The board of directors of Special Olympics Vermont named Sue Minter as the new president and CEO on Thursday, Sept. 28. Minter will replace Lisa DeNatale, who is retiring after six years leading the organization.
Minter joins the statewide sports organization, serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with 12 years of executive and legislative experience, 13 years of coaching youth sports, and a lifetime of participating in competitive athletics. Minter has received several national awards in leadership including the Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership from the Aspen Institute. In 1976, Minter was a U.S. Figure Skating Association Gold Medalist.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of this search,” said Jim Godfrey, a partner at Tyler, Simms & St. Sauveur and chair of the Special Olympics Vermont board. “Lisa leaves behind some very big shoes to fill and the search committee and I are confident that Sue has both the experience and leadership qualities to move the organization forward.”
“I am honored to join the leadership of the Special Olympics movement here in Vermont,” said Minter. “It’s clear that Special Olympics plays a vital role for so many Vermont families and I look forward to working with SOVT athletes, volunteers, and staff to build a more inclusive state.”
A native of Pennsylvania, Minter attended high school in Providence, R.I., and earned a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She moved to Vermont in 1991, and lives in Waterbury with her family.
As president and CEO, Minter’s primary responsibilities will include strategic leadership, operational management, fundraising, and alignment with the global mission. Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year-round to foster acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities. Vermont offers sports training and competition opportunities in thirteen sports to 1,310 athletes.
