Jordan Posner

36 | Executive Director, Champlain Islanders Developing Essential Resources
Residence: Grand Isle

Career Highlights: The thing I am most proud of in my career has been watching CIDER grow into what it has become. We have more than doubled our capacity in three years, at a time when many Non-Profits are seeing shrinkage in capacity. When we increase our capacity, it means we are able to meet more neighbors where they are and more importantly where their needs are.

In typical community organization style, a part of the interview process for my role here at CIDER was a community meeting with 50+ in attendance asking questions. I was struck by just how at home I felt in a room full of complete strangers, and knew this was where I wanted to be, right then and there. Its been one of the joys of my life and highlight of my career, so far, to lead and watch this organization find more ways to help our Grand Isle County neighbors.

Community Involvement: As the Executive of the Islands largest community organization, I am afforded the opportunity to play a substantial role in each of the Grand Isle County communities on a regular basis. I relish the opportunity to get out of the office and into the field to touch base with the people we serve as often as I am able. I can often be found driving around a neighbor, serving meals at our congregate meal site, or doing a favor for a neighbor in need. I love having the opportunity to play an active role in the day to day lives of the neighbors we serve, as it helps guide me in the leadership of this special organization.

Beyond my role with CIDER, I serve on the board of Champlain Islands Food Shelf and the professional advisory board of All Brains Belong, a very special and amazing organization dedicated to providing medical care for neurodivergent Vermonters. Additionally, I serve on the Franklin/Grand Isle Mobility Advisory committee, and have served on several committees, including committees that have helped to craft the Public Transit and the Older and Individuals with Disabilities Policy Guidance, at the state level.

What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: My family moved to Vermont when I was a teen and although I left for College, I always wanted to work with the public in a small, closer knit, community, like so many in Vermont. When it came time to decide on a graduate program, attending UVM afforded an opportunity to return home and we jumped at the chance. All opportunities to do community work in a small community is special, but nowhere as special as in Vermont, where the neighbors helping neighbors spirit is alive and well.

Favorite part of your job: I love being able to play a role in the day to day lives of the people CIDER serves. Every day, I get the chance to interact with the amazing people of Grand Isle County, from sharing a meal to talking history with residents whose families go all the way back the Ethan and Ebenezer Allen, every day is special. These interactions drive home just how important the work of organizations like CIDER are and how vital community organizations are to Vermonters health and wellbeing.

What is the best career advice: The best career advice I ever received was “Never turn down an opportunity”. Whether it be an interview, professional training, the opportunity to serve on a committee, or simply being asked to have lunch with a coworker, you’ll never know what you’re going to learn and take away from it.

Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have had the opportunity to meet or see in person every President I have ever voted for

Favorite Vermont escape: Vermont is famous for our food and our amazing outdoor opportunities, so Ill chose one of both: For food, its hard to beat Canteen Creeme in Waitsfield. Its out of this world and always lives up to the hype. For experience, there is nothing quite like Saint Anne’s Shrine in Isle La Motte. On top of its spiritual and historic facilities, it is home to one of the nicest and quietest public beaches in the state with incredible views of the Adirondacks!

Favorite Vermont season: Golf season! Vermont punches well above its weight in golf.

What is your favorite smell: The smell of fresh baked South Hero Cider Donuts. This time of year, you can smell Ron Hackett and his team baking all the way up South Street from Hackett’s Orchard.

Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: This is tough to pin down to one, so I choose two: Bruce Springsteen and Doug Flutie

If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: I would chose to create an organization that advocates and provides education for students with disabilities.

Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: I consider myself lucky to be able to do what I do and hope to be able to do it for as long as I can!

Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Jump at any opportunity available, even if its not what you exactly want to do. Serve on a board, serve a meal, shovel a driveway, anything to help a neighbor. The connections you’ll make may point you towards new opportunities and the people and community you help will give you fulfilling experience.