Board of Directors
Deborah Dameron
Co-Chair
Debbie worked in public health for more than thirty years, starting in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. She went on to get a master’s degree in Public Health. Debbie moved to Vermont in 1983 where she and George raised their son, Sam. Debbie worked for more than twenty years at the Vermont Dept. of Health. She spent the last seven years of her career as VP for Cancer Control at the American Cancer Society. An appreciation for theater and the arts has always been a big part of Debbie’s life. She served on the board of Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival for twelve years. She cherishes having Vermont Stage and live theater available in Burlington. Debbie and George live in Hinesburg.
Co-Chair
Debbie worked in public health for more than thirty years, starting in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. She went on to get a master’s degree in Public Health. Debbie moved to Vermont in 1983 where she and George raised their son, Sam. Debbie worked for more than twenty years at the Vermont Dept. of Health. She spent the last seven years of her career as VP for Cancer Control at the American Cancer Society. An appreciation for theater and the arts has always been a big part of Debbie’s life. She served on the board of Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival for twelve years. She cherishes having Vermont Stage and live theater available in Burlington. Debbie and George live in Hinesburg.
Maria McGrath
Co-Chair
Maria has spent more than 40 years in and around theater. Through 11 seasons at Theatre Works Silicon Valley, she stage managed; built, designed and ran properties; worked on many stage crews and endured endless tech rehearsals all while working full-time day jobs. Upon moving to Vermont in 1996, she found her way to occasionally dressing all in black to help her friends tell stories. Maria is currently the Operations Manager and Registrar at The Schoolhouse in South Burlington. It is a lot like stage managing, but with kids and without a script.
Co-Chair
Maria has spent more than 40 years in and around theater. Through 11 seasons at Theatre Works Silicon Valley, she stage managed; built, designed and ran properties; worked on many stage crews and endured endless tech rehearsals all while working full-time day jobs. Upon moving to Vermont in 1996, she found her way to occasionally dressing all in black to help her friends tell stories. Maria is currently the Operations Manager and Registrar at The Schoolhouse in South Burlington. It is a lot like stage managing, but with kids and without a script.
Joel Harris
Vice-Chair
Joel is a native New Yorker where he practiced law for 40 years. He specialized in international corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration. In 2007, he retired and moved to Essex, Vermont. An avid theater goer since college, during his New York days, Joel regularly attended theatrical performances, particularly at off and off-off Broadway venues and summer stock in New England and Canada. Once he settled in Vermont, he and his wife promptly subscribed to Vermont Stage and have been regulars ever since. A graduate of Columbia College, Harvard Law School and the University of London, Joel has served as a board member of various non-profit organizations, including bar associations, small theater companies and in Royal Savage Yacht Club in Charlotte.
Vice-Chair
Joel is a native New Yorker where he practiced law for 40 years. He specialized in international corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration. In 2007, he retired and moved to Essex, Vermont. An avid theater goer since college, during his New York days, Joel regularly attended theatrical performances, particularly at off and off-off Broadway venues and summer stock in New England and Canada. Once he settled in Vermont, he and his wife promptly subscribed to Vermont Stage and have been regulars ever since. A graduate of Columbia College, Harvard Law School and the University of London, Joel has served as a board member of various non-profit organizations, including bar associations, small theater companies and in Royal Savage Yacht Club in Charlotte.
Molly Mara
Secretary
Molly first became involved in theater as a young professional, volunteering with Lyric Theater in various backstage capacities, including make-up, props, set painting, and costume construction. She eventually took on the roles of Costume Designer, Assistant Technical Director, and eventually, Producer. She has been a Family Consumer Science teacher in Milton, Vermont. Molly loves theater and is excited about possible future youth programs at Vermont Stage. Molly and her family live in Williston.
Secretary
Molly first became involved in theater as a young professional, volunteering with Lyric Theater in various backstage capacities, including make-up, props, set painting, and costume construction. She eventually took on the roles of Costume Designer, Assistant Technical Director, and eventually, Producer. She has been a Family Consumer Science teacher in Milton, Vermont. Molly loves theater and is excited about possible future youth programs at Vermont Stage. Molly and her family live in Williston.
Alan Matson
Treasurer
Alan’s career and education has been in finance and statistics. Since 2001 he has been involved with start up companies and individual consulting projects. He was a founding member of eSecLending and Lionshares. He has always been active in the community projects that interest him: Burlington Children’s Space, City Market, Burlington School District, Keep BT Local and the Vermont Real Estate Cooperative. Alan has loved theater since his early days of working backstage as a Harvard undergrad. Alan and his wife, Dale, are long time supporters of Vermont Stage. They live in Burlington.
