BOARD MEMBERS 2022
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.
Gary Barrows
Bio coming soon.
Brad Cameron
Bio coming soon.
Maura Donnelly
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.
Aidan Lenihan
Aidan, a native of Bristol and a resident of the Village, is a professional musician who specializes in playing pedal steel and guitar across New England. Alongside his musical pursuits, he dedicates his expertise to Mad River Valley Light and Sound, where he skillfully operates the soundboard. Furthermore, Aidan indulges his passion for gardening during the summer and fall seasons, actively serving as the groundskeeper at Rockydale Gardens. In 2018, he joined the Bristol CORE team, contributing his extensive understanding of music and event coordination to enhance the board’s capabilities.
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
Bio coming soon.
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Alicia Standridge – Executive Director
director@bristolcore.org
Alicia, residing in the village, leads a fulfilling life alongside her devoted husband, two beloved daughters, and a trio of affectionate feline companions. As the co-owner of Your Home on Main Street, Alicia ardently dedicates her time and efforts to the success of her business. During her leisure hours, she finds solace in the company of her cherished friends, embarking on delightful ventures such as exploring yard sales, nurturing her bountiful garden, and engaging in the artistic pursuit of painting furniture. Through her diverse interests and commitments, Alicia embraces a well-rounded existence filled with personal fulfillment and meaningful connections.
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.