Michael Muzzy of Shelburne, Vt., has been named director of operations for Good News Garage (GNG), a New England-wide program of Lutheran Social Services that was one of the nation’s first car donation charities. 

Bill Ames, executive vice president of operations for Lutheran Social Services, made the announcement. “Michael Muzzy brings his considerable experience at GNG in Vermont to the entire New England-wide organization," he said. "Michael has been a big part of the success of GNG over past years. I look forward to working with Michael in this capacity as he has the vision and respect of his colleagues to move the entire organization forward." 

Muzzy first came to GNG in 1998 as a garage technician. In the spring of 2000, Muzzy was promoted to program manager and began work on an opportunity to explore new services, including rides to employment for low-income Vermonters, a program that became Ready To Go (RTG), which today provides more than 35,000 rides annually to Vermonters who cannot afford a car. In 2007 Muzzy was promoted to Vermont program manager. 

Paul Boone, of Essex Junction, Vt., will now oversee both the Vermont Donated Wheels Program and RTG as program manager. Boone first came to RTG as a dispatcher in 2006 and had been manager of the program since 2008. An avid car enthusiast, Boone has a background in both auto transporting and accounting. He and his wife are very active at Community Alliance Church in Hinesburg, Vt. 

Mike Smith, of Barre, Vt., started with RTG in 2007 as a driver. Since 2009, Smith has held the position of safety officer, earning a national certification as a child safety seat inspector. Smith has accepted the new role of operations manager for RTG and will assist in the daily operations of the RTG program. Smith is very active in the community, a member of Barre City Council and several nonprofit boards. 

Muzzy stated, "Paul Boone is a capable manager who successfully blends out-of-the-box thinking with practical implementation. Both Paul Boone and Mike Smith have contributed to the growth and progress of Ready To Go. Our Vermont programs are in very good hands!"

GNG was established in 1996 in Burlington, Vt., and has since grown into all six New England states. GNG has awarded more than 3,800 refurbished vehicles to low-income families throughout New England. GNG has received national recognition, including an appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and in People Magazine, Reader’s Digest and Smithsonian Magazine.