Devotion to Elevating Others Earns Erinn Perry ‘Woman of the Year’ Honor
A normal day for Erinn Perry is filled to the brim. It consists of meeting with local non-profits, helping schools with their financial literacy program, spearheading donation efforts to local organizations in need and highlighting community outreach efforts. In her role as Public Relations and Community Outreach Manager at Community Bank, Erinn is an expert at putting the spotlight on others and supporting our communities.
Her passion is recognizing our team members, non-profit organizations, local businesses and community leaders for the great work they do across Community Bank’s four-state footprint. On March 10, it was time for the spotlight to be on her, as the Vermont Bankers Association honored Erinn as the 2021 Woman of the Year. The award recognizes Erinn for excelling at her profession, being active in the community, and supportive of other women to reach their full potential.
“I’m so honored to receive this award from the Vermont Bankers Association,” Erinn said. Still, she didn’t hesitate to share the praise with others. “This is an award for all of us at Community Bank; it truly is a team effort in making sure our communities and customers are taken care of, and I’m so lucky to be able to do that with my amazing coworkers.”
In addition to supporting countless organizations throughout the Burlington, VT, region, Erinn also spearheads Community Bank’s Financial Literacy Program across its four-state footprint. She works with Community Bank team members to coordinate the program in area schools and nonprofits, encouraging partnerships and determining how best to work together to successfully increase and improve financial education. Erinn also coordinates charitable programs and events such as Random Acts of Kindness Day, Good Neighbor Day and the bank’s canned food drives.
“Erinn always goes above and beyond with everything she does, and her commitment and can-do attitude are contagious,” said Community Bank Director of Marketing Dara Penny. “She is an incredible asset to our team, and we are thrilled to know that others recognize her dedication, passion and community spirit as well.”
Even during COVID-19, Erinn has still found ways to volunteer her time, working within the many restrictions the virus has placed on in-person volunteer opportunities by participating in virtual events and races such as Race to the Top of Vermont, and the annual Dream Big 5K.
“She looks for new opportunities to help in Vermont communities whenever she hears of a need; from families that are starting to charitable events to honor loved ones, to local recreation center events that need sponsorship or a short supply of turkeys for Thanksgiving,” Anita said. “Erinn recognizes the needs of our communities and uses her leadership skills to be involved, personally and financially.”
Erin served as treasurer of the Underhill ID Elementary PTO for three years and currently volunteers her time with Spectrum Youth and Family Services, Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, The DREAM Program, and EDD Adaptive Sports. For more than five years, she has supported Special Olympics Vermont as a volunteer & donor, participating in more than ten annual Penguin Plunges.
She helped spearhead Community Bank’s $7,500 donation to the Williston Police Department in support of its Comfort K9 program. The comfort dog program is the first of its kind in Vermont. K9 Duke was born last winter and officially joined the Williston Police Department in the beginning of May and he has been working as a comfort dog to reduce anxiety and increase communication between adult or child victims/witness and investigators.
“I enjoy helping others where I can, and to be able to do that regularly with my friends from Community Bank and local non-profits makes it even more enjoyable,” she said. “Working alongside our non-profits gives me a deeper understanding of their mission and goals and allows me to find unique ways of assisting them. I am so proud to work with so many wonderful individuals that love giving back to their communities as much as I do.”
