2023 Catherine McAuley Recipient: Scott Boardman

Mercy Connections proudly announces Scott Boardman is this year’s recipient of its Catherine McAuley Award. Boardman, the longtime CEO of Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group, retired earlier this month.

The award will be presented at the nonprofit’s annual Power of Connection event Tuesday, May 2, at Hula (and broadcast live via Zoom).

“We are so proud to honor Scott, a well-known, longtime, exemplary business leader, who has quietly and humbly championed advancing our community and the common good. He is a person of high integrity who always leads with kindness and wisdom. He is the perfect choice for this award,” said Lisa Falcone, Executive Director of Mercy Connections.

Each year the Mercy Connections Board of Directors selects a person who exemplifies mercy values and the example of Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy. McAuley was a 19^th-century leader in Ireland who made it her life’s work to promote social justice. She advocated for those who were overlooked and underserved and believed that every individual was worthy of equal opportunity.

“I am very honored to receive the Catherine McAuley Award,” Boardman said. “To be recognized by Mercy Connections and the Sisters of Mercy is a bit overwhelming. I have known many sisters for over 55 years, and they have had a profound influence in my life.”

Boardman joined the Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group more than 40 years ago after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Holy Cross College. He is a member and past-President of the Vermont Chapter of CPCU, as well as a past-President of the Vermont Insurance Agents Association (VIAA). Boardman currently serves as a director of A.N. Deringer and PC Construction Company. He is a past Mercy Connections Board member. Boardman and his wife, Carol, live in Burlington. They have four grown children.

“I support Mercy Connections because it’s helping the most vulnerable folks in our community receive help in bettering their lives through education, social kindness and mentoring. In addition, Mercy Connections is an economic engine assisting people as they start businesses. This has created many jobs in our area, which is critical to a vibrant community.”

The Power of Connection, the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event, is known for its storytelling, where participants share their personal stories of strength, progress, and resilience. Virtual registration for the event is coming soon. To sponsor this event contact Marissa: mstrayerbenton@mercyconnections.org 

Visit mercyconnections.org to learn more.

Mercy Connections, a nonprofit founded in 2001, empowers people to make significant life changes through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community.