...

Burr and Burton Welcomes Three New Members to the Board of Trustees

September 13, 2022, Manchester, VT – Burr and Burton Academy today proudly announced the addition of three new members to the Board of Trustees: Thomas N. Kelly, Jr. of Manchester, William V.N. Philip of Dorset, and Pauline de Laszlo of Pawlet.

“BBA has been incredibly fortunate to be guided by a visionary, talented and dedicated board of Trustees,” said Headmaster Mark Tashjian, “and we are honored to welcome Tom, Bill, and Pauline to the board. They bring a wealth of experience, a belief in the transformative power of education, and a love for this community that will carry our school into its third century.”

“I am honored to join the Burr Burton Academy Board of Trustees,” commented Kelly, “This is an exceptional institution that has a long history of providing a wonderful educational experience in an inclusive environment that is designed to help every student reach their potential. I look forward to participating and contributing to its continued success.” 

Philip noted the confluence of two important elements in his life: “The Northshire has been important to generations of my family.  Professionally, I spent almost four decades as a school teacher and administrator.  So, the opportunity to serve Burr and Burton unites personal and professional passions.  I have always been so impressed with Burr and Burton students and alumni/ae.  BBA makes such a difference in so many lives.”

Building on years of involvement with Burr and Burton, de Laszlo brings a multifaceted perspective to the board: “As a past parent and BBA employee, I look forward to supporting our school–which is at the heart of our surrounding community.”

Kelly, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Nextel Communications, currently serves as a Director of Scotts Miracle-Gro. Previously Kelly served on the board of Gamestop and several private technology companies, and held a number of executive positions as chief strategy officer, chief marketing officer and chief operating officer. Kelly attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC on a football scholarship and graduated with a degree in Economics. 

Philip recently retired as the head of Westminster School in Connecticut, following a 38-year tenure. Philip was appointed to the Westminster faculty in 1983 as a history teacher, and prior to becoming head of school, served in various other roles. A graduate of Hotchkiss School, Philip earned a degree in history at Yale University and completed a master’s at Wesleyan University. Along with his wife, Jenny, and their children, Philip’s passion for the community of Southern Vermont follows on generations of his family’s relationships in the area. 

De Laszlo is the parent of two Burr and Burton graduates, and recently retired after 6 years in the Burr and Burton Advancement Office. Locally, Pauline has served on the boards of the Equinox Lacrosse Association, the Northshire Hockey Association and the Northshire Figure Skating Club. She also served on the Board of Trustees of The Masters School (Dobbs), her alma mater. Pauline received her B.A. from Bucknell University and her M.A. from The George Washington University. 
Back