Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Yasmine L. Ziesler, Ph.D., Chair of the Board
For over 20 years, Yasmine Ziesler has served in academic and leadership roles within the Vermont State Colleges System. Since 2015, she has served as the system’s chief academic officer and then special assistant to the chancellor. She is a 2007 graduate of the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute and current co-chair of the Vermont Humanities Council. Originally from a small rural community in northwestern Wisconsin, she holds a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from Boston University and currently teaches at the Community College of Vermont.
Brett Visger
Brett Visger has over 30 years of experience advancing equitable postsecondary access and success. He is currently an independent consultant, but brings experience leading the Postsecondary Attainment portfolio at Education Strategy Group as well as serving as associate vice chancellor for the Ohio Department of Higher Education where he drove strategies to improve completion rates and adult credential attainment. Brett has also developed key programs at KnowledgeWorks Foundation and held roles in youth programming and college access at institutions like Wesleyan University. He holds a BA from the University of Connecticut and an MPA from George Mason University.
Jason Gingold
As a former pastry chef, career center director, and current high school principal, Jason Gingold has cultivated a diverse skill set that is a part of his approach to leadership and education. Gingold’s formative years were spent in the dynamic environment of New York City, where he developed an appreciation for diverse cultures and culinary arts. He has lived in Vermont since 2002 with his family, two cats, and two dogs. These experiences have significantly influenced his passion for education and ensuring all students and adults have access to learning, certifications, and skills to suit their lives.
“Putting a focus on adult learners who need education and skill training is the right thing to do for Vermont and our workforce needs.”
Staff
Tom Cheney, Executive Director
Prior to his current position, Tom served as the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Human Resources. Previously he worked as a legislative assistant to Congressman Peter Welch in Washington D.C. and chief of staff to Vermont Speaker of the House Shap Smith. Born and raised in Vermont, Tom graduated from Milton High School and the University of Vermont. He serves as a justice of the peace, vice chair of his town’s board of civil authority, member of his local school board, and on the board of trustees at Lund.
Marilyn Tagliavia, Director of Communications and MyFutureVT
Marilyn leads all external communications and marketing initiatives for Advance Vermont and our free online career and education resource, MyFutureVT. Previously, Marilyn worked for local public relations agencies, and has a background as a news editor. Marilyn received her bachelor’s degree in communications and community media from Johnson State College. Marilyn grew up in the Northeast Kingdom and central Vermont, and currently lives in Burlington with her partner John and puppy Poppy.
Nataleigh Noble, Communications Assistant
Nataleigh is a recent graduate from the University of Vermont, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication with a concentration in Community Media and Journalism. Nataleigh is a Burlington local and is excited to start her career journey with Advance Vermont.
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