VermontBiz recognizes the 91 Influencers of 2026

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VermontBiz It is with great excitement that VermontBiz celebrates the remarkable achievements of all the individuals chosen as the second year of 91 Influencers here in Vermont. This prestigious honor highlights their unwavering dedication, innovation, and impact in their field and within the community, as they also inspire and lead those around them.

The name 91 Influencers was inspired by the date that Vermont became the 14th state, March 4, 1791. Providing us the perfect inspiration to use 91 as a significant number. Close to 100 but unique to our state. We believe that number of honorees was fitting considering we are a state with just over 645,000 residents but with so many influential people in Vermont. 

Since 1791, Vermont has been fortunate to have many influencers, from Ethan and Ira Allen to Chester A. Arthur, Calvin Coolidge, Admiral Dewey to Patrick Leahy, Carleton Fisk and last year’s honoree Grace Potter. These influencers have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and contributions to their industries and communities.

We asked our readers to nominate someone they knew who they felt was an influential person in business in Vermont. We had several categories to choose from, health care, business services, financial and non-profits to name a few. The editorial staff then spent countless hours picking the top 91 Influencers for 2026.

Being chosen as a VermontBiz 91 Influencer signifies more than just professional achievement, it represents a deeper commitment to excellence, community, and positive change. Their work has not only resonated within their industry but has also contributed to shaping Vermont’s business landscape in meaningful and lasting ways. This accolade reflects their hard work, vision, and the respect they’ve earned from peers and colleagues alike. Katie Kittell, publisher of VermontBiz stated, “These are the business leaders of our green mountain state. These influencers create conversations to build relationships in the business community and beyond.”

As a VermontBiz 91 Influencer, they join an elite group of individuals who are driving progress, fostering collaboration, and championing the values that make Vermont a hub of innovation and leadership. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to strive for greatness and to believe in the transformative power of dedication and creativity.

Once again, congratulations on this exceptional achievement. They have truly earned this honor, and we look forward to seeing how their influence will continue to shape and inspire the community for years to come.

91 Influencers logo

91 Influencers of 2026:

Name:  Company: title:
Diane Abruzzini Riggs Rigorous COO & Co-Founder
Alex Armani-Mann Addison Chamber Executive Director
Michele Asch Twincraft Chief People Officer
Peter Asch Twincraft Owner & CEO
Mohamed Basha TLC Nursing Associates, Inc. Owner & CEO
Don Baker TD Bank CEO
Joe Bator Northfield Savings Bank President & CEO
Tony Blake V/T Commercial Principal Broker
Seth Bowden Vermont Business Roundtable President
Patrick Boyle VMEC Executive Director
David Bradbury VCET President & Fund Director
Chris Caldwell Community National Bank  CEO
Frank Cioffi GBIC Executive Director
Kyle Clark Beta Technologies President
Katie Clark Beta Technologies Head of Corporate Culture
Ryan Cochran-Siegle Vermont Olympian Skier
Maura Collins VHFA Executive Director
Jay Cummings Peoples Trust Company Business Development Officer
Darron Perron WCAX Reporter
Cathy Davis Lake Champlain Chamber Executive Director
Lindsay DesLauriers Bolton Valley Resort President & CEO
Adeline Druart Lawson's Finest Liquids CEO
Dan Dubonnet Hall Communications COO
Matt Dunne CORI Founder and Executive Director
Matt Durkee Community Bank President
Julia Brinn Fields Birnn Chocolates of Vermont Owner/President
Alex Figueroa Community Care Network/Rutland Mental Health Director Quality Assurance & Compliance
Kim Fitzgerald Cathedral Square CEO
Bob Flint SRDC Executive Director
Sarah Furman CEDRR  Executive Director
Al Getler Community Heart and Soul Executive Director
Joan Goldstein VEDA CEO
Ken Graham Bear Den Partners Partner
Adam Grinold Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Executive Director
Matt Harrington Southwest Vermont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Shireen Hart Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer Managing Director
Alex Hernandez Champlain College President
Lyle Jepson State of Vermont Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development
Pete Johnson Pete's Greens Farmer & Founder
Fred Kenney Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation Interim Executive Director
Lisa Keysar Union Mutual CEO
Jen Kimmich The Alchemist Co-Founder
Drew Kinney Vermonters In Business Podcast Co-Host
C.J. Knudsen Vermont Lake Monsters Senior Vice President
Patti Komline DRM Director of Government and Public Affairs
Lindsay Kurrle Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development Secretary
Mike Lane Fluency Co-Founder
Stephen Leffler UVM Medical Center President & COO
Carol Lighthall Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Ilona Maher Vermont Olympian Rugby Player
Eric Mallette Paramount Theatre Executive Director
Amy Martone American Nurses Association  Executive Director
Sasha Mayer Mamava Co-Founder and CEO
Mari McClure Green Mountain Power President and CEO
Jeff McMahon Dinse Shareholder & Director
Tom Messner Vermont Lake Monsters Chief Cheerleader
Robert Miller EastRise Credit Union CEO
Paula Moltzan Vermont Olympian Skier
Michael Monte Champlain Housing Trust CEO
Melinda Moulton Rick Moulton Productions Executive Producer & Co-Founder
Rick Moulton Rick Moulton Productions Filmmaker
Abdoulaye Niane Khelcom Farm Founder & Owner
Ben Ogden Vermont Olympian Skier
Nancy Owens Evernorth Founder & Owner
Bob Phillips UVM & Ballou Family Apothecary SI-MBA Executive-In-Residence
Grace Potter Grace Potter Singer/Songwriter
Senator Rocket Eat Vermont Founder
Linda Rossi VtSBDC Executive Director
Paula Routly Seven Days Co-Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
John Sayles Vermont Foodbank CEO
Russ Scully Hula Founder
Dan Smith Vermont Community Foundation Executive Director
David Snedeker NVDA Executive Director
Mike Solimano Killington Resort President & CEO
Amy Spears Vermont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Megan Sullivan Vermont Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Government Affairs
Gregory Tