Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) announces the election of Matt Harrington as the incoming Chair, effective June 2024. Harrington will succeed Betsy Bishop, who will be stepping down from her role as President of the Vermont Chamber and as the Chair of the VACCE organization. Harrington will be finishing out Bishop’s term before the next election cycle.
VACCE, a nonprofit organization representing 30 chambers across Vermont, serves to unite chamber leadership in the state and enhance their professional development. Harrington, currently the executive director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership within VACCE.
Most recently and notably, Harrington graduated from the Institute for Organization Management, a 4-year professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize chamber professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of nonprofit management.
Harrington has been an integral part of VACCE since 2016, serving on the executive board and contributing significantly to the organization's growth and development. His leadership has been particularly notable in the VACCE organization for the ongoing development of the annual conference for chamber directors, including a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focused conference during the pandemic.
"I am honored to be elected as the incoming Chair of VACCE," said Harrington. "I look forward to working closely with the board, members, and stakeholders to further the organization's mission of supporting and empowering chamber professionals across Vermont."
The election of Harrington comes at a pivotal moment for VACCE, as the organization focuses on strengthening its resources and programming to better serve its members. Recent efforts by the VACCE Board have secured increased funding to facilitate greater coordination and programming for the chamber network, with a focus on professional development, education, visioning, and coaching.
"We are thrilled to have Matt Harrington stepping into the role of Chair," said Betsy Bishop, outgoing Chair of VACCE. "His dedication, vision, and leadership will benefit Vermont chambers and their executives as they work in their communities to help advance the Vermont economy."
As VACCE embarks on this new chapter under Harrington's leadership, the organization remains committed to its mission of fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the chamber community.
About VACCE
The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) is a nonprofit organization representing 30 chambers across Vermont. VACCE's mission is to unite chamber employees in Vermont and enhance their professional development through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
Source: Montpelier, VT (April 24, 2024) – The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
