investment banking, capital markets, and data analytics professional with math Ph.D. He has strong people and project management skills and proven ability to execute complex transactions to achieve transformative business results.

Graham is graduate student and research assistant in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program where his research is focused on heat pump adoption. He previously worked at Green Mountain Power (GMP) on the innovation team and as head of customer care. His work at GMP involved designing and executing innovative programs in areas such as electric vehicle charging, energy storage, and demand flexibility. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Princeton University.

On the weekends you can find him on the slopes, in the woods, or riding on a dirt road. He can sub in to play goalie at your weekly hockey skate with at least 4 hours’ notice.

Gillian Nanton is currently the Assistant Director for Community Engagement, Neighborhoods & Workforce Development in the Community and Economic Development (CEDO), in the City of Burlington, Vermont.

Prior to joining CEDO in 2015, she worked for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as Chief of the Caribbean Division in New York and was the Resident Representative/Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, for five and a half years. Ms. Nanton also served as Assistant to the Executive Director who represented Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean, at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Nanton has over 25 years of economic development experience and is a senior professional with expertise in policy and program analysis, program management and partnership building, in areas such as poverty reduction, affordable housing, and sustainable development. She holds an MBA from Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, and is twice a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics and Master’s in Social Sciences (MSc).

Gillian currently chairs the board of the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center and serves on the board of directors of Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) and South End Arts + Business Association in Burlington, Vermont.

Leslie joined Wake Robin as the Director of Environmental Services in 2016 where she is responsible for new construction, including a $42 million dollar expansion project, maintenance, grounds, security, housekeeping, laundry and utilities. She also works with residents and staff on sustainability, environmental stewardship and reducing Wake Robin’s carbon footprint.

Her work history has focused on operations management, including Long Term Care Director of Operations at the Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, Operations Director at an internationally recognized graphic design firm, and independent consulting work. She’s been a Vermont resident since receiving a BS from Penn State University.