MONTPELIER — The Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP) welcomed Vergennes resident Nial V. Rele as their new executive director in February. Rele is a native of India and first moved to Vermont to attend Middlebury College as an international student. At Middlebury, he studied environmental policy and Chinese and went on to receive a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Prior to joining the VEEP team, Nial served in various higher education administration roles at colleges across the U.S. and moved back to Vermont in 2017.
“The board and staff are delighted and honored to have Nial join VEEP as its new executive director,” said board chair Beth Sachs. “He is bringing creativity and curiosity to the work as well as a commitment to supporting the staff and expanding the organization’s impact in Vermont, New Hampshire, and beyond.”
“I have long been in awe of the power of education to change lives,” said Rele. “Climate, sustainability, and energy education directs that same power towards addressing some of our most challenging problems. I am proud to be part of a team that empowers our young people with valuable skills and knowledge, a spirit of responsible citizenship, and a sense of urgency to make a difference in their communities.”
Since 1979, VEEP has reached thousands of K-12 students and teachers with a range of energy education programs all with the mission of encouraging choices that result in sustainability in our communities, economy, and environment. They offer virtual workshops and teaching partnerships, teacher professional development, equipment and curricular resources, as well as an annual academy for youth climate leaders. In 2017, the organization expanded its work into New Hampshire with the New Hampshire Energy Education Project (NHEEP).
“When the pandemic first hit, under Cara Robechek’s innovation leadership, VEEP quickly pivoted to offering a range of virtual programs,” said Rele. “As we look forward, we will continue to strive for broad and equitable access to students and teachers while maintaining the hands-on, evidence-driven, and project-based nature of our programs we are known for.”
“I welcome the opportunity to connect and collaborate with parents, educators, and organizations across Vermont and New Hampshire,” he said.
You may reach Rele at [email protected] and 802-438-3371, or visit veep.org for more information.