Zachariah Watson
36 | Executive Director, Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity
Residence: Washington
Career highlight you are most proud of.
Having been elected to the Vermont House of Representatives to serve my communities in the General Assembly. During my time in the House, I was most proud of our work to ban single-use plastic bags, to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act, to legalize recreational cannabis and to help disperse an unprecedented $10.9 billion in federal relief funds to Vermonters in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Involvement.
Includes being a member of the Montpelier Rotary Club; Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce; Montpelier Progressive Party Caucus, where I also serve as vice chair; and the Christ Episcopal Church Housing Committee. My family and I are also parishioners of the Montpelier Christ Episcopal Church.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
The presence of my family and my love of Vermonters. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in “Self-Reliance and Other Essays “: “A sturdy lad from New Hampshire or Vermont, who in turn tries all the professions, who teams it, farms it, peddles, keeps a school, preaches, edits a newspaper, goes to Congress, buys a township and so forth, in successive years, and always, like a cat, falls on his feet, is worth a hundred of these city dolls. He walks abreast with his days and feels no shame in not ’studying a profession,’ for he does not postpone his life, but lives already.“
Favorite parts of your job.
When I tell an applicant that they were selected to be Habitat for Humanity’s next partner homeowner and then see them move into their new home once construction is complete. I also love working with volunteers with a
wide breadth of background and experiences.
Most inspiring mentor.
Sally Miller, who helped me harness my passions and energy and turn them into something tangible.
Best career advice you have received.
Don’t become a lawyer.
Something fun about yourself that few people know.
I love writing poetry, especially about mushrooms. I enjoy the work that is involved with writing a poem and that the poems I write are not necessarily meant for anyone but me.
Three words that best describe you.
Persistent, passionate and humorous.
Favorite Vermont escape.
The North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. I love wading into the shallow waters of the Dog River on a hot summer day.
Favorite Vermont season.
Spring, because that is when I can plant my garden and search for morels.
Favorite downtime activity.
Reading.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with.
Collen Doyle. A passionate advocate of his community, he has opinions about everything and is always ready for a laugh.
Cause you would support if you had unlimited access to funds.
A livable wage for everyone.