Treasurer
Alan’s career and education has been in finance and statistics. Since 2001 he has been involved with start up companies and individual consulting projects. He was a founding member of eSecLending and Lionshares. He has always been active in the community projects that interest him: Burlington Children’s Space, City Market, Burlington School District, Keep BT Local and the Vermont Real Estate Cooperative. Alan has loved theater since his early days of working backstage as a Harvard undergrad. Alan and his wife, Dale, are long time supporters of Vermont Stage. They live in Burlington.
Judy Allard
Judy’s love of the performing arts began with music lessons and participation in choir, band, and chorus in elementary and high school. The interest continued in college with her participation with the Lane Committee (as House Manager and Chair) attending nearly all the Lane presentations. A teacher of science, particularly biology, for 38 years in the Burlington System, she included many performing arts assignments for her students. She is a regular attendee at performances at the Flynn, the Lane Series, Saint Michael’s Playhouse, and Vermont Stage. She especially likes Winter Tales and the outdoor performances done by Vermont Stage. She is looking forward to getting “behind the scenes” at Vermont Stage.
Judy’s love of the performing arts began with music lessons and participation in choir, band, and chorus in elementary and high school. The interest continued in college with her participation with the Lane Committee (as House Manager and Chair) attending nearly all the Lane presentations. A teacher of science, particularly biology, for 38 years in the Burlington System, she included many performing arts assignments for her students. She is a regular attendee at performances at the Flynn, the Lane Series, Saint Michael’s Playhouse, and Vermont Stage. She especially likes Winter Tales and the outdoor performances done by Vermont Stage. She is looking forward to getting “behind the scenes” at Vermont Stage.
Bob Bolyard
Bob had been active in the local theater scene since 1988, appearing with Lyric Theatre, Vermont Rep, Green Candle Theater Company, The Open Stage, and Saints and Poets Production Company. Bob is also a founding member of the drag troupe The House of LeMay who have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and awareness for local organizations and charities. As Amber LeMay, Bob created “Amber Live!”, a weekly live-streamed comedy/talk show (www.amberlive.tv), where, since March of 2020, has talked to people from all over the world. Bob has worked with the UVM Clinical Simulation Laboratory for 25 years, currently as a Standardized Patient Educator.
Bob had been active in the local theater scene since 1988, appearing with Lyric Theatre, Vermont Rep, Green Candle Theater Company, The Open Stage, and Saints and Poets Production Company. Bob is also a founding member of the drag troupe The House of LeMay who have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and awareness for local organizations and charities. As Amber LeMay, Bob created “Amber Live!”, a weekly live-streamed comedy/talk show (www.amberlive.tv), where, since March of 2020, has talked to people from all over the world. Bob has worked with the UVM Clinical Simulation Laboratory for 25 years, currently as a Standardized Patient Educator.
Sandra Dooley
Sandy grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, came to Vermont to attend Middlebury College, and never left. Her career included various positions in human services, working for the State of Vermont, Champlain College, US Department of Labor, and herself. A former South Burlington City Councilor, Sandy has served on the Champlain Housing Trust and other nonprofit boards. Her love of theater began with participation in her high school’s production of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Attending local theater performances is a favorite pastime. In 2020-2021, she produced the play, The Suffragist Reenactment Society, commissioned by the Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alliance. Sandy has Master’s degrees from the University of Vermont and West Virginia University’s School of Social Work.
Sandy grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, came to Vermont to attend Middlebury College, and never left. Her career included various positions in human services, working for the State of Vermont, Champlain College, US Department of Labor, and herself. A former South Burlington City Councilor, Sandy has served on the Champlain Housing Trust and other nonprofit boards. Her love of theater began with participation in her high school’s production of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Attending local theater performances is a favorite pastime. In 2020-2021, she produced the play, The Suffragist Reenactment Society, commissioned by the Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alliance. Sandy has Master’s degrees from the University of Vermont and West Virginia University’s School of Social Work.
Barbara Frankowski
Barbara is a pediatrician who came to Vermont for her first real job in 1985 and never left. She has been a member of the faculty in the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP) since its beginning in 2000, and she served as the health consultant for the Burlington School District for 20 years. Barbara enjoys outdoor sports and cooking and gardening, and she loves music and theater. She and her husband live in Jericho and attend many local arts events.
Barbara is a pediatrician who came to Vermont for her first real job in 1985 and never left. She has been a member of the faculty in the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP) since its beginning in 2000, and she served as the health consultant for the Burlington School District for 20 years. Barbara enjoys outdoor sports and cooking and gardening, and she loves music and theater. She and her husband live in Jericho and attend many local arts events.
