Paul Dragon has been appointed to the Vermont Adult Learning Board of Trustees. Over the past 15 years, he has worked at the Agency of Human Services in several roles, including the Deputy Secretary for the Agency, the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, and most recently as the Director for Field Services. In each of these roles, he has sought to bring the Agency’s vision of holistic and integrated services to Vermonters. As the Director of the Healthcare for the Homeless Program in Burlington, he led the development of the Safe Harbor Clinic and the Pearl Street Clinic.
Dragon received his Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Vermont where he received the Herman B. Meyers Excellence in Doctoral Policy Research Award. He is the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity.
Dragon’s commitment to ending poverty, promoting equity and building an inclusive community started as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali West Africa when he realized there needs to be an “ecological approach to building community that includes not only health care and social justice, but a deep connection and respect for the environment and all its inhabitants.” Dragon lives with his wife and three children in Underhill, Vermont.
“I am so pleased to be on the Board of Vermont Adult Learning and have long admired their passion, commitment and expertise in serving adult learners and in helping to strengthen our communities,” Dragon said.
Vermont Adult Learning’s Mission is to create an innovative, inclusive and equitable learning environment that provides personalized opportunities for education and career development for Vermont residents by building relationships, strengthening communities and fostering life-long learning. Learn more at www.vtadultlearning.org.