John Mullett
34 | Director of Community Relations, National Life Group
Residence: Washington
Career Highlights: In July of 2023, just days before National Life Group Do Good Fest was about to take place, catastrophic flooding devastated Vermont. I had the privilege of being a member of the core team of people that pivoted the event from a music festival to a live stream event. That show raised over 1.76 million dollars for Vermont Community Foundation’s Flood Response & Recovery Fund. It was an amazing example of the impact people can make when they come together.
Community Involvement: In addition to being the Director of Community Relations at National Life Group, I also serve as the Executive Director of the National Life Group Foundation. The Foundation’s core causes are ending childhood hunger and youth mental health. I am incredibly fortunate that my day job lets me dive headfirst into community every week.
When not at work, I really enjoy board service. I am on the board of Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York where I get to be a small part of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: Vermont embraces community in such a rare and special way. That mentality paves the way for such fantastic collaboration and evolution.
Favorite part of your job: I have the privilege of being the Executive Producer of National Life Group Do Good Fest. My favorite moment is looking out at the crowd mid show and seeing people all different ages from all different walks of life grooving to the same band. I think it creates togetherness that is pretty hard to find these days.
What is the best career advice: When I was in high school, I worked at a car dealer in Central Vermont. My boss was great, and he would always say, “attitude is 90% of what we do”. That mentality really stuck with me.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I started playing the fiddle when I was five. In my youth, I had the chance to perform in Scotland, Ireland, and Nova Scotia.
What three words best describe you: Energetic, passionate, determined.
Favorite downtime activity: I love to play guitar. For me, it is the most relaxing activity.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: I’d love the chance to sit down with Bob Dylan.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: I would double down on the core causes I get to work on daily at National Life Group, ending childhood hunger and youth mental health.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend: I wouldn’t say I am that embarrassed about it, but I definitely still turn up the Jonas Brothers “Year 3000”.
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Network with everyone you can, ask questions, listen and always offer to help.