Kurt Broderson | President
Kurt has been Executive Director of Middlebury Community Television since 2017, succeeding long-time director Dick Thodal. Kurt spent the previous 5 years as Technology Coordinator at MCTV and the Ilsley Public Library, a joint position between the two organizations. A former teacher, Kurt learned video production on the job, eventually teaching Video Production at Green Mountain College until it closed. When not behind the camera, Kurt is an avid skier, as well as soccer coach and referee, or can be found standing on the sidelines supporting his two children.
Paul Snyder | Vice President
Executive Director of Northwest Access TV in St. Albans since 2020, Paul is noted for his commitment to live local sports coverage throughout Franklin County.
Mohamad Al Rubaie | Treasurer
Mohamad Al Rubaie joined CCTV Center for Media & Democracy in April 2023 as Business Manager during a time of transition. In November 2023, he stepped into the role of Co-Executive Director, helping to guide the organization’s work in community media and civic engagement.
He is passionate about amplifying local voices, enjoys connecting with community members who bring their ideas to local TV, and is committed to strengthening CCTV’s role as a resource for public access and local storytelling. With a background in nonprofit finance, Mohamad also serves as Treasurer of the Vermont Access Network, supporting the financial sustainability of community media across the state.
Outside of work, Mohamad enjoys spending time with his family, continuously learning, tackling new challenges, and staying engaged in meaningful projects.
Johnny Gifford | Secretary
Johnny Gifford (he/him) has been the Executive Director of Brattleboro Community Television since 2024, before which he led SAPA TV in Springfield, VT. Born in a small Massachusetts town near Boston, he grew up surrounded by community radio & television, earned a degree in film production from Fitchburg State University, and later made community media his career.
Johnny is equally comfortable on camera or behind the scenes, and also enjoys advocating for community media as a means of education, transparency and artistic expression. Outside of work, Johnny is an avid musician, recording, producing, and performing around New England and beyond with various projects. He also serves on the board for WVEW-LP, Brattleboro’s community radio station.
Tammie Reilly
Tammie M. Reilly is the Executive Director of GNAT-TV, serving the Northshire and Mountain Towns region of Southern Vermont since 2011. A longtime advocate for community media, she previously served on the Vermont Access Network Board and the Alliance for Community Media Northeast Board, and currently chairs VAN’s Data Committee. With a background in film and television production, event planning, and tourism marketing, Tammie brings an innovative and collaborative approach to community media. She is the founder of GNAT-TV’s News Project, which expands local journalism and civic storytelling. Tammie lives with her family in Southern Vermont and enjoys the region’s rich cultural and recreational life.
Lisa Byer
Lisa Byer is the Executive Director of CAT-TV, serving the southern part of Bennington County. She got her start at CAT-TV in 1997 as a part-time Administrative Assistant, then moved into production as Access Coordinator and later Production Manager. In 2003, she stepped into the Executive Director role and has been leading the organization ever since.
This is Lisa’s second time serving on the VAN Board. During her first stint, she was Board President for several years and chaired the committee working on the Charter and Comcast CPG renewals. The Comcast renewal was a long and challenging process that eventually ended with a mediated settlement agreement. She also helped negotiate a contract template for AMOs with Comcast. Since stepping back from statewide leadership in 2021, Lisa has stayed closely connected to VAN’s work. She believes this is a critical moment for community media and is committed to helping Vermont’s media centers stay strong and adapt to the changes ahead.
Lisa lives in Bennington and loves working in her flower gardens, tackling home projects, and helping care for her 95-year-old mom. Her favorite time is spent with her partner Mike and their Golden Retriever, Remi.
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Paula Wehde
Paula is the Co-Director of Woodstock Community Television – WCTV and the Executive Director of Windsor On Air WOA-TV.
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