The NEK Council on
Aging is pleased to announce that Bryan Bennett has been hired
as an Options Counselor working in the Newport office. This position
supports clients by evaluating needs
and providing person-centered and lifestyle options that
inform, encourage, inspire, and support older and disabled adults.
“Bryan brings extensive experience in a variety
of occupations,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director. “As a former
lawyer, consultant, teacher, and EMT, he has demonstrated a unique ability to
guide others through complex decisions and programs. He will be well suited to
research and provide options to our clients that allow them to
age well independently. We eagerly welcome him to our team.”
His legal and consultant work included, but
was not limited to, supporting the International Baccalaureate Examiners Global
Center in Cardiff Wales, UK as an International Politics Baccalaureate
Examiner; assisting in risk assessment and budget oversight for a VT municipal
water improvement project; offering assistance to the Winnebago and other Sioux
Tribes in connection with alcohol bans in White Clay, NE; and working
with the non-profit organization Para Los BriBri as the
lead researcher on environmental, economic, and cultural challenges faced
by the Talamanca BriBri Tribe of Costa Rica.
As Assistant Professor of Political Science for Fort
Hays State University (FHSU), he supported online instruction for ESL students
across the globe, and taught courses in law, multiculturalism, professional
writing, research methods, philosophy and ethics. He has lectured at the
University of Costa Rica and the Sias University in Zhengzhou, China.
He was awarded the FHSU Pilot Award for teaching, the FHSU
Distinguished Service Award, Mortar Board Top Professor,
and attended the Vermont Law School Summer Scholars
Program.
His dedication to community service extends
across a myriad of non-profit and service organizations including the Fort Hays
State University Food Bank and Community Garden, Habitat for Humanity, Boy
Scouts of America, and several libraries, legal community service
boards, and elder care organizations, including Meals on Wheels.
“Problem solving and active listening have been an
essential part of my work in many roles, perhaps most notably as a consultant,”
said Bennett. “Over time, I found that diligence is often a key
factor in overcoming what appears at first to be a problem. I am looking
forward to applying my experience to serve the clients of the
Council. The services that the Council provides are essential
lifelines to our aging population. My experience with Meals on Wheels taught me
that often you may be the only positive contact in an elderly person’s life
that day. Thus, I understand the essential nature of such connections.”
He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of
Virginia, in Charlottesville and a B.A. cum laude
in English
from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.
Bryan lives in Barton with his wife,
Sarah, and their menagerie of rescue animals,
including 4 dogs, 1 cat, 4 rabbits and 19
chickens. Bryan enjoys listening to NPR and BBC,
tea, coffee, cooking, reading, languages, and music.
