1. TESS TAYLOR
45 Granite Street #2 Barre, VT 05641 (802) 522-7818 tmtaylor24@gmail.com
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to seek and engage relevant relationships and partnerships, with a talent for
“connecting the dots”; excellent communication and listening skills; solid and
respectful relationships with a wide variety of constituencies; champion of working
Vermonters; grant seeking and writing skills; strategic planning experience; create,
coordinate and execute large and small events: effective navigation of the
legislature and administration.
EDUCATION
Saint Michaels College – Colchester, VT. BA - Business Administration
EMPLOYMENT
2009 – 2014 Development/Fundraising – Vermont Council on Rural
Development, Montpelier – Successfully raised funds and awareness for this
statewide policy and organizing entity that centers on helping Vermont communities
plan for their sustainability and prosperity.
2009 – 2014 State Legislator – Representative, Barre City – elected three times,
served as Assistant Majority Leader. Sponsor of the Working Lands Enterprise
legislation in 2012, considered to be the only jobs bill to be presented and passed in
that year. Duties included providing information and guidance to 96 members of the
Democrat caucus, attending committee, understanding procedure for creating and
passing bills, representing a constituency with diverse needs and concerns.
2006-2012 Director, Education & Public Programming, Vermont Historical
Society, Barre, VT – As a senior manager, supervising a department with a staff of
four with the duties of museum education, K-12 Vermont history education, museum
bookstore, statewide local historical society outreach and public programming.
Responsibilities included the coordination of the Vermont History Expo, stewardship of
the Vermont Women’s History Project, creation and execution of annual event
programming for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Women’s History Month, Farmer’s
Night program, and various author and speaker events. Worked extensively with the
development director to research and write grants for funding for various programs.
2003-2006 General Manager – Vermont Granite Museum of Barre – A cultural
heritage organization dedicated to the preservation of Barre’s rich granite history in a
museum setting and stone arts school teaching/training sculptors and stone workers.
Main objectives were to build community awareness and support for the museum,
develop and retain relationships with state and local officials and agencies,
fundraising and overseeing the construction of the Stone Arts School. Wrote,
managed and reported grants: ACCD/HUD. Supervised 3 staff and contracted
multiple instructors.
2001-2003 Executive Director – Studio Place Arts, Barre, VT - A community arts
center with educational programs, exhibits of local and national artists with studio
space for local artists. Duties were to manager daily operations, fundraise through

2. grant writing and multi-level membership, develop programs, art shows and events,
be involved in the community and increase local awareness of programs and
offerings, coordinate volunteers and build positive relationships with local leaders.
1998 – 2001 Executive Director – South End Arts & Business Association (SEABA),
Burlington, VT – Economic development organization dedicated to promoting and
preserving the vitality of the unique community of artists and creative entrepreneurs
in Burlington’s Pine Street area. Coordinated the annual “Art Hop”, Burlington’s
largest art awareness event and also worked closely with the City Economic
Development Office and other related organizations and agencies.
1994.1998 Director of Retail Sales, Conant Custom Brass, Burlington, VT - Local
manufacturer and retailer specializing in antiques, fine lighting and custom
restorations. Clients included the Vermont State House, Shelburne Museum, Fairholt
Mansion and the Mount in Lenox. Primarily responsible for the sales of fine goods and
custom services that exceeded $1 million. Also responsible for operations, company
information technology, inventory & purchasing, and supervision of staff.
1984- 1994 Artist Representative/Consultant, Burlington, VT - Developed and
implemented sales and marketing strategies for artists and craftspeople. Researched
art, craft and trade shows, set up and attended displays, developed and
maintained relationships with galleries and private collectors, attended to financial
and marketing matters. Artists included Bill Heise, metal sculptor; Tammy Crenshaw,
folk art painter; Michael Harrigan, blacksmith and metal sculptor.
ACTIVITIES and INTERESTS
Washington County Youth Service Bureau – Vice Chair
Barre Historical Society (Old Labor Hall) – Board Member
Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church – Church Vestry (Parish Council)
Montpelier Community Gospel Choir – member
REFERENCES
Speaker Shap Smith, Vermont House of
Representatives
115 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633
Phone: (802)373-2299
Relationship: Leadership colleague
shapsmith@gmail.com
Kelly Carbo, former DFO,
Vermont Historical Society
60 Washington Street Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 522-4250
Relationship: former co-worker;
relationship: management peer
E-mail: kelly.carbo@state.vt.us
Norm Akley owner, Trow & Holden
Company
South Main Street Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 476-7221
Relationship: former board chair
E-mail: norm@trowandholden.com
Amy Shollenberger owner, Action Circles
PO Box 551 Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: (802) 793-1114
Relationship: colleague
E-mail: amybeth@together.net