Wanda Audette Announces Retirement After Over Three Decades at Lund: A Legacy of Transforming Vermont’s Adoption System
Wanda Audette, a prominent figure in Vermont’s nonprofit sector and a long-serving leader at Lund, has announced her upcoming retirement from her role as director of adoption and co-director of Project Family. Her last day in this capacity will be October 31, 2023, marking the end of a distinguished career that has spanned more than 30 years. Despite stepping down from her leadership position, Audette will continue to lend her expertise and insights in an advisory role until June 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for her successor and the organization at large.
Joining Lund in 1995, Audette has been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of adoption in Vermont. She was a driving force behind the establishment of Project Family, which was the state’s inaugural public-private adoption partnership. This pioneering initiative has been credited with significantly reducing the average time required for children to achieve permanency in adoptive homes, dropping it from 48 months to just 23 months—a remarkable achievement that has had a profound impact on the lives of numerous children and families throughout the region.
Under Audette’s guidance, the adoption department has experienced substantial growth, expanding from a modest team of two to a robust staff of 22 professionals. Collectively, these individuals bring over 246 years of experience in adoption and child welfare, underscoring Lund’s commitment to providing exceptionally qualified support to families.
Darren Springer, the chair of the Board of Trustees, commended Audette for her unwavering dedication and contributions to the organization. “Wanda has been a pillar of Lund’s success,” Springer stated. “Through her leadership, thousands of Vermont’s children have found safe, loving families more quickly and with stronger support.” Her advocacy and continual improvements to the adoption process have not only expedited placements but have also enhanced the quality of support given to families navigating this critical journey.
As Audette prepares to conclude her official tenure, her legacy will undeniably continue to influence the mission and vision of Lund. The organization is poised to further the progress made under her leadership, with a renewed focus on community engagement and innovative strategies aimed at ensuring that all children have access to nurturing and stable homes. Audette’s retirement signalizes not only a significant transition for Lund but also raises awareness of the ongoing need for systemic improvements within the state’s adoption framework.
