VermontBiz recognizes Vermont’s Rising Stars Class of 2023

And Announced the Annual Rising Star Alumni Recipient

VermontBiz Magazine honored the winners of its Rising Stars Class of 2023 at the Delta Hotel in South Burlington Thursday evening, November 2. Honored were 40 winners under the age of 40. Award recipients were selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities. 

Of the 40 honorees, there are 23 women and 17 men. There are 2 from Addison County, 2 from Bennington County, 15 from Chittenden County, 2 from Lamoille County, 4 from Rutland County, 10 from Washington County, 2 from Windsor County and 3 from Windham County. 

The average age of the honorees is 35 years old. The oldest is 39 and the youngest is 26 years old.

See Rising Stars Event Photos HERE.

VermontBiz Magazine also recognized one alumnus from previous years as Alumni of the Year 2023. 

This year they named Michael Pieciak, Vermont’s State Treasurer. 

Pieciak, a Brattleboro native, started his career as a lawyer in New York City before moving back to Vermont to work with Downs Rachlin. 

He later served as deputy commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation securities division leading the investigation into the Jay Peak EB-5 case. In 2016 he was appointed commissioner of DFR by Governor Shumlin and reappointed in 2017 by Governor Scott. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic he served on the response team providing regular data-related updates at the governor’s weekly press conferences. 

In 2023 he was elected Vermont’s 31st State Treasure where he has worked tirelessly to strengthen Vermont’s economy and to build financial equity. 

He was a member of the Rising Stars Class of 2016. 

See Rising Stars Individual Photos HERE.

Rising Stars Class of 2023