Kerin Durfee is a self-discribed "People Person" who began her career in retail management and customer service and through a not so traditional path landed in her current role as a senior HR Leader at Hula Lakeside. Prior to her role at Hula, she was appointed by former Mayor Weinberger as the Human Resources Director for the City of Burlington which she found deeply fulfilling. Kerin believes that great service is the cornerstone of any organization and is at the heart of her personal and professional goals. 

Kerin’s early career in customer services often involved working two jobs and many nights and weekends. While the service sector presented demanding work schedules, she utilized her time outside of traditional hours to pursue a college education while raising her family. Kerin readily admits that being a full-time student, mom and manager was challenging but with the support of my community which included her family, coworkers, teachers and other professionals, she was able to accomplish her goals. Kerin received a B.A. from Vermont College in 2003 and an M.B.A. from Norwich University in 2010. She believes that this period of her life strengthened her resolve to work among people, not above them. Her mantra is that one of the  best strategies for organizational success is ensuring strong connection to the people closest to the work no matter how high you climb. 

Kerin has worked in Burlington since 2006 leading exceptional teams at both City Market and the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain for a collective period of 15 years. When the opportunity to join Hula presented itself, she welcomed the chance to contribute her cumulative experience to support a dynamic group of businesses owned by Hula’s founders Russ and Roxanne Scully. Her responsibilities at Hula are varied and engaging, encompassing the development of Human Resources Information System (HRIS) capabilities, strategic planning, policy development and employee support across businesses. 

Kerin and her husband Yves reside in a “mostly empty nest” as her stepsons are pursuing their studies at Champlain and Ithaca Colleges and navigating independent living. Kerin has a big family that includes 3 grown children with families of their own. She has 9 grandchildren- soon to be 10 in August. Her personal interests include spending time with her dogs Sam and Charlie,  writing, reading and maintaining an active lifestyle through regular exercise. She recently purchased her first stand-up paddleboard which she stores at The Burlington Surf Club, taking full advantage of Hula’s worklife balance culture and learning a great new skill!