BURLINGTON, Vt. (July 24, 2025) – Leadership Champlain, the flagship leadership development program of the Lake Champlain Chamber, announced the appointment of Jess Lukas as Chair of its Advisory Board and Michele Karode as Vice Chair.
Lukas, the director of aquatics at the YMCA and a 2020 graduate of the program, has served on the Board since 2023. Lukas succeeds Kim Anderson who will remain on the Board.
Karode is the manager of outreach operations at the University of Vermont (UVM) Office of Engagement, Leahy Center for Rural Partnerships.
“It’s an honor to step into this leadership role and help guide a program that has had such a meaningful impact on my career and community engagement,” said Lukas. “I look forward to working with Michele to build on the strong foundation Kim and the Board have created.”
The Advisory Board also welcomes four new members this year:
- Michelle Buswell, Wilmington Trust/M&T Bank
- Kevin Cofelice, GlobalFoundries
- Sharon Lifschutz, Lund
- Sandra Lucia, VGS
These professionals join a dedicated group of alumni leaders from across Vermont’s business, nonprofit, education, and government sectors. The Advisory Board plays a vital role in shaping Leadership Champlain’s programming, supporting cohort learning experiences, and ensuring the program continues to meet the evolving needs of the community.
“Our Advisory Board brings extraordinary value to Leadership Champlain,” said Alex Bunten, director of workforce and education at the Lake Champlain Chamber. “Their commitment, industry insight, and mentorship are essential to the program’s continued success and growth.”
With more than 1,200 alumni over three decades, Leadership Champlain continues to unite professionals from diverse fields to strengthen leadership skills, deepen knowledge of regional issues, and inspire community impact.
Current Leadership Champlain Advisory Board members include:
- Christian Chorba, DRM
- Matthew Sjoblom, EastRise Credit Union
- Erin Evarts, Mercy Connections
- Matt McMahon, MMR
- Tim Vartanian, Northeast Delta Dental
- Sarah Rock, Spherion Staffing & Recruiting
- Charlotte Hackett, State of Vermont
- Matt Boulanger, Town of Williston
- Nicole Haley, United Way of Northwest Vermont
- Michele Karode, UVM
- Jennifer Kaulius, UVM Health Network
- Mary-Katherine Stone, UVM Medical Center
- Kim Anderson, Wake Robin
- Jess Lukas, YMCA
For more information about Leadership Champlain, visit leadershipchamplain.org.