February 16, 2011 - At its monthly board meeting in January, the Board of Directors of the United Way of Windham County elected a new Chairman and a new Vice Chairman to lead the organization in 2011. Chairman Bahman Mahdavi and Vice Chairman Glenn Herrin are both Windham County residents who have become strong leaders at the United Way.

“We are really lucky to have volunteers as dedicated and knowledgeable as Bahman and Glenn serving our organization,” said United Way Executive Director, Carmen Derby. “With the complex challenges in our community, it’s really important that we have the expertise on board to guide our work strategically forward. Bahman and Glenn are terrific leaders and we are very grateful that they have agreed to lead United Way in 2011,” Derby continued.

Living in Newfane since 1988, United Way of Windham County Chairman, Bahman Mahdavi, is a software developer and programmer specializing in online applications. He worked for 7 years with SRI World Group, Inc. as director of web development while maintaining his independent web development and consulting business Webwerk. Mahdavi has served on the Board of Directors of The In-Sight Photography Project and has contributed or volunteered to help with several area towns and school districts, Help Empower Youth, and a number of other area non-profits, including United Way, with their internet presence.

While he and his wife Johanna Gardner and their 3 children currently live in Newfane, Mahdavi’s education and business experience has taken him from Tehran to France, Egypt, Germany and San Francisco.

"Even though the economy is said to be improving, it's clear that many of our neighbors are still struggling," said Mahdavi. "In light of these continued struggles, United Way's role in our community is more important than ever. I am really proud to be leading such a respected organization during these times," Mahdavi continued. "I think we have a lot of work ahead as a community, but I'm also inspired by Windham County's incredible compassion and generosity."

Newly appointed Vice Chairman, Glenn Herrin, has been a Vermont resident for his entire life, but is relatively new to Brattleboro. After growing up in Randolph, he spent over 20 years in the US Army in Field Artillery, Military Intelligence, and Information Systems Management before retiring in 2009 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division (two tours), the 10th Mountain Division, the 1st Armored Division, and the Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), and has been on operational deployments to Panama, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Haiti, and Iraq (again). Glenn's wife, Kathy, is a Speech- Language Pathologist who works in the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union.

“I’m honored to serve United Way as their Vice Chair. After serving the nation for many years, I’m really enjoying working with an organization that is making significant change on the local level,” said Herrin.

For over 50 years, United Way of Windham County has been fostering sustained, positive change by effectively mobilizing community members and other local resources throughout Windham County. United Way of Windham County supports more than two dozen programs and community impact initiatives.

Anyone interested in becoming involved, making a donation or volunteering time, talent or resources is encouraged to contact United Way at 802-257-4011 ext. 110, or visit www.unitedwaywindham.org.

For interview, please contact:
Carmen Derby, Executive Director, United Way, 802-257-4011, ext 110