Carole Furr
Carole grew up in Dayton, Ohio (Oakwood High School) and graduated from Harvard University in 1992. After college she became an accountant and attained an A.A. from CCV in Accounting, finishing in 2014. She works for Burlington Housing Authority as a staff accountant. Carole's interest in music and theater goes way back, all the way to kindergarten -- she was in her first opera, "Noye's Fludde" by Benjamin Britten, at the age of 5. She plays French horn in various bands and orchestras and sings in many choral groups, including the Barre-Tones Women's Barbershop chorus. She occasionally, though rarely, appears in community theater productions as well, finding the schedule too difficult to combine with full-time work most of the time. With Jay Furr, she is a homeowner in Richmond and a parent to four cats.
Carole grew up in Dayton, Ohio (Oakwood High School) and graduated from Harvard University in 1992. After college she became an accountant and attained an A.A. from CCV in Accounting, finishing in 2014. She works for Burlington Housing Authority as a staff accountant. Carole's interest in music and theater goes way back, all the way to kindergarten -- she was in her first opera, "Noye's Fludde" by Benjamin Britten, at the age of 5. She plays French horn in various bands and orchestras and sings in many choral groups, including the Barre-Tones Women's Barbershop chorus. She occasionally, though rarely, appears in community theater productions as well, finding the schedule too difficult to combine with full-time work most of the time. With Jay Furr, she is a homeowner in Richmond and a parent to four cats.
Jay Furr
Joel K. 'Jay' Furr is a native of Blacksburg, Virginia. He is a 1988 graduate of the University of Georgia (BA in English) and a 1990 graduate of Virginia Tech (MPA - Master of Public Administration). Jay has worked since 1995 in the IT field, starting with PC application training for the general public and moving on to higher-end server platforms and networking. Since May of 1998 he has worked in the hospital and large practice revenue cycle software field, first for IDX Systems Corporation until it was acquired by GE Healthcare in 2004, and then continuing with GE until 2019, and thereafter working for athenahealth after the legacy IDX division of GE was spun off and merged with the existing athenahealth company. He has been married to Carole Elaine Furr (née Stoops) since September of 1997. Jay is a member of the Richmond, Vermont Selectboard, having been appointed to fill a vacant seat in the summer of 2021 and then being elected to the remaining two years of that seat in March of 2022. In March of 2024 he was elected to a full three-year term. Jay served as chair of the Selectboard between March of 2023 and March of 2024. Jay has been active since 2008 as a supporter of Susan G. Komen, having raised approximately $67,000 via various long-distance charity walks. When he is not doing his day job, governmental service, or bowing to the whims of four cats, he enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, bicycling, and kayaking.
Joel K. 'Jay' Furr is a native of Blacksburg, Virginia. He is a 1988 graduate of the University of Georgia (BA in English) and a 1990 graduate of Virginia Tech (MPA - Master of Public Administration). Jay has worked since 1995 in the IT field, starting with PC application training for the general public and moving on to higher-end server platforms and networking. Since May of 1998 he has worked in the hospital and large practice revenue cycle software field, first for IDX Systems Corporation until it was acquired by GE Healthcare in 2004, and then continuing with GE until 2019, and thereafter working for athenahealth after the legacy IDX division of GE was spun off and merged with the existing athenahealth company. He has been married to Carole Elaine Furr (née Stoops) since September of 1997. Jay is a member of the Richmond, Vermont Selectboard, having been appointed to fill a vacant seat in the summer of 2021 and then being elected to the remaining two years of that seat in March of 2022. In March of 2024 he was elected to a full three-year term. Jay served as chair of the Selectboard between March of 2023 and March of 2024. Jay has been active since 2008 as a supporter of Susan G. Komen, having raised approximately $67,000 via various long-distance charity walks. When he is not doing his day job, governmental service, or bowing to the whims of four cats, he enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, bicycling, and kayaking.
Tamar Howson
Tamar spent most of her career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry responsible for the identification, evaluation and negotiation of mergers and acquisitions and providing business development support to life sciences companies. Tamar has served on boards of numerous biotechnology companies. Tamar earned a BSc in chemical engineering from the Technion, Israeli Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in chemical engineering from the City College of New York and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. Loving theater, and having spent many years in New York City, she attended many Broadway, off and off-off Broadway performances. Shortly after moving to Vermont she became a member of Vermont Stage and attended every performance with her husband and many of her friends.
