Special Olympics Vermont Announces New President and CEO

South Burlington, VT – September 28, 2017
 
The Board of Directors of Special Olympics Vermont has named Sue Minter as the new President and CEO. Minter will replace Lisa DeNatale, who is retiring after six years leading the organization.
 
Minter joins the statewide sports organization, serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with twelve years of executive and legislative experience, thirteen years of coaching youth sports, and a lifetime of participating in competitive athletics. Well known for her 2016 gubernatorial campaign and leadership in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, Minter is a proven visionary and bold leader.
 
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of this search,” says Jim Godfrey, a Partner at Tyler, Simms & St. Sauveur and Chair of the Special Olympics Vermont Board. “Lisa leaves behind some very big shoes to fill and the search committee and I are confident that Sue has both the experience and leadership qualities to move the organization forward.”
 
Prior to her campaign for Governor, Minter had a long career in Montpelier, serving as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Transportation, Chief Recovery Officer following Tropical Storm Irene, and as a State Representative from 2004-2010. She has received several national awards in leadership including the Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership from the Aspen Institute. In 1976, Minter was a U.S. Figure Skating Association Gold Medalist.
 
“I am honored to join the leadership of the Special Olympics movement here in Vermont,” says Minter. “As a lifelong athlete, I know the rewards of sports and the power of a team. It’s clear that Special Olympics plays a vital role for so many Vermont families and I look forward to working with SOVT athletes, volunteers, and staff to build a more inclusive state.”
 
Minter was born in Pennsylvania and went to high school in Providence, Rhode Island. She graduated from Harvard University and earned a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She moved to Vermont in 1991, and lives in Waterbury with her family.
 
As President and CEO, Minter’s primary responsibilities will include strategic leadership, operational management, fundraising, and alignment with the global mission. Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year-round to foster acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities. Vermont offers sports training and competition opportunities in thirteen sports to 1,310 athletes.
 
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