STEPHANIE Hainley
Favorite Part of Job? What I love about being COO and a member of the senior project management staff at White + Burke is the connection to the community, the intellectual stimulation and diversity of the work, and the supportive workplace atmosphere. In developing projects for clients, I'm able to get an inside perspective on Vermont's infrastructure and understand the 
landscape in a unique way. With the endless challenges and opportunities, no two days are alike in my job -- with the notable exception that I am excited to come into my office every day because of our outstanding team and corporate culture.
Most Inspiring Mentor: David G. White, the president of White + Burke and my most influential mentor, has inspired me personally and professionally and I aspire to be as evolved as he is. His devotion to developing good real estate projects and to 
treating staff with dignity has led me to view land and people in a way that I never thought possible. Furthermore, he leads by example in his work-life balance; he is driven by passion and engagement with his clients, his hobbies, and his family.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: In the past 11 years, I have attended 20 weddings -- for 8 of which, I have served as a bridesmaid or maid of honor. I have become a pro in the art of crisis-resolution, emotional-management, and team-building -- all of which are key skills in a bridal party. And I consider myself extremely lucky to have so many genuine, beautiful, and generous friends!
Favorite Hobby: I love to dance most of all. Although I primarily only dance when out with friends these days, I was a ballerina for twelve years and have tried everything from tap to foxtrot. If I had to guess, I'd say I dance in some capacity approximately 360 days per year.
Favorite Vermont Escape: My tried & true VT escape is Mount Philo - a wonderfully fast and steep hike for a truly blissful and rewarding view. Plus, I've never met anyone on the trail that wasn't in a good mood!
Favorite Social Media: Facebook is my go-to social media outlet because it connects me to my countless friends around the world - from my years at college, my semester abroad in Ireland, and all of the other adventures that have turned strangers into loved ones. I especially cherish the sharing of photos to keep me updated on the growth and goings-on of my many nieces and nephews.
Favorite Website: Pandora is my most-utilized website because I enjoy exploring new music and appreciate being able to customize my radio based on the mood, company, or atmosphere.
Vermont Business Person you would like to have lunch with: I would love to have lunch with Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power. She got to where she is through a unique path and has leveraged her position to help and lead others (especially women), which is inspiring to me at this stage of my career.
Career Highlights: Each time one of my projects opens its doors, I am beyond thrilled. Healthy Living's redevelopment on Dorset Street, the radiation oncology expansion at Fletcher Allen Health Care, and the opening of the Hannaford Supermarket in Bradford are three projects in which I was thrilled to be involved. Being appointed Chief Operating Officer at White + Burke was a highlight was well because it reinforced the strong working relationship I have with David and Tim and allowed me to utilize my MBA. And finally, I expect November 5 to be a career highlight -- when White Burke launches the first-ever Vermont Development Conference!
Community Involvement: Since I graduated UVM eight years ago, I have been a mentor to a (not-so-young-anymore) girl through the King Street Center Big Buddy Program, which has enriched my personal life and has forever-changed my understanding of "family." In my work for Northfield Savings Bank and Northfield Mutual Holding Company, I am a director for the NSB Foundation and a corporator for NMHC. In these roles, I contribute my unique perspective to help the organizations' tactical directions and have learned so much about the local, regional, and national financial climate. In my work with Burlington Business & Professional Women (BBPW), I have leveraged my passion for the organization's mission into my roles as Young Careerist, secretary, vice president, scholarship chair, and president in order to convey our message of equitable workplace practices. And as a member of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce's Public Policy Committee, Housing & Jobs Task Force, and Leadership Champlain Class of 2015, I have been able to learn so much about our community and provide feedback & connections that help to further the goals of these groups. Being a part of all of these organizations -- being able to connect with so many incredible Vermonters and being able to give something back -- is one of the the main reasons I choose to make this place my home.