Tamar spent most of her career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry responsible for the identification, evaluation and negotiation of mergers and acquisitions and providing business development support to life sciences companies. Tamar has served on boards of numerous biotechnology companies. Tamar earned a BSc in chemical engineering from the Technion, Israeli Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in chemical engineering from the City College of New York and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. Loving theater, and having spent many years in New York City, she attended many Broadway, off and off-off Broadway performances. Shortly after moving to Vermont she became a member of Vermont Stage and attended every performance with her husband and many of her friends.
Solveig Overby
Solveig is a lawyer whose work focuses on the use of technology in the practice of law. She served for 25 years as the IT Systems Manager for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Vermont. She has been a devotee of theater, music and dance since her parents brought her to Ohio University Theater productions as a youth. Solveig has enjoyed Vermont Stage productions for years. She regularly also attends other theater productions, whether at the high school or university level, community theater, or professional, to experience the mind-expanding potential of the content and the actors’ methods, and observe the production techniques. When traveling, she seeks out theater opportunities, especially those that are edgy, quirky and provocative. For years, she was a member of the Theater Group Ltd. troupe that presented “Night Fires,” an annual Winter Solstice theater production. She did the Publicity, but occasionally joined the musicians, playing concertina or accordion.
Solveig is a lawyer whose work focuses on the use of technology in the practice of law. She served for 25 years as the IT Systems Manager for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Vermont. She has been a devotee of theater, music and dance since her parents brought her to Ohio University Theater productions as a youth. Solveig has enjoyed Vermont Stage productions for years. She regularly also attends other theater productions, whether at the high school or university level, community theater, or professional, to experience the mind-expanding potential of the content and the actors’ methods, and observe the production techniques. When traveling, she seeks out theater opportunities, especially those that are edgy, quirky and provocative. For years, she was a member of the Theater Group Ltd. troupe that presented “Night Fires,” an annual Winter Solstice theater production. She did the Publicity, but occasionally joined the musicians, playing concertina or accordion.
Hannah Powell
Hannah grew up in Putney Vermont, majored in Sociology at Harvard, and then went to Medical School at UVM. She was a practicing Psychiatrist until 2022 when she retired, but she still moonlights at the Brattleboro Retreat for a week or two at a time. Now retired, she has been writing fiction with the Burlington Writer’s Workshop and getting more involved in her community. She cannot remember a time when she did not love live theatre, starting with a Peter Shulmann puppet show she saw when she was less than five, followed by Moliere’s “ Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme” when she was six, and then attending grade school plays, high school plays, and the Marlboro Summer Stock theatre. She started going to Vermont Stage plays in 2000 and got hooked. Over the past twenty five years she has enjoyed so many wonderful Vermont Stage plays.
Hannah grew up in Putney Vermont, majored in Sociology at Harvard, and then went to Medical School at UVM. She was a practicing Psychiatrist until 2022 when she retired, but she still moonlights at the Brattleboro Retreat for a week or two at a time. Now retired, she has been writing fiction with the Burlington Writer’s Workshop and getting more involved in her community. She cannot remember a time when she did not love live theatre, starting with a Peter Shulmann puppet show she saw when she was less than five, followed by Moliere’s “ Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme” when she was six, and then attending grade school plays, high school plays, and the Marlboro Summer Stock theatre. She started going to Vermont Stage plays in 2000 and got hooked. Over the past twenty five years she has enjoyed so many wonderful Vermont Stage plays.
Mary Esther Treat
In her youth Mary Esther loved being on stage in school and in productions at a summer camp on Lake Champlain. After college it was that Vermont camp which led her to move to Burlington with a view of the lake and mountains. Her first job - reporting for the late Vermont Sunday News - took her all over the state. She worked in public and employee relations at Green Mountain Power, then in corporate services. Some years later she left GMP to get a degree in Plant & Soil Science at UVM. She volunteered at the Shelburne Elementary School, until her husband started a business that kept her deeply involved for years. Her joys are being outdoors (running, walking, hiking, gardening), being with friends and family, traveling to new places, and decades of enjoying Vermont Stage.
In her youth Mary Esther loved being on stage in school and in productions at a summer camp on Lake Champlain. After college it was that Vermont camp which led her to move to Burlington with a view of the lake and mountains. Her first job - reporting for the late Vermont Sunday News - took her all over the state. She worked in public and employee relations at Green Mountain Power, then in corporate services. Some years later she left GMP to get a degree in Plant & Soil Science at UVM. She volunteered at the Shelburne Elementary School, until her husband started a business that kept her deeply involved for years. Her joys are being outdoors (running, walking, hiking, gardening), being with friends and family, traveling to new places, and decades of enjoying Vermont Stage.
