Burlington Mayor Appoints Kelli Perkins Director of Racial Equity Office

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has appointed Kelli Perkins as the new director of the city's Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB), effective October 6, succeeding interim director Christian Berry. Perkins was chosen from over 40 applicants due to her extensive 20-year background in educational administration, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including her recent role at Vital Communities and work with the University of Vermont. The REIB office, founded in 2019 to address racism as a public health emergency, has faced leadership instability, including controversies involving previous directors. Perkins aims to enhance the department's strategic direction, broaden community engagement, and focus on equity-based accountability to ensure marginalized groups are better served. City officials express strong support for Perkins' appointment, emphasizing the importance of the office's work amid broader challenges to diversity and inclusion efforts. Perkins' leadership marks a renewed commitment to making Burlington a city where all residents can thrive.