Highlighting the Legacy of Sue Minter's Leadership
View the full release below the images or download here: Press Release
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Sue Minter, executive director of Capstone Community Action since 2018, is stepping down from her post at the end of December 2024.
“I feel enormously proud and honored to have provided leadership to our organization throughout the past six years. It has been such a privilege to work with Capstone’s caring and talented staff to serve our neighbors, build stronger communities and a better Vermont,” Minter said.
The official press release is below for you to read and download. First, we’d like to share some successes that illustrate the impact that Sue’s leadership has brought to Capstone. From expanded programming and services to deepened advocacy and community impact, she led us through multiple community-wide crises. Her legacy includes too much to list in detail but maintained steadfast focus on tangibly improving the lives of real people.
- From 2018 to today, Capstone’s budget has grown from $16M to over $27M
- Rallied statewide support to protect the Microbusiness Development and Vermont Matched Savings programs; led to increased funding for economic recovery
- Amplified food security and essentials closets
- Expanded reach of Lamoille office, with meals freezer and essentials closet
- Established grocery and meals delivery service in Barre with 387 deliveries to 47 families in 2024.
- In COVID-19, activated Central Vermont’s Regional Response Command Centers, expanded housing services, and strengthened numerous community partnerships.
- Spearheaded Vermont Everyone Eats program
- Advocated for and collaborated on statewide task force
- Stood up Central Vermont Hub which served 412,000 meals to 1,700 Vermonters per week with the support of 52 community partners and 13 local restaurants.
- Flood Recovery and Response leadership
- Established Capstone Flood Fund, distributing $150K to 130+ flood survivors and $50K to Long Term Recovery Groups in service area (5 total) in past year
- Key part of Main Street Recovery Fund, sharing over $258K in grants to impacted small businesses in 2024 and over $660K in 2023.
- Championed Disaster Case Management at Capstone – a time limited program including resources, decision-making priorities, guidance and tools to assist disaster survivors.
- Supported transportation equity by launching Community Rides VT which established Gopher, an all-electric community ride service that in 2024 provided 4,879 rides to 583 people who lacked transportation access to essential services. Developed MileageSmart, a vehicle purchasing incentive program that has supported over 1,200 low-income Vermonters.
- In 2019, guided revision of Capstone mission statement, broadened focus to include climate justice and was an active member of the Vermont Climate Council.
Sue leaves the organization with a strong and unified leadership team capable of sustaining our work and mission throughout this transition. In accordance with Capstone’s succession plan, Sarah McMullen, Capstone’s Chief Operating Officer, and Alison Calderara, Capstone’s Chief of Programs and Advancement, are stepping forward to serve as interim Co-Directors.
On behalf of the organization, we extend Sue our deepest gratitude and wish her the utmost success in her future endeavors. We are so proud to have her as a part of our Capstone community.
