The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce has appointed four new members to its Board of Directors, effective February 1, 2026. These appointments come at a pivotal moment for the organization as it advances a fully integrated Chamber Enterprise model that includes the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation, The Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization, Shires Young Professionals (SYP), and the State Welcome Center at Bennington. Together, these new board leaders bring deep local roots, statewide policy expertise, nonprofit and health care leadership, and a strong commitment to community service — reinforcing the Chamber’s 2027 Vision focused on workforce development, business growth, and community vitality across the region.
“The Chamber’s work today requires thoughtful leadership and a diverse range of expertise,” states Shannon McLenithan, President of the Chamber Board. “These new board members expand our leadership depth, enhance our governance and position us to create lasting community and economic impact across Southwestern Vermont.”
New Board Members
Courtnay Wilson, PhD — Chair, Shires Young Professionals
Courtnay Wilson (she/her) has lived in Bennington since 2019 and brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, volunteer leadership, and community connection to the board. A licensed psychologist in Vermont and Connecticut, Courtnay specializes in neuropsychology and currently works for Northeast Neuropsychology after spending a decade at The Memory Clinic in Bennington.
Since joining the Shires Young Professionals Board in 2022, Courtnay has been instrumental in expanding volunteer-driven programming and strengthening pathways for young professionals to engage, lead, and stay in the region. Her leadership has been widely recognized, including honors such as VermontBiz 40 Under 40 Rising Star, Southern Vermont Emerging Leader, Bennington Banner Readers’ Choice Favorite Volunteer/Hero, and the 2025 Lindy Lynch Volunteer of the Year Award from the Chamber. Courtnay previously served as Vice Chair of the SYP organization.
Ed Barbeau
A lifelong resident of Bennington County, Ed Barbeau brings a deep local perspective and a strong record of nonprofit governance to the Chamber Board. A summa cum laude graduate of Castleton State College (now Vermont State University), Ed has chosen to remain in the region while building a professional career, currently working remotely for Melissa Data.
From 2017 to 2024, Ed served on the board of the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless, helping guide critical services for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. His appointment reflects the Chamber’s continued commitment to inclusive economic development and community stewardship. Ed has been a constant volunteer at Chamber events including the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival and Garlic Town, USA.
Jessica Smith Hartleben
Jessica Smith Hartleben is the Executive Director of the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC), where she oversees major statewide economic tools including the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and the Community and Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP).
An attorney by training, Jessica previously served with the Vermont Department of Economic Development and as an Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Children and Families. With deep professional and civic ties to Bennington County, she brings extensive experience in governance, mediation, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic problem-solving. She holds a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and previously served as President of the Bennington County Bar Association.
Alex Figueroa
Alex Figueroa brings a strong background in human services, nonprofit leadership, and health care administration. Since relocating to Bennington in 2017, Alex has been an active civic leader, serving on local committees and as a past Chair of Shires Young Professionals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Utica College and a Master of Public Administration in Health Administration from Hilbert College.
Alex’s leadership has been recognized through multiple awards, including Vermont 40 Under 40 Rising Star, Southern Vermont Emerging Leader, Southwestern Vermont Young Professional of the Year, and Hilbert College’s Graduate of the Last Decade Award.
“Our board is intentionally designed to reflect the complexity and opportunity of the work ahead,” remarks Matt Harrington, CEO of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. “This group understands that economic development today is collaborative, regional, and deeply human. We are excited to have them start!”
For more information about the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, its Board of Directors, or its enterprise initiatives, visit www.swvtchamber.com
Bennington, VT — Photos courtesy of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber
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