Mary Graham, Asst. Executive Director at VINS, is retiring
By Kevin McCall, Standard Correspondent
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science will soon be saying goodbye to a beloved member of its community as Mary Graham, assistant executive director of the nonprofit organization, will be retiring this weekend. With Graham soon to begin a new chapter of her life, she looked back at the evolution of her time at the institute.
Graham, who has been a part of VINS for the past 14 years, said she initially stepped into the organization as an independent contractor to help marketing efforts and to help them develop a better retail store before expanding to her current role. “From then, I morphed into several positions leading the efforts in the fundraising area and also developing the operating budget, and now I am retiring this week on Saturday,” she said.
Graham reflected on some of her fondest memories at VINS, which include the joy of the children at the organization’s field trips and nature camps. “I think that’s a highlight that you hear every day. Another highlight is to see the success of one of the animals we have rehabilitated, meaning an avian bird, and watching it be released back into the wild after it’s been rehabilitated by our very, very astute and great staff.”
VINS Executive Director Charlie Rattigan, who has known Graham for the past eight-and-a-half years commended her for her operations-oriented mindset and commitment to assisting him in concentrating on more strategic aspects of the organization. “She’s a delightful person and an enormously disciplined and hardworking individual who has both the well-being of the organization and its staff utmost in her mind,” Rattigan said.
Mary Grahan cutting the ribbon at the opening celebration of VINS’ Forest Canopy Walk with Chris Collier and Charlie Rattigan
According to Chris Collier, senior director, operations and exhibits, Graham’s ability to connect with people is key to her success with her ability to impact both staff members and visitors. “She has a memory that is unmatched, so she will remember people and their affiliation, whether it’s family or friends,” he said. “She also has a deep connection and appreciation of the staff and is always trying to make sure the staff has what they need in order to fulfill their position and job as well. She cares about individuals and their personal lives as well.”
Collier added, “I’ve worked with Mary pretty much since she started here. And I’ve worked alongside her for many, many years. Sad to see her go, but excited for her to embark on a new adventure with her life, and it’s been a pleasure working with her over the years,” Collier said.
Despite retiring, Graham expressed high hopes for the future of the organization. “I think our mission and our education is so important now, more than ever, because of the climate crisis, and we just need to get that message out more and more, and hope that the generations to come can still accelerate that message. That’s what my hope is,” she said.