
91 Influencers of 2026
VermontBiz recognizes outstanding influencers throughout Vermont who have made a significant impact on our state. These influencers have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and contributions to their industries and communities.
About this Event
It is with great excitement that VermontBiz celebrates the remarkable achievements of all the individuals chosen as the second year of 91 Influencers here in Vermont. This prestigious honor highlights their unwavering dedication, innovation, and impact in their field and within the community, as they also inspire and lead those around them.
The name 91 Influencers was inspired by the date that Vermont became the 14th state, March 4, 1791. Providing us the perfect inspiration to use 91 as a significant number. Close to 100 but unique to our state. We believe that number of honorees was fitting considering we are a state with just over 645,000 residents but with so many influential people in Vermont.
Since 1791, Vermont has been fortunate to have many influencers, from Ethan and Ira Allen to Chester A. Arthur, Calvin Coolidge, Admiral Dewey to Patrick Leahy, Carleton Fisk and last year’s honoree Grace Potter. These influencers have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and contributions to their industries and communities.
We asked our readers to nominate someone they knew who they felt was an influential person in business in Vermont. We had several categories to choose from, health care, business services, financial and non-profits to name a few. The editorial staff then spent countless hours picking the top 91 Influencers for 2026.
Being chosen as a VermontBiz 91 Influencer signifies more than just professional achievement, it represents a deeper commitment to excellence, community, and positive change. Their work has not only resonated within their industry but has also contributed to shaping Vermont’s business landscape in meaningful and lasting ways. This accolade reflects their hard work, vision, and the respect they’ve earned from peers and colleagues alike. Katie Kittell, publisher of VermontBiz stated, “These are the business leaders of our green mountain state. These influencers create conversations to build relationships in the business community and beyond.”
As a VermontBiz 91 Influencer, they join an elite group of individuals who are driving progress, fostering collaboration, and championing the values that make Vermont a hub of innovation and leadership. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to strive for greatness and to believe in the transformative power of dedication and creativity.
Once again, congratulations on this exceptional achievement. They have truly earned this honor, and we look forward to seeing how their influence will continue to shape and inspire the community for years to come.
Winners
91 Influencers of 2026
| Name: | Company: | Title: |
|---|---|---|
| Diane Abruzzini Riggs | Rigorous | COO & Co-Founder |
| Alex Armani-Mann | Addison Chamber | Executive Director |
| Michele Asch | Twincraft | Chief People Officer |
| Peter Asch | Twincraft | Owner & CEO |
| Mohamed Basha | TLC Nursing Associates, Inc. | Owner & CEO |
| Don Baker | TD Bank | CEO |
| Joe Bator | Northfield Savings Bank | President & CEO |
| Tony Blake | V/T Commercial | Principal Broker |
| Seth Bowden | Vermont Business Roundtable | President |
| Patrick Boyle | VMEC | Executive Director |
| David Bradbury | VCET | President & Fund Director |
| Chris Caldwell | Community National Bank | CEO |
| Frank Cioffi | GBIC | Executive Director |
| Kyle Clark | Beta Technologies | President |
| Katie Clark | Beta Technologies | Head of Corporate Culture |
| Ryan Cochran-Siegle | Vermont Olympian | Skier |
| Maura Collins | VHFA | Executive Director |
| Jay Cummings | Peoples Trust Company | Business Development Officer |
| Darren Perron | WCAX | Reporter |
| Cathy Davis | Lake Champlain Chamber | Executive Director |
| Lindsay DesLauriers | Bolton Valley Resort | President & CEO |
| Adeline Druart | Lawson’s Finest Liquids | CEO |
| Dan Dubonnet | Hall Communications | COO |
| Matt Dunne | CORI | Founder and Executive Director |
| Matt Durkee | Community Bank | President |
| Julia Brinn Fields | Birnn Chocolates of Vermont | Owner/President |
| Alex Figueroa | Community Care Network/Rutland Mental Health | Director Quality Assurance & Compliance |
| Kim Fitzgerald | Cathedral Square | CEO |
| Bob Flint | SRDC | Executive Director |
| Sarah Furman | CEDRR | Executive Director |
| Al Getler | Community Heart and Soul | Executive Director |
| Joan Goldstein | VEDA | CEO |
| Ken Graham | Bear Den Partners | Partner |
| Adam Grinold | Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation | Executive Director |
| Matt Harrington | Southwest Vermont Chamber of Commerce | Executive Director |
| Shireen Hart | Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer | Managing Director |
| Alex Hernandez | Champlain College | President |
| Lyle Jepson | State of Vermont | Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development |
| Pete Johnson | Pete’s Greens | Farmer & Founder |
| Fred Kenney | Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation | Interim Executive Director |
| Lisa Keysar | Union Mutual | CEO |
| Jen Kimmich | The Alchemist | Co-Founder |
| Drew Kinney | Vermonters In Business Podcast | Co-Host |
| C.J. Knudsen | Vermont Lake Monsters | Senior Vice President |
| Patti Komline | DRM | Director of Government and Public Affairs |
| Lindsay Kurrle | Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development | Secretary |
| Mike Lane | Fluency | Co-Founder |
| Stephen Leffler | UVM Medical Center | President & COO |
| Carol Lighthall | Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce | Executive Director |
| Ilona Maher | Vermont Olympian | Rugby Player |
| Eric Mallette | Paramount Theatre | Executive Director |
| Amy Martone | American Nurses Association | Executive Director |
| Sasha Mayer | Mamava | Co-Founder and CEO |
| Mari McClure | Green Mountain Power | President and CEO |
| Jeff McMahon | Dinse | Shareholder & Director |
| Tom Messner | Vermont Lake Monsters | Chief Cheerleader |
| Robert Miller | EastRise Credit Union | CEO |
| Paula Moltzan | Vermont Olympian | Skier |
| Michael Monte | Champlain Housing Trust | CEO |
| Melinda Moulton | Rick Moulton Productions | Executive Producer & Co-Founder |
| Rick Moulton | Rick Moulton Productions | Filmmaker |
| Abdoulaye Niane | Khelcom Farm | Founder & Owner |
| Ben Ogden | Vermont Olympian | Skier |
| Nancy Owens | Evernorth | Founder & Owner |
| Bob Phillips | UVM & Ballou Family Apothecary | SI-MBA Executive-In-Residence |
| Grace Potter | Grace Potter | Singer/Songwriter |
| Senator Rocket | Eat Vermont | Founder |
| Linda Rossi | VtSBDC | Executive Director |
| Paula Routly | Seven Days | Co-Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief |
| John Sayles | Vermont Foodbank | CEO |
| Russ Scully | Hula | Founder |
| Dan Smith | Vermont Community Foundation | Executive Director |
| David Snedeker | NVDA | Executive Director |
| Mike Solimano | Killington Resort | President & CEO |
| Amy Spears | Vermont Chamber of Commerce | Executive Director |
| Megan Sullivan | Vermont Chamber of Commerce | Vice President of Government Affairs |
| Gregory Tatro | Jenna’s Promise | Co-Founder |
| Anson Tebbetts | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets | Secretary |
| Loralee Tester | Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce | Executive Director |
| Dr. Marlene Tromp | UVM | President |
| Emiliano Void | nuwave equity corp | Founder |
| Richard Watts | Center for Community News | Director |
| Miro Weinberger | Let’s Build Homes | Executive Director |
| Dan Werme | NBT Bank | Regional President of VT & MA |
| David White | White + Burke Real Estate Advisors, Inc. | President |
| Kate Williams | 1% for the Planet | President |
| Richard Wobby Jr | AGC Vermont | Executive Vice President |
| Elizabeth Wohl | Brattleboro Retreat | Chief Legal Officer |
| Michael Wood-Lewis | Front Porch Forum | Co-Founder & CEO |
| Brad Worthen | Pomerleau Real Estate | Senior Vice President, Commercial & Business Brokerage |
| Steve Wright | Jay Peak Resort | General Manager |

