Mercy Connections to Honor Heidi Stumpff

BURLINGTON —Mercy Connections is pleased to announce Heidi Stumpff as the recipient of its 2025 Catherine McAuley Community Award. Each year, Mercy Connections’ Board of Directors selects a person who exemplifies community leadership and service in the example of Catherine McAuley, a 19th century leader dedicated to social justice. Stumpff is the Regional President for Vermont at M&T Bank.

The award will be presented at the nonprofit’s annual “Power of Connection: Rising Together” event on Tuesday, May 20, at Hula in Burlington. This event shines a light on Mercy Connections’ unwavering devotion to its mission, celebrating the boundless strength and collective power of a community united in purpose.

“Heidi is a wonderful choice for this award.” said Lisa Falcone, Executive Director of Mercy Connections. “She leads with a sense of humility, collaboration, and joy that empowers others to be successful and our shared community to benefit."

Stumpff’s career spans 24 years in the banking industry. Her role at M&T Bank oversees all aspects of its operations in Vermont, including strategic planning, business development, commercial banking, community markets, and community engagement. Under Stumpff’s leadership, M&T Bank is driving meaningful progress in Vermont with its Amplify Fund, which has made a lasting impact on the community, including fostering the creation of innovative projects and programs at Mercy Connections. Prior to stepping into this position, Stumpff was Senior Vice President and Region Manager of Commercial Real Estate at M&T and People’s United Bank.

Stumpff is a previous member of the Mercy Connections Board of Directors and continues to serve on a handful of nonprofit boards in the community. Stumpff and the M&T team have also volunteered at Mercy Connections’ community lunch, held every Thursday at 12 pm for registered participants, to assist with preparing the food, serving the meal and eating together in the spirit of connection.

“I am deeply honored to be selected to receive Mercy Connection’s Catherine McAuley Community Award,” said Stumpff. “I was fortunate to be a part of the Mercy Connections board of directors for six years and enjoyed witnessing and celebrating the personal empowerment, small business creation, and community togetherness that Mercy Connections fosters.”

Power of Connection is the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event that is known for its storytelling, with Mercy Connections participants sharing personal stories of strength, progress and belonging. Tickets for the event go on sale early March, and Mercy Connections is seeking event sponsors. To sponsor the event please contact Erin Evarts at eevarts@mercyconnections.org and to learn more, visit mercyconnections.org/power-of-connection.

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