Vermont Business Magazine After more than 17 years as President & Executive Director of the Burlington Business Association (BBA), Kelly Devine has announced her departure, effective at the end of the year. Devine has led the organization through significant initiatives to enhance downtown Burlington’s vibrancy, safety, and economic health.
Chair of the Board Chelsea Condos said, “Kelly has been the backbone of the BBA for nearly two decades. Her commitment, energy, and vision have transformed downtown Burlington in ways that benefit every resident, business owner, and visitor. While we will deeply miss her leadership, we are grateful for all she has accomplished and are committed to building on the strong foundation she has laid as we look toward the future.”
Kelly Devine said, “Serving Burlington’s business community has been a great honor. From the day I began in 2007, I’ve believed in the power of collaboration—between businesses, city government, nonprofits, and residents—to build a downtown that is safe, welcoming, vibrant, and economically thriving. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. While I will work with the Board to ensure a smooth transition, I’m also looking forward to using my skills of advocacy and collaboration in new ventures.”
Key Accomplishments
• Downtown Ambassador Project & Public Safety Initiatives
Established the Downtown Ambassador Program, in collaboration with downtown stakeholders to improve safety, support local businesses, and address key safety challenges facing our downtown businesses.
• BBA Business Summit 2024
Brought national leaders to meet with almost 200 local business and community leaders to learn how similar cities like Berkeley, CA are addressing challenges with unhoused people, substance use disorder and illegal behaviors. The team from Reno’s Nevada Cares Campus joined us to talk about this new model for supporting a city’s most needy community members.
• Tax Reform
Led the effort to repeal Burlington's Business Personal Property Tax. The tax sunsets in 2026 following a successful charter change campaign. This tax was deemed regression and puts Burlington as at disadvantage when compared to neighboring communities.
• Advocacy & Coalition Building for Downtown Vitality
Kelly has been a strong voice for downtown business interests in city policymaking, and she led responses during economic challenges (including the COVID‑19 pandemic), and promoted infrastructure improvements, public events, and partnerships between business owners, city government, nonprofits, and residents.
The Board of Directors will use this transition period to reflect on the organization’s future direction and priorities. Once those strategic conversations are complete, the Board will determine the next steps for leadership.
About Burlington Business Association
The Burlington Business Association is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the economic vitality of Burlington. The organization is committed to ensuring the downtown remains a cultural, social, and business hub of the region.
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