Vermont Business Magazine The Executive Board of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association (VFDA) unanimously endorsed a strategic plan designed to strengthen the nearly 60-year-old organization.
Stephanie Austin will become VFDA’s Executive Director, effective October 1. Austin started her career at VFDA in 2006 and has run the training programs and compliance center for over a decade.
“Stephanie has proven to be an effective non-profit manager and is deeply committed to the association and its members,” said VFDA Vice-President Judy Taranovich.
Stephanie Austin and Matt Cota
Matt Cota, who has led the organization since 2007, will become VFDA’s Managing Director under his new government affairs firm, Meadow Hill Consulting.
While Austin will take on more administrative responsibilities, Cota will continue to lead VFDA’s legislative and regulatory initiatives. His firm, Meadow Hill, will focus on building strategic partnerships with Vermont business organizations in the energy, heating, and transportation industry.
“Matt has done a remarkable job growing our association and fighting for propane and oilheat businesses in Vermont,” said VFDA President Manny Fletcher. “This strategic plan ensures that Matt can continue to respond to the legislative and regulatory challenges ahead while developing partnerships that are key to our long term viability.”
One of those partnerships is with a new non-profit 501c3 trade association called the Heating and Cooling Contractors of Vermont. The organization was launched in May of 2022 to improve training for home energy technicians and to encourage more Vermonters to enter the skilled trades.
Austin and Cota together have over thirty years of experience working for VFDA. Both say they are excited about implementing the strategic plan and thank the Executive Board for their support.
Go to vermontfuel.com/movingforward for more details.
