A public servant focused on collaboration and advocacy
Simply put: I am passionate about Vermont!
It took one visit to UVM 40 years ago to know Vermont is home. This is where I belong. After graduating from UVM, I had the privilege to work on behalf of Vermonters in Washington D.C. and the great honor to do so for Senator Patrick Leahy.
My wife and I returned to Vermont almost 30 years ago, calling Colchester home the past 22 years. Here, we bought a house and raised our son, two things that have become increasingly difficult to do in recent years – one reason why I am called to service in Montpelier.
Professionally, I have made a career of helping Vermonters, first on Senator Leahy’s staff, then as an attorney for 12 years. For the past 15 years, I have worked in leadership roles in two cornerstone non-profits: the Red Cross and the YMCA. The draw to non-profit work is the same as what attracts me to public office: the opportunity to help neighbors and build stronger community.
To address the serious challenges we face, I am committed to listening closely to all perspectives, building consensus, and identifying practical solutions that Vermonters can afford.
I would like to be your voice in Montpelier and am asking for your support to be one of Colchester’s next State Representatives for our Chittenden-20 district.
Bishop’s Experience
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For almost a decade, I played a key role to secure the YMCA’s future through communications, strategic planning, fundraising, and public engagement. This work contributed to the construction of a new facility and established the Y in its new home. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I managed key departments through resilient, adaptable, and steady leadership.
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As Vice Chair for nearly five years, I helped establish a vital nonprofit in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, building and overseeing an allocations process that distributed $4 million in aid and fostered collaboration with local, state, and federal stakeholders.
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In my 5 years at the American Red Cross of Vermont & the New Hampshire Upper Valley, I cultivated strong relationships with state officials, playing a key role in securing critical funding to build out disaster resilience across Vermont. Selected for national organization’s Advanced Public Affairs Team.
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For 12 years, I honed skills in advocacy, problem resolution, and collaborative decision-making. I testified before the legislature, advocated for injured Vermonters, and championed alternative dispute resolution practices.
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An experience that instilled in me the importance of clear communication and effective advocacy, bridging the gap between legislative initiatives and constituents.
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United Way of Chittenden County: Community Impact Team
Charlotte/Shelburne/Hinesburg Rotary Club: Chair, Scholarship Committee
Boys & Girls Club of Burlington: Board Member
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University of Vermont, BA in Political Science
Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor
Champlain College/Marlboro College, Certificate in Non-Profit Management
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My wife and I are proud to call ourselves members of the 251 Club, having visited every town and city in Vermont!
We have difficult issues to address in Colchester, and I'm confident that my professional experience and collaborative problem-solving style will help me to work with others to find practical solutions to these issues.
Doug Bishop, Democratic Candidate for Vermont House of Representatives