02/09/2026
📣 Leadership Announcement from the Vermont Afghan Alliance
The Board of Directors of the Vermont Afghan Alliance is pleased to announce that Ellen Yount of Starksboro will join the organization as our new Executive Director, effective March 4.
Ellen succeeds Molly Gray, who has served as Executive Director since April 2023 and is stepping down in early March in an effort to return to state government.
Under Molly’s leadership, the Alliance grew from a small, volunteer-led driving program into a professional, statewide nonprofit now supporting more than 650 Afghans across Vermont with jobs, housing, immigration legal services, and more. We are deeply grateful for her vision, dedication, and impact.
Ellen brings more than 20 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations, managing complex global programs, fundraising, and working alongside refugee and vulnerable communities in the U.S. and abroad. She also brings extensive media and public affairs experience and a lifelong personal commitment to refugee work.
“I am honored to join the Vermont Afghan Alliance, which shows compassion and care every day for Afghans rebuilding their lives,” Ellen said. “I look forward to working with our partners and communities to ensure Afghans can build meaningful lives with dignity in Vermont.”
Please join us in thanking Molly for her extraordinary leadership and welcoming Ellen as we enter this next chapter together!
