Celebrate Life: Anne Lezak

Description

From Gary De Carolis:

Five (six!) words that describe Anne Lezak: Energetic, Engaged Connector, Quick-Witted, Nature-lover, Altruistic.

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. My husband and I moved to “suburban” Rutland over 35 years ago. I became attached to the community and made life-long friends through raising our three kids, serving on local boards and the Rutland County Democratic Committee, and as executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. I worked remotely for many years, writing grant proposals, reports, and newsletters, and edited five books. I’ve relished teaching and leading workshops on grant-writing, board development, and nonprofit leadership.

When my husband ran for state representative, I signed on as his campaign manager. He beat a long-term incumbent, and I jumped into local and state politics, most recently serving as Vermont Democratic Party Chair in 2022-23. We moved to Burlington a dozen years ago, where I’ve embraced being able to walk and bike almost everywhere. For some years I worked in a leadership role at Mercy Connections, a wonderful local nonprofit.

My husband and I joined Peace Corps Response in 2017 and spent a life-changing year in Mbarara, Uganda. I’ve since returned seven times, continuing to support Hospice Africa Uganda and deepening my connections with Ugandan colleagues.

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