Sean Adkins
38 | Executive Director, Rutland Redevelopment Authority
Residence: Rutland
Career highlight: The career highlight I’m most proud of is recruiting/working to get a brewery to purchase and renovate a blighted and long-vacant former grist mill on the Dan River in Virginia. I look forward to having plenty more to replace this as my highlight here in Rutland, but this one will always hold a special place in me as one of more unique redevelopment efforts.
Community involvement: My community involvement spans two decades across five states, including several ‘YP/Young Professionals’ chapters, Rotary clubs, Toys for Tots, and coaching youth baseball and wrestling.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I was motivated to live and work in Vermont by being a native New Englander, and wanting to move back closer to family. Vermont is a beautiful and proud place, and for what I do there is so much potential yet without sacrificing the small town feel throughout the entire state.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is seeing the fruits of my labor in real time, and rarely is there an identical day. There are so many moving parts and people, and it is a wonderfully challenging niche field.
Most inspiring mentor: My most inspiring mentor is my Papa, the late Reverend Merle Spring. I still call him my eternal/internal ‘lighthouse.’ His community involvement and leadership was something to admire and behold – he brought people together in a way is rarely seen in the world.
Best career advice: The best career advice I have received is from Papa, “don’t let the bastards get you down.”
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I memorized the entire world map in 4th grade, having to accurately place and spell every capital, state, country and continent. I can’t anymore though…
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is St. Albans Bay Park, although it’s a bit of a hike now that I’m in Rutland.
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont escape is 1000% autumn.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is hopping on my Harley for a ride, especially during the golden hour.
Favorite social media: My favorite social media is (was) Vine. RIP.
Favorite smell: My favorite smell is a woodstove, as much of my clothing and house can attest to.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with (assuming a VT beverage, but not a VT native?) would be Teddy Roosevelt. I think he’d be one of the most interesting leaders to knock a few back with during our current times.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is ALS research or dog rescues. Both are near and dear to me and my family.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend: I’m not embarrassed at all of any of my jams! Although I’m pretty sure my fandom of Doja Cat or Miley Cyrus might be the one that fits this question.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: In the next 5-10 years I’d like to be bringing the last couple of TIF projects to a close in the City of Rutland, if the current economic development climate stays where it is.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: Adding $100M to the City of Rutland’s grand list.
What’s the ideal next move for you in your career: I’m in my professional happy place. I progressed and took the leap to being a municipal manager, and it made me very grateful to confirm what I already knew – economic development on a local government level is my passion.
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: There’s nothing better in terms of having a feeling of fulfillment in your career. It’s not easy, but your work reaches more people than you realize.