Board of Directors
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Doug Dewitt
bio coming soom
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Maura Donnelly – Chair
Maura, proprietor of Simon Says located in Downtown Bristol, derives immense satisfaction from the cheerful laughter emanating from her youngest clientele while actively engaging in the employment of local teenagers and fostering connections with fellow merchants along Main Street. Maura’s commitment to community involvement is further exemplified by her membership on the Bristol CORE board since February 2020, showcasing her dedication to the betterment of the town. Moreover, she resides in Bristol Village Co-Housing alongside her son, thus underscoring her deep-rooted investment in the community and its inhabitants.
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Emily Hayes
Emily is a New York transplant with strong family ties to Bristol. After moving to Burlington in 2023, she shifted down to Bristol in early 2025 and has quickly involved herself in this special, unique community. She brings her extensive experience with event planning and production management to Bristol CORE, along with a passion for all things local and fun. She is currently the chair of the events committee, lending her skills to such community staples as Pocock Rocks, Chocolate Walk, and Lumen. You can often find her on the patio at South Mountain Tavern, reading at the Minifactory, or just walking around our perfect little small town.
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Aidan Lenihan
Aidan Lenihan, Bristol Core board member since 2016, Bristol/ Lincoln Vermont native, and Bristol Recreation Department Programs Coordinator. Aidan has a long standing roots in the local community. He brings a wide range of resources and skills to Bristol Core. An entrepreneur helping establish ‘Your Home’ in 2021. A family run Vintage and HomeGoods store on Main Street, Bristol. Event & Performance Manager for Pocock Rocks and local sound equipment provider & engineer, you can find him playing at various local venues, and at many of Bristol Core’s flagship events. An individual with many talents he continues to bring fun energy and a unique creativity the community.
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Meridith McFarland
Meridith, who has been serving as the Bristol Recreation Director since May 1, 2018, is a native Vermonter with a childhood upbringing in Starksboro. To actively engage with the local community, Meridith took the initiative to join the Bristol CORE shortly after assuming her role as Director. Her extensive background in Resort Management includes numerous years of experience in running programs, organizing events, and providing instruction in skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking at Sugarbush Resort. Additionally, Meridith dedicates her time as a volunteer Regional Coordinator for Vermont’s SheJumps, an organization that promotes women of all ages in outdoor sports. Furthermore, she serves as an Ambassador for the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, demonstrating her commitment to fostering outdoor recreation in the region.
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Jenna McMaster
Jenna has been a part of the northeastern nonprofit community for over 8 years, and she currently works as the Senior Communications Manager for the Humane Society of Chittenden County. After moving to Vermont in 2020, Jenna and her husband settled in Bristol, where their daughter was born. Since making Bristol her home, Jenna quickly developed a deep love for our vibrant town and its community of kind-hearted citizens and unique small businesses, and she is honored to have the opportunity to serve them through Bristol CORE.
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Hahns O
bio coming soon
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Rebecca Ryan
After living in Huntington for 19 years, Rebecca Ryan and her husband, Terry, and dog, Blue, moved to Bristol in 2022. She loves all that Bristol offers, most of which can be reached on foot or bicycle! Rebecca worked for the American Lung Association (ALA) for 17 years, most recently as Division Director leading a team of 35 health promotion staff in the eastern U.S. Prior to that, her roles with ALA included fundraising, program development, event planning and public policy advocacy. She joined Bristol CORE in 2025 to give back to the community by sharing her non-profit experience and skills.
Rebecca is a “retired” competitive triathlete but continues to swim, bike and run. She is currently closing in on her goal of running a race in every state. Look for her at the Mt. Abe pool, cycling to BFIT, or running on the Bristol Trail Network.
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Cody Smith - Treasurer
Cody was born and raised in Vermont, living predominately in the towns of Salisbury and Middlebury. In 2014 Cody moved to Lincoln with his wife where he has thoroughly enjoyed the sense of community Lincoln and Bristol have to offer. In 2017 Cody became a part of the National Bank of Middlebury’s team in Bristol, participating in community events such as the Harvest Festival and the 4th of July parade. After finding his career with National Bank of Middlebury, Cody would go on to become the Community Office Manager for the Bristol and Hinesburg offices. Looking to expand his community involvement, Cody joined the Bristol Core in 2024 as the Treasurer. With his background in banking and love for the communities he works and resides in, Cody looks forward to seeing what his skillset can bring to Bristol Core as we work towards making Bristol the best town it can be!
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Taylor Welch-Plante - Secretary
bio coming soon
Ex Officio
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Courtney Radford - Executive Director
Courtney joined Bristol CORE as Executive Director in April 2024.
She brings over 7 years of experience in community engagement, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and volunteer management to the role. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to fostering connections and celebrating the uniqueness and vibrancy of local communities.
Courtney and her husband relocated to Bristol in early 2021 after falling in love with its historic charm and natural beauty. Now, as Executive Director of Bristol CORE, Courtney is excited to lead the organization in its mission to bring people together to keep Bristol vibrant, celebrate its history, and plan for its future.
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Sarah Stillman - Farmers Market Manager
farmersmarketmanager@bristolcore.org
bio coming soon
Join Us
We welcome your input, your involvement, and your enthusiasm. Bristol is a wonderful, energetic community with an active downtown. Bristol CORE’s goal is to help Bristol’s businesses not only survive but also grow stronger during the current economic challenges while providing enjoyable, family-friendly activities and affordable shopping experiences in the downtown for the entire community.
If you would like to become a board member or help us with our mission, please contact us at (802) 453-7378 or info@bristolcore.org.