The number one thing our Director of Strategic Initiatives, Paul Vermette, loves about his job is the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that test his problem-solving skills. When members of our Network highlight a way to meet an unmet need in the community, Paul helps bring together the right people to answer that need. When our members need support in human resources or IT, Paul finds human resources training and IT solutions. When our members have great ideas but need funding, Paul delivers our Inspiration and Exploration Grants. “A project manager at heart, I usually tell people I do a lot of stuff. But the best part about everything I do, is that it contributes to improving people’s lives,” says Paul.
On the weekends, Paul can be found doing home renovations. “I’ve never built a house but I’ve done just about every renovation that can be done in one.” In Paul’s house, walls have been moved, tiles have been laid, and since he dabbles in carpentry, a maple handrail for his staircase has been built. “At work I’m behind a computer all day and sometimes it can take years until I see results,” says Paul. “Home renovation is good therapy for me because it allows me to create something with my hands and I get to see concrete results in a matter of months.”
