Statewide Leader David Coates is the Vermont Chamber Citizen of the Year

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that David R. Coates of Colchester has been selected as the Vermont Chamber Citizen of the Year. Coates will be honored with a banquet in the fall.
In the crowded field of awards given to Vermont community members, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award is one of the most prestigious. Presented annually for nearly four decades, the Citizen of the Year Award honors the person who contributes to Vermont communities on a statewide basis through service, self-sacrifice, and volunteerism.
Coates is widely known as a successful Vermont businessperson who has contributed many years of volunteer service to the State of Vermont as well as organizations committed to economic development, education, and human services.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive our Citizen of the Year award,” stated Chamber President Chris Barbieri. “With continuous dedication and commitment, David has accepted practically any challenge the community has asked of him.” Governor Douglas agreed: “David Coates has made a career of civic virtue, and of service to his and our community... he has left a trail of service and betterment for our state like few others.”
Currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New England Culinary Institute, within the past year alone Coates has also taken on three additional high-profile volunteer positions: Governor Douglas appointed him Chair of the Vermont Commission on Government Efficiency; Coates chaired the search committee for the new CEO of National Life of Vermont; and he served on the Ad Hoc committee established by the Fletcher Allen Health Care Board of Trustees to investigate issues surrounding the Renaissance Project.
“It certainly is very exciting and flattering to be honored with this award,” noted Coates.
David Coates’ list of lifetime achievements continues with a number of awards including the Richard A. Snelling Economic Development Award (1999). An accountant by training, Coates holds positions on over a dozen Boards of Directors of Vermont businesses, education, and human service organizations.
The Citizen of the Year Award dates back to 1964. Past recipients include the Honorable Barbara Snelling (2002), Francis G.W. Voigt (2000), Governor Thomas Salmon (1996), Sister Elizabeth Candon (1985), and Perry Merrill (1978).