Elaine Haney, Executive Director
Elaine Haney has been involved in local Vermont government for over 20 years. In 2023 she became one of the first elected city councilors for the newly formed City of Essex Junction. Prior to that, she completed three consecutive terms on the governing boards of Vermont’s second largest municipality, serving as a Village of Essex Junction Trustee for seven years, and Town of Essex Selectboard member for three years, the last two as chair.
In 2024 Elaine was elected to a four-year term as one of two national committee members representing Vermont on the Democratic National Committee. She also sits on the DNC Rules Committee.
Most recently, Elaine was a member of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, serving on their Executive Committee as Large Municipality Representative, and as a member of CCRPC’s Equity Advisory Committee. She was also the chair of the board of CCTV Productions, which provides public access production services for CCTV’s Center for Media & Democracy and Town Meeting Television.
Elaine also served on the Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ Equity Advisory Committee, and was a founder of that group during her time as a member of the VLCT board. Prior to her elected service she also served as a planning commissioner, library trustee, library foundation chair, and was a roller derby player, referee and founder of a junior roller derby team.
Elaine has been leading Emerge Vermont since May 2021. Prior to that she worked for the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development as director of partnerships and community engagement, where she oversaw the state’s recruitment and relocation initiative, Think Vermont, and served as the Agency’s legislative liaison. She also worked with communities statewide on regional development projects and grants.
Elaine also served as the director of the Chancellor’s Office of the Vermont State Colleges System for several years and was the board chair for Burlington area public access station Town Meeting Television. She is a graduate of the Emerge Vermont class of 2021 and the Vermont Leadership Institute class of 2020.
When not supporting amazing Vermont women on the campaign trail or campaigning herself, Elaine can be found with either knitting needles or a garden trowel in her hands. She lives in Essex Junction, Vermont with her husband, son and pup.