After an intense four-month national search, Downstreet Housing and Community Development (Downstreet) has chosen Angie Harbin as the organization’s new CEO. Harbin has dedicated her career to creating and sustaining access to affordable housing, which she views as social and economic justice work. She brings to Downstreet over 15 years of senior-level industry experience that includes development, operations, and housing-based social services. Her most recent position was as vice president of MM Development Advisors, a firm based in Rochester, New York that provides real estate development consulting services to non-profit and community development housing providers.
“High-quality, affordable housing for all is the foundation of individual well-being and livable communities,” Harbin said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining Downstreet’s efforts to make this a reality in central Vermont.”
Throughout every interaction with Downstreet’s search committee, board of trustees, and staff, Harbin impressed with her passion for the organization’s mission and her extensive professional experience. All involved are extremely enthusiastic about welcoming her as the non-profit’s new leader.
“With her extensive housing experience and dynamic leadership abilities, Angie Harbin is the ideal person to lead Downstreet during this critical time,” said Daniel Barlow, Downstreet’s board president. “Housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many Vermonters, and homelessness is on the rise. There is no shortage of important work ahead for Downstreet and Angie has the background and skills to tackle these challenging issues.”
Harbin and her husband currently reside in Rochester, New York, and are looking for housing in preparation to relocate in the coming weeks. The board of trustees looks forward to working closely with Harbin as Downstreet advances its mission to create equitable access to safe and affordable homes for every Vermonter. She is scheduled to begin her work at Downstreet on May 31.
Gifford Promotes Three to Nursing House Supervisors
Three registered nurses at Gifford Medical Center will be taking on new roles as nursing house supervisors.
Marie Abare and Kathleen Paglia, both of whom are RNs with Master of Science degrees in nursing, and Uli Strassberger an RN with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, will provide on-site leadership and support for all staff members working from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and will serve as an extension of nursing education and leadership. According to Jill Markowski, vice president of nursing, new nurses often start on the overnight shift when staffing and resources are limited.
From left, Uli Strassberger, Kathleen Paglia, Marie Abare and Jill Markowski. Photo courtesy of Gifford Medical Center.
“Marie, Kathy, and Uli have extensive knowledge, skills, and experience,” Markowski said. “They will ensure successful onboarding of new nurses, provide continuing education for all staff, and serve as clinical experts for all. I am so pleased to have them on the nurse leadership team.”
Abare graduated with her Master of Science degree in nursing from Norwich University and has worked as a per diem nurse in the Gifford emergency department since 2019. She served for 20 years as an emergency medical technician with the Williamstown Ambulance Service. Strassberger also graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Norwich and has emergency medical experience working as an emergency medical technician and certified medical technician with the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service. Paglia has been a nurse since 1992 and served as a charge nurse in Gifford’s inpatient unit, Howell Pavillion, before moving to the emergency department. She also works as a clinical nursing instructor at Norwich.
CVMC Integrative Family Medicine Welcomes Lauren Abramowitz
Lauren Abramowitz. Courtesy photo.
Abramowitz and her family moved from New York City to Montpelier, where she’s getting to know Vermont. Abramowitz enjoys providing the full spectrum of primary care and working closely with her patients to understand their health care needs. Her clinical interests include patient-centered gynecologic care, comprehensive reproductive health, transgender and LGBTQ care, and preventative health. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, pottery, weaving, and paper cutting.
