The Future Genius Team

Executive Team

Tom Bacon

THOMAS BACON
Executive Director

For the last 7 years, Tom has been Program Director for Young Hacks Academy, a technology leadership education program for middle school students around the country. He is co-founder of Support Our Schools, a community advocacy organization for the Colchester School District, and serves on the Burlington Football Club Board of Directors.

Nic Pillips

NIC PHILLIPS
Program Coordinator

Nic worked as Program Coordinator for Young Hacks Academy, leading the curriculum development and instructor training. A graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design, Nic also served as a Technology Integrator for Orange East Supervisory Union, training teachers and students in digital literacy and innovation.

Board of Directors

Penny Bishop

DR. PENNY BISHOP
Secretary

Penny is Associate Dean and Professor of Middle Level Education at the University of Vermont. She has served as Chair of the Association for Middle Level Education’s Research Advisory Board, Chair of the American Educational Research Association’s group on Middle Level Education Research, and policy advisor on fellowship to the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

Peter Drescher

PETER DRESCHER
President

Peter is the Director of Technology and Innovation at Essex-Westford School District. As Education Technology Coordinator with the Vermont Agency of Education, he provided professional development and leadership for teachers and leaders around technology planning and integration. Peter has served as Chair of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Board of Directors.

Brendan Fisher

DR. BRENDAN FISHER
Treasurer

Brendan is an Associate Professor and Director of Environmental Program at the University of Vermont. An author of two books and over 50 peer-reviewed articles, Brendan teaches courses on sustainability science, behavioral economics, environmental/ecological economics and ecosystem management.

Rebecca Ramos

REBECCA RAMOS
Ad Hoc

Rebecca Ramos is Senior Managing Associate for Necrason Group, a public affairs management firm. An expert at navigating the complicated political landscape, Rebecca has worked with some of Vermont’s most influential political leaders, including Howard Dean and Peter Welch.