Following a national search, The Mentor Connector (TMC) announce Aug. 7 that Bobbi Jo Stellato has been selected to guide the Rutland organization into its third decade as its next executive director. Among the many attributes that distinguish Stellato as an exciting new leader for the organization is her commitment to youth advocacy and stellar track record of strengthening youth mentorship programs in Vermont and nationally, TMC stated in a news release.
Stellato has dedicated her entire career to the social sector and demonstrated unwavering commitment to TMC as program director over the last 11 years. She also has served as respected board member of the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth, the Medical Reserve Corp Advisory Board, and she currently serves on Mentor Vermont’s Program Leadership Council and DEI Committee.
“The Board of Directors is delighted that Bobbi Jo has accepted the executive director position,” said Laurie Martin, board president. “Her steadfast commitment to the work, the youth we serve, and our community is unmatched. She passionately pursues opportunities to ensure that every young person in Rutland County has the resources and support needed to thrive.”
Established in 2004, The Mentor Connector guides more than 150 vulnerable children, youth, and young adults in western Vermont through life-changing friendships to build goals, character, and skills to be successful in life. Since its inception, TMC has mentored more than 1,000 young people, collaborated with hundreds of local businesses and organizations to support mentoring, and assisted 25 community organizations and schools in establishing mentoring programs.
During Stellato tenure at TMC, she initiated a period of remarkable programmatic growth and innovation. Under her leadership, TMC’s mentor-match increased to an average of 4.1 years, which is five times the national average. She also spearheaded initiatives to provide career readiness programming and access clinical services for the youth and families we serve. Stellato also developed and launched the organization’s Transitional Living Program for runaway and homeless youth providing housing and case management services to youth ages 16-21. It is the only program of its kind in the County serving youth ages 16-17.
“Bobbi Jo is an exemplary leader in community-building and youth advocacy in Vermont,” shared Elizabeth Ewan, associate director of Mentor Vermont. “With a profound understanding of the challenges facing Vermont’s youth, she approaches problem-solving with a methodical and thorough mindset, exploring innovative solutions that address root causes.”
One of Stellato’s standout achievements is the development of a region-wide Opioid Family Mentoring Program she implemented in partnership with Vermont Dept. of Health, the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and local providers. This holistic initiative equipped families with tools and knowledge to cultivate healthier living habits and interrupt the intergenerational pattern of substance misuse among young people. The program was recognized at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington D.C. and was estimated to have delivered more than $2.4 million in public cost savings.
Stellato’s leadership extends beyond her organizational roles; she is a consultant for other nonprofits, including the National Mentoring Resource Center, a program of Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, providing valuable programmatic insights and guidance.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Stellato is deeply invested in community service, with volunteer commitments as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She has lent her time and talent to Rutland County Community Justice Center, Everybody Wins, Habitat for Humanity, BROC, and Rutland Blooms.
“The Mentor Connector is honored to name Bobbi Jo Stellato as our new executive director,” stated Nikitta Caveney, a current board member who has served on the TMC Board for the last six years. “She has cemented her reputation as a trusted and effective leader, and her vision, passion, and unwavering dedication to empowering youth will undoubtedly propel our community to new heights.”
