Zak Hale '17, G'18 Named Recipient of Emerging Leader Award for 2022
The Castleton University Alumni Association has awarded Zachary (Zak) Hale ’17, G’18 the Emerging Leader Award for 2022.
Established in 2019, the Emerging Leader Award is given to alumni who have graduated within the last decade, regardless of age or degree, and who are making an impact within their community or profession. The recipient must demonstrate exceptional success in their chosen field, outstanding character, creative leadership, professional achievement, and/or devotion to Castleton.
After the wrestling program at his prior institution was discontinued, Hale transferred to Castleton where he received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2017 and his master’s degree in Accounting the following year. After graduation, he returned to his hometown of Bennington, Vermont, where he joined his family business, Hale Resources LLC., as the chief financial officer.
Through his work, he has been able to further his personal mission of helping to provide sustainable, high-quality housing to individuals throughout southern Vermont.
By raising capital investment funds from within and outside of the state, Hale Resources is able to purchase multi-family properties that have accrued several years of deferred maintenance. After restoring the homes, Community Resource Management (a division of Hale Resources) takes over the properties for long-term management and maintenance.
In 2020, Hale Resources became the first ever for-profit company in Vermont to receive a Community Development Block Grant, totaling just under $1 million dollars. This funding was used to renovate a 100-year-old, 10-unit building into a modernized 11-unit building.
Hale also devotes his time to helping community members directly by offering consulting services to those struggling to grow and expand their businesses. He hopes to someday open an educational facility that provides education to business owners and hopeful entrepreneurs who lack the financial knowledge to thrive.
Beyond the work he does in his community and business, Hale is an active member of Castleton Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. He can also be found mentoring student-athletes on the wrestling team and commentating on home matches.