When home ownership director Bruce Whitney started recruiting for two open positions in WWHT’s Home Ownership Center he had a clear idea about his ideal candidates. “I knew I wanted to find people who had a background in non-profit work,” Whitney said. “Finding someone who was driven by the mission was a key recruitment component and both Jeremy and Steve exceeded my expectations in that realm.”
Jeremy Paquette started in June as WWHT’s Home Ownership Program Coordinator. He will serve as the first point of contact for anyone interested in WWHT’s home repair loan program or wood stove replacement program. Prior to WWHT Jeremy worked as a project manager for New Chapter with a focus on innovation and sales. He said he had always been interested in community based non-profit work. “I got to know Josh Davis and I was struck by his love of the work he did at Groundworks”, Jeremy remembered. “Looking for mission-driven work became a priority, ideally one that served Brattleboro.” Jeremy lives in Brattleboro with his wife, Allison, and their two children. In his spare time he plays guitar and he also hosts a rock and roll radio show on local station WVEW. To contact Jeremy about any of WWHT’s home improvement programs call him at (802) 246-2116.
Another new addition to the WWHT Home Ownership Center staff is recent hire Steve Casabona. Steve came out of retirement to work for WWHT as a Home Ownership Specialist. He had previously worked for the Vermont Small Business Development Center as a counselor helping small companies buy, sell, or grow their business.
Steve has lived in Vermont for 45 years with his wife Cathy. They have three grown children and two cats. He has a Masters degree in Business Administration and says the skills he aquired working for small businesses make him perfect for the work he’ll be doing at WWHT.
In his retirement, Steve owns a small woodworking shop, but said he missed “being around people”. He will be working with anyone who is interested in becoming a home owner in Windham and Windsor counties. If you’d like information about WWHT’s Home Buyer Education classes call Steve at (802) 246-2118.
