Staff & Board - Kelly Brush Foundation

Staff

Edie Perkins Executive Director

Edie joined the Kelly Brush Foundation as Executive Director in January 2021. She previously spent over twenty years managing businesses and developing products for PreK-12 schools. In 2017, Edie was struck by a car while riding her bike and suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). She is now paralyzed from the chest down. Always an athlete and active in the running and cycling communities, she sought out support after her injury and is now a competitive handcyclist. She is thrilled to bring together her professional background, passion for sports and new experience living with an SCI to help others thrive.

Sarah Davis Marketing Manager

Sarah joined the Kelly Brush Foundation as the Marketing Manager in April 2022. Before coming to the KBF, Sarah managed the communications for a local nonprofit working to advocate for safe and accessible active transportation in Vermont. As a native Vermonter, she spends the majority of her time outdoors: skiing, horseback riding, kayaking, playing basketball, hiking the high peaks, and drinking craft beers.

Bruce Downes Sr. Director Marketing & Digital Programs

Bruce joined the Kelly Brush Foundation as the Marketing Director in August 2021. Prior to the KBF, Bruce worked primarily in the startup space, including leading marketing for a Boston-based hard seltzer company and managing the development of an automated lead generation platform for a rapidly growing recruiting startup. Joining the KBF allowed Bruce to move back to Vermont and settle in the Mad River valley, where he spends his weekends skiing, hiking, and renovating his fixer-upper.

Greg Durso Program Director

Greg has been involved with the Kelly Brush Foundation for the last 10 years as a fellow grant recipient and big supporter. After 11 years in commercial banking on Long Island, Greg is now excited to focus his efforts on helping others in the SCI community get the same opportunities and chances he's had. In May 2019 Greg joined the team as the new Program Director. As a wheelchair athlete Greg loves the outdoors: skiing, mountain biking, boating and participating in triathlons.

Amy Rixon Program Manager

Amy joined the Kelly Brush Foundation as the Program Manager in May of 2023. Amy comes to the KBF with a background in Occupational Therapy and loves helping people find meaningful ways to feel like their full, complete selves. Amy collects hobbies and likes skiing, doing yoga, exploring coffee shops, searching for the world's best sandwich, reading, roller skating, skateboarding, climbing, kayaking, and laughing at her own jokes the most.

Jessica Shook Administrative Coordinator

Jessica Shook joined the Kelly Brush Foundation as Administrative Coordinator in May 2021. Previous professional experience has been centered on supporting and fostering community through music and travel. She loves living in Vermont with her husband, son, and two dogs. Outside of work, you’ll find her on skis, in hiking boots, on a yoga mat, in a kayak, or working on assembling the perfect cheese plate.

Matt Tilford Community Engagement Manager

Matt Joined the KBF as the Communication Engagement Manager in March of 2023. Matt's journey is unique as he’s worked within the disability community since he was 15. His first job in high school was as an adaptive mobility installation technician where he installed hand controls, van lifts, stair lifts, etc. Matt sustained an SCI during his senior year of high school, leading him to a career focused on the disability community. He isn’t that new to KBF as he's been a grant recipient and an Ambassador of ours since the program was launched. He brings with him experience in managing adaptive recreation programs, DME sales, SCI mentorship & resource management. Matt’s a full-time van lifer based out of SLC Utah who chases sunsets on his adaptive bikes, flies high on his wakeboard, and loves to camp off the grid where he connects with nature.