Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS have announced the appointment of Fran Tobin as Vice President of People & Culture. She brings to this newly created position more than two decades of experience in human resource management in the private, public and education sectors, including executive level management, strategic program management, training and employee development, and organizational development.
Tobin will support and guide VPR and Vermont PBS as the two organizations join to form a single public media service for Vermont later this year. After that, she will head human resources for the new organization of more than 125 staff.
"Fran is the perfect person to be the first hire of the combined organization,” said VPR President & CEO Scott Finn, who will lead the new organization. “We are committed to serving new and diverse audiences, and she brings deep commitment and experience to equity and inclusion.”
Prior to joining VPR and Vermont PBS, Fran served for 14 years as Director of People & Culture for Lake Champlain Chocolates. In that role, Fran worked collaboratively with the executive team to lead initiatives grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and, as a Certified B-Corp, using business as a force for good.
“I have relied on VPR and Vermont PBS for more than 30 years, and I am thrilled to join this dedicated team,” Tobin said. “What most interests me in this new role is its compelling and relevant mission and commitment to elevating the tenets of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we integrate the organizations and shape the future together, people will remain at the heart of our work. I look forward to serving as an advisor, resource, and leader to advance our learning, understanding, culture, and impact in meaningful ways.”
Previously, Tobin served as Director of Human Resources at American Flatbread, Director of Administration at Vermont Family Network (formerly Parent to Parent of Vermont), and held a variety of positions at Trinity College of Vermont. She is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Vermont Human Resource Association, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
Originally from Long Island, Fran has called Vermont home for more than 30 years and resides in Burlington with her spouse, Dolly Fleming.
