Business Notes: New execs at Cabot Hosiery, Central Vt. Medical Center; Woodstock market taps local manager; new stage for Alley concerts
July 16, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti
TURNmusic steps up Music in the Alley concerts with a new stage
Music in the Alley concerts happen in Jack's Alley along Stowe Street in downtown Waterbury. Photo courtesy of Discover Waterbury
A grant from Waterbury Arts has helped TURNmusic improve its Music in the Alley free summer concerts this summer.
The local arts organization with a focus on supporting public art endeavors awarded TURNmusic a grant of $6,124 to purchase a modular stage to be used for the concert performances in Jack’s Alley this summer. The nonprofit performing arts organization hosts three free monthly concerts in the alley on Stowe Street in June, July and August.
The new stage will improve safety, sound quality, and visibility while elevating the overall experience for audiences and performers, explained TURNmusic director Anne Decker. “Our summer concert series will really benefit from this stage,” Decker said.
Billed as innovative music in an unexpected setting, Music in the Alley for the second year is taking place in Jack’s Alley, the recently refurbished alley space that was transformed into a mini downtown park with art, lighting and some seating.
Led by TURNmusic and Blackback Pub, the concert series aims to provide “high-quality cultural programming that strengthens community connection and enhances Waterbury’s appeal as a creative, welcoming destination,” Decker said.
The first alley concert this summer was held on June 26. Upcoming performances are scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on July 24 and Aug. 21. The July concert is cross-cultural singer-songwriter LA LOVO; Latin jazz artist Ray Vega brings his band for the August date. The Phoenix Gallery & Music Hall on Stowe Street is the rain location. Find more information online about TURNmusic and Waterbury Arts.
Grand Opening at Axel’s on Friday
Recently under new ownership, Axel’s Art and Custom Framing on Stowe Street will host a grand opening ceremony this Friday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m.
The store was recently purchased by Liz Walsh, who also owns The Drawing Board in Montpelier. While Walsh plans to continue Axel’s art and picture framing operation, the company has steered away from the former gallery and exhibition focus to create a retail art supply department that so far has had a strong focus on watercolors.
The community is invited to the Friday grand opening, which will celebrate the updates and new features with a ribbon-cutting, light refreshments, a raffle and prizes. The event is free with a registration link simply for organizers to gauge the number of attendees.
Cabot Hosiery Mills taps industry innovator as new vice president
Cabot Hosiery Mills recently announced the appointment of David Steel as Vice President of Product & Innovation.
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Steel brings extensive experience in design, creativity and innovation to the role.
David Steel has joined Cabot Hosiery Mills as vice president of product & innovation. Courtesy photo
Having previously worked with prominent brands such as Under Armour, Adidas and Reebok, Steel will oversee Cabot’s product development from the ideation process to prototype, to bringing products to final market launch, the company said.
As a member of the leadership team, Steel will lead long-term direction for the brand with a focus on product development, innovation and design.
“Bringing David onto our leadership team marks a pivotal moment for Cabot Hosiery Mills. His incredible track record with global giants like Under Armour and Adidas speaks for itself, but it’s his visionary approach to blending high-performance functionality with refreshing design that makes him the perfect fit for us,” said Cabot Hosiery Mills Chief Executive Officer Ric Cabot. “As we look to the future, David’s leadership will accelerate our product journey and ensure we continue to push the boundaries of what premium performance socks can do for our customers.”
Prior to joining Cabot Hosiery Mills, Steel served as senior design director of Outdoor Apparel & Footwear at Under Armour, connecting business objectives and design execution. He also held design director roles at Adidas and Reebok.
Steel holds degrees from Liverpool John Moore University and resides outside of Boston with his wife and two children.
Founded in 1978, Cabot Hosiery Mills manufactures premium socks backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Its family of brands includes Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons. The company has production facilities in Northfield and Waterbury.
Woodstock Farmers’ Market names new Waterbury general manager
Woodstock Farmers’ Market has named Todd Paton as the new general manager. Courtesy photo
Woodstock Farmers’ Market’s Waterbury store on Vermont Route 100 has a new general manager with local retail roots.
Todd Paton started at the store in June, bringing more than 30 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, retail and customer service, according to the company’s announcement.
Paton may be familiar to local shoppers from nearby Cold Hollow Cider, where he served as retail manager from 2021-25. He previously spent many years at Rock of Ages in Barre, where he led marketing efforts as director of visitor services. Paton’s involvement in Vermont's tourism industry includes more than 20 years on the board of directors of the Vermont Attractions Association.
Amelia Rappaport, partner at Woodstock Farmers' Market, said the company is happy to have added such a service-oriented retail veteran to its team. “Todd's calm and warm demeanor and genuine commitment to customer service make our store an even more welcoming place to shop,” she said.
Paton has started by working closely with the leadership team at the company’s flagship Woodstock store and with the Waterbury staff to learn the ins and outs of the operation with an eye toward building a stronger connection between the two stores.
“Our goal is for customers to have the same exceptional experience whether they're shopping in Woodstock or Waterbury,” Rappaport said. “Todd shares that vision. He's building relationships with our staff, getting to know our customers, and working alongside our leadership team to fully understand what makes Woodstock Farmers' Market special.”
Woodstock Farmers' Market opened in Woodstock in 1992. In 2019, the company expanded by moving into the former Pete’s Greens market in Waterbury, where it now employs 20 staff. The specialty grocer focuses on Vermont-made products including cheeses, fresh produce, breads, meat, and specialty items, along with prepared sandwiches, salads, and take-home meals. The market is open Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Mondays.
Central Vermont Medical Center names new president and chief operating officer
Mark Kosak joins Central Vermont Medical Center as president and chief operating officer. Courtesy photo
Central Vermont Medical Center announced the hire of a veteran health care administrator as the hospital’s next president and chief operating officer.
Marc Kosak will join CVMC on July 20, according to the announcement on Wednesday.
“In this role, Kosak will partner closely with clinical and operational leaders across CVMC and UVM Health to enhance patient access, advance quality and safety, support workforce development, and ensure the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of Central Vermont,” the announcement notes.
Kosak brings decades of experience in hospital operations, leading complex health systems and strengthening community-based care. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Greenwich Hospital and senior Vice President of Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut. Kosak oversaw a $560 million operating budget, led more than 1,500 employees and helped drive strategic planning, service line development, capital projects and workforce initiatives, according to UVM Health.
“Marc brings extensive experience leading high-performing health care organizations and a tireless commitment to quality, safety and patient-centered care,” said Stephen Leffler, M.D., president and chief executive officer of UVM Health. “Throughout the search process, he demonstrated a deep appreciation for CVMC’s unique role serving Central Vermont and a clear vision for partnering with employees, providers and community stakeholders to build on the organization’s many strengths.”
Kosak steps into the role previously filled by Jim Alzarez, who served as the hospital’s interim president and COO following the retirement of Anna Tempesta Noonan earlier this year.
UVM leaders say they chose the veteran health care executive for his collaborative leadership style and track record spanning more than two decades. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kosak served as Incident Commander and helped guide organizational response efforts in his former position.
Kosak said he’s honored to be chosen for this new role, which will give him and his family a chance to strengthen their connection to Vermont.
“Vermont has long held a special place for my family and me, and I have developed a deep appreciation for the state’s strong sense of community, resilience, and commitment to one another,” he said. “Having a daughter attending the University of Vermont has given our family a meaningful connection to the region, and I’m thrilled to now become part of the Central Vermont community in an even greater way. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated caregivers, staff, providers, and community partners to build on CVMC’s strong legacy of delivering exceptional care and improving the health and well-being of the people we serve.”