Heather M. Gonyaw, associate state director of the Vermont Small Business Development Center, has been named the organization’s State Star for 2023. The award, presented annually and recognized nationally, celebrates a member of the VtSBDC team for remarkable commitment to small-business success.
Gonyaw joined the VtSBDC team in 2002. In her current position, she is responsible for financial and grants management, process and operational management of the organization, compliance and conference planning and logistics.
“Heather is passionate about the VtSBDC mission and has helped take us seamlessly through transitions with her keen problem-solving abilities and attention to detail,” said the association's state director, Linda Rossi.
Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom, Gonyaw is an active member of her community, having served on the local district school board and the area Supervisory Union Board for many years. A current board member of a local theater group, Gonyaw also serves as the elected treasurer of her town, treasurer of the local historical society and treasurer of the Caledonia County Farm Bureau.
Gonyaw will be honored at America’s Small Business Development Center national conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in September.