MICHAEL Coppinger
Michael Coppinger
Rutland Downtown Partnership
Career Highlights:
Rutland Downtown Partnership, Executive Director 2007 to Present GMAC Mortgage Corp., Mortgage Officer 2006 to 2007 Town of Killington, VT., Director of Parks and Recreation 2001 to 2006 Town of Pittsford, VT., Director of Recreation 2000 to 2001
Community Involvement:
Rutland High School Athletic Department Assisting in Coaching Varsity Girls’ Soccer (volunteer) 2000 to Present Coached Girls’ Jr Varsity Soccer 1998 to 2000 Assisted in Coaching Varsity Ice Hockey 1997 to 2002 Castleton State College Assistant Ice Hockey Coach 2002 to 2005 Rutland City Recreation Department 1993 to Present Worked in numerous programs for Saturday morning Soccer instruction, to coaching U- 12 teams to planning and implementing day camp. City Board of Aldermen 2001 to 2007 Elected to the Board in March 2001, re-elected in March 2003 and 2005. Chair of Special Liquor, Vice-Chair Public Safety and Recreation committees. Blue Cross & Blue Shield Adviser Board Rutland Region Community Television Board of Directors Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Rutland Mental Heath Board of Directors Sustainable Rutland Board of Directors Rutland Creative Economy Steering Committee
Favorite part of job?
The aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is the satisfaction I get from improving the community in which I grew up and still reside. Through networking with city government and other like minded organizations I continue to improve the collective quality of life in Rutland. The knowledge that my efforts directly improve my community keep this job challenging, interesting and rewarding.
Most inspiring mentor?
Many people in my life have inspired and molded me into the person I am today. I would like to particularly recognize David Lewis, retired town manager of Killington and my former employer. David took a chance on a young kid when he hired me as the town's Parks and Recreation Director. This was my first career position and I was driven by passion and dreams. Dave took his tried and true experience from 30 years of managing and focused my aspirations into much of who I am today. Many times I catch myself thinking "what would Dave do in this position" and I know Dave's job is not quite done!
Who is your living hero?
I continue to rely upon my parents as my strongest supporters and toughest critics. Sometimes you don't want to be in the office when my name hits the press and I get "that call" from dad wanting explanations and clarification. Fortunately for me though most of the time dad and mom are calling to offer congratulations! My parents continue to be the most positive part of my life and I consider them my hero's to this day!
Favorite downtime activity?
My favorite downtown activity is being part of events downtown. My job offers me the unique opportunity of mixing "business with pleasure" As the host of many of this city's most popular social past times such as Friday Night Live, Sidewalk Sales and numerous other block parties, I continue to enjoy the privilege of creating atmosphere's where Rutland City shines. Anyone who has joined us for Friday Night Live would surely agree that we are indeed an extremely friendly, social and welcoming community and our downtown's special events showcase this quality.
Favorite Vermont Escape?
In our region we have some of the most spectacular golf courses in Vermont. On the links in the Rutland Region not only does my golf game improve but I enjoy all that the Vermont's outdoors has to offer. From fresh air to awe inspiring views who wouldn't enjoy "golf" as the perfect Vermont escape?
Favorite social network?
Facebook not only keeps me in touch with people in my life but has become an increasingly important tool in my career. We all know the impact Facebook has had on our culture, on our world and in our personal and business lives but we are only beginning to learn what it can to do for local, national and international marketing and networking.
Favorite website?
Craiglist. I continually take advantage of the resources that this site offers, not only for my work and my personal life but for downtown businesses as well.
Vermont Business Person you would most want to network with?
I am pleased to say that I have the opportunity through this position to work with many different communities, businesses and officials around the state. It is hard to narrow it to just one person however it would be most interesting to network and picked the brain of either Ben Cohen or Jerry Greenfield the founders of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Most of us have heard the story of these young entrepreneurs to follow their dream and created an ice cream empire.
VBM's Publisher John Boutin, Michael Coppinger and Lt. Governor Phil Scott.