The NEKCOA Welcomes Bryan Bennett as Options Counselor

The NEK Council on Aging is pleased to announce that Bryan Bennett has been hired as an Options Counselor working in the Newport office. This position supports clients by evaluating needs and providing person-centered and lifestyle options that inform, encourage, inspire, and support older and disabled adults.

“Bryan brings extensive experience in a variety of occupations,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director. “As a former lawyer, consultant, teacher, and EMT, he has demonstrated a unique ability to guide others through complex decisions and programs. He will be well suited to research and provide options to our clients that allow them to age well independently. We eagerly welcome him to our team.”

His legal and consultant work included, but was not limited to, supporting the International Baccalaureate Examiners Global Center in Cardiff Wales, UK as an International Politics Baccalaureate Examiner; assisting in risk assessment and budget oversight for a VT municipal water improvement project; offering assistance to the Winnebago and other Sioux Tribes in connection with alcohol bans in White Clay, NE; and working with the non-profit organization Para Los BriBri as the lead researcher on environmental, economic, and cultural challenges faced by the Talamanca BriBri Tribe of Costa Rica.

As Assistant Professor of Political Science for Fort Hays State University (FHSU), he supported online instruction for ESL students across the globe, and taught courses in law, multiculturalism, professional writing, research methods, philosophy and ethics. He has lectured at the University of Costa Rica and the Sias University in Zhengzhou, China. He was awarded the FHSU Pilot Award for teaching, the FHSU Distinguished Service Award, Mortar Board Top Professor, and attended the Vermont Law School Summer Scholars Program.

His dedication to community service extends across a myriad of non-profit and service organizations including the Fort Hays State University Food Bank and Community Garden, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and several libraries, legal community service boards, and elder care organizations, including Meals on Wheels.

“Problem solving and active listening have been an essential part of my work in many roles, perhaps most notably as a consultant,” said Bennett. “Over time, I found that diligence is often a key factor in overcoming what appears at first to be a problem. I am looking forward to applying my experience to serve the clients of the Council. The services that the Council provides are essential lifelines to our aging population. My experience with Meals on Wheels taught me that often you may be the only positive contact in an elderly person’s life that day. Thus, I understand the essential nature of such connections.”

He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville and a B.A. cum laude in English from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.

Bryan lives in Barton with his wife, Sarah, and their menagerie of rescue animals, including 4 dogs, 1 cat, 4 rabbits and 19 chickens. Bryan enjoys listening to NPR and BBC, tea, coffee, cooking, reading, languages, and music.