BOARD MEMBERS 2024
Maura Donnelly – Chair
Maura, proprietor of Simon Says located in Downtown Bristol, derives immense satisfaction from the cheerful laughter emanating from her youngest clientele while actively engaging in the employment of local teenagers and fostering connections with fellow merchants along Main Street. Maura’s commitment to community involvement is further exemplified by her membership on the Bristol CORE board since February 2020, showcasing her dedication to the betterment of the town. Moreover, she resides in Bristol Village Co-Housing alongside her son, thus underscoring her deep-rooted investment in the community and its inhabitants.
Ian Albinson – Treasurer
ian@bristolcore.org
Ian is a co-founder of Albinson Design, a design and animation firm he operates with his wife in Bristol. Since 2009, he has actively participated in Bristol’s downtown organization, the Bristol Downtown Community Partnership, where he served on both the Design Committee and Board. In 2015, Ian assumed the role of Executive Director within the non-profit group and undertook substantial restructuring, resulting in Bristol CORE’s establishment. As of July 2021, he has resumed his position as a board member.
Meridith McFarland
Meridith, who has been serving as the Bristol Recreation Director since May 1, 2018, is a native Vermonter with a childhood upbringing in Starksboro. To actively engage with the local community, Meridith took the initiative to join the Bristol CORE shortly after assuming her role as Director. Her extensive background in Resort Management includes numerous years of experience in running programs, organizing events, and providing instruction in skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking at Sugarbush Resort. Additionally, Meridith dedicates her time as a volunteer Regional Coordinator for Vermont’s SheJumps, an organization that promotes women of all ages in outdoor sports. Furthermore, she serves as an Ambassador for the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, demonstrating her commitment to fostering outdoor recreation in the region.
Taylor Welch – Clerk
Bio coming soon.
Gary Barrows
Bio coming soon.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Courtney Radford – Executive Director
director@bristolcore.org
Courtney joined Bristol CORE as Executive Director in April 2024.
She brings over 7 years of experience in community engagement, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and volunteer management to the role. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to fostering connections and celebrating the uniqueness and vibrancy of local communities.
Courtney and her husband relocated to Bristol in early 2021 after falling in love with its historic charm and natural beauty. Now, as Executive Director of Bristol CORE, Courtney is excited to lead the organization in its mission to bring people together to keep Bristol vibrant, celebrate its history, and plan for its future.
Valerie Capels – Bristol Town Administrator
townadmin@bristolvt.org
Valerie Capels joined the Town of Bristol as the Town Manager in October, 2017. She has over 20 years of experience in municipal planning, community development, project management, and town administration, including eleven years as the Town Administrator in Waitsfield and also as Director of Planning and Community Development of the City of Montpelier.
In her capacity in Waitsfield, she secured a Village Center Designation for historic Waitsfield Village, and in Montpelier, she initiated the downtown revitalization program and qualified Montpelier as a Certified Local Government amongst a long list of other economic and community development projects.