The Vermont Association of Realtors (VAR) has named Kathy Burns as its 2019 Good Neighbor. Kathy is the broker/owner of William Raveis Vermont Properties in Ludlow. For more than three decades, Kathy has worked with clients and customers to help them realize the dream of home ownership. But Kathy is also known as a tireless champion in her community.

“Each year, VAR recognizes one individual who has made an extraordinary impact on their community through volunteer work,” said VAR President Stephanie Corey. “Kathy is the epitome of the realtor brand through her commitment to community, to her clients and to her profession.”



Kathy served on the board of The Okemo Community Challenge (OCC) for more than 15 years, and was one of its founding members. OCC raises funds to support local non-profits such as Streetscapes and the Ludlow Garden Club, organizations that help improve Ludlow’s main street. Funding has also supported the Fletcher Memorial Library, Black River Academy Museum, Windsor County Youth Services, and other non-profits. Ludlow area schools have also benefited when declining school budgets made it difficult to provide students with important enrichment programs.

Kathy was one of the primary organizers for a Streetscapes Ludlow Llama fundraiser, which raised more than $80 thousand dedicated to beautifying and enhancing the village of Ludlow and the Ludlow Art Guild.

Kathy and her brokerage have also coordinated a local coat drive for the past 14 years. Coats are collected and donated to Black River Good Neighbors to be sold. Proceeds help support the local food shelf and provide financial assistance to those in need in the Ludlow community.

Kathy currently serves on the OMARA Board of Directors. OMARA’s mission is to support the development of snow sport athletes in the Okemo community. 

Last year, Kathy helped raise over $100 thousand for Campaign for our Community, an annual appeal organized by the Okemo Mountain School (OMS). Kathy was also involved in raising funds to support the 5,200 square-foot fitness facility at OMS.

Kathy will be honored for her outstanding accomplishments at the VAR Annual Meeting and Realtors of Distinction Awards ceremony on Nov. 25 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier.