Who We Are
The Bennington Sports Foundation (BSF), a 501-(c)-3 organization was critical to fill an important need by finding and reaching our most vulnerable children to provide them with opportunities to be better engaged in the community so they may reach their full potential in school and life. We will do that by providing sports organizations with financial support to attract new participants, to hire teens to work in their programs and to provide curricula and research for program growth and development.
The BSF was created in 2022 by Bennington County residents and is supported by a uniquely qualified and committed board of directors. We’ve already received enthusiastic support from our partners, community members and organizations who share a passion for improving life for our youth and our communities.
Mission
The mission of the BSF, a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization, is to provide youth in Bennington county with opportunities to learn positive life skills, good health and wellness habits and education through sports.
Vision
To give girls and boys in Bennington County the opportunity to reach their potential in sport and life.
Goal
The programs and initiatives we support will promote teamwork, leadership skills and positive role models; encourage community service; and be a positive influence in the community.
Leadership
The BSF operates through a volunteer board and staff.
Co-Chair, Jeannie Jenkins (North Bennington)
Chair, Bennington Select Board and co-chair of the Bennington County Workforce and Education group.
Co-chair, Deborah Slaner Larkin (North Pownal)
Former CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation and USTA Foundation. Former member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and current member of the board of the National Women’s Law Center.
Board Members
Angela Bevin (Bennington)
Angela Bevin has been a Bennington resident since 2007. She moved to Vermont with her (then) young family. Having a background in human resources and a love of real estate, Angela began a new career as a Residential Realtor in 2016. Hobbies include tennis, skiing, boating, and of course covets time with her family. She’s held several board positions and has been active in many fundraising efforts both large and small.
John Caswell (Shaftsbury)
John Caswell was born and raised in Bennington, Vermont. He is a pharmacist at SVHC and lives in Shaftsbury with his wife, Rachel Rogge. John comes from a family who for many generations were teachers in Bennington. He inherited their dedication and passion and strives to share his feelings of well being achieved through sports to help guide the youth in our community. Sports has always been an important part of John’s life, starting in grade school through college and continues to participate in several sports today. He also makes time to be a volunteer coach at SVSU.
Steve Kimball (Manchester)
Steve Kimball is a Vermont native who was active in community sports while growing up in Bennington and Manchester. He recently returned to Southern Vermont after a 30-year career in commercial real estate, and has redeveloped two commercial buildings along Manchester’s Historic Main Street, kicking off his transition back to the local community.
Erin McEnaney (Shaftsbury)
Erin McEnaney is the Corporate Administration Manager at the Orvis Company. She has been with Orvis for over 15 years and has worked with the HR team, Internal Communications, Board of Directors and employees of all levels within the company. She is the current coordinator for the Prospect Mountain Bill Koch League. Erin loves being active through running, nordic skiing and biking. She is a strong believer in getting all kids active in sports and believes in the power of sport as an avenue towards friendship, confidence and good mental health.
Melissa Morrison (Shaftsbury)
Melissa H. Morrison is a multi-generational Vermonter who is the owner and President of At Home Senior Care. Melissa grew up in Bennington where she participated in several sports including horseback riding, soccer, tennis, skiing, golf and running. Melissa was the Director of NorShaft Soccer and led the merger to create Southshire Soccer serving youth in grades K-6th in the greater Bennington area. Melissa has two sons who have been active participants in youth soccer, Nordic skiing, golf and Lacrosse and now play on school teams.
Carson Thurber (Stratton, Bennington)
Carson Thurber is a native of Vermont. Currently, Carson works as the Head of School at Stratton Mountain School and previously was employed by Southwestern Vermont Health Care in Bennington. He has served on the Bennington Select Board and enjoys small entrepreneurial ventures around southern Vermont.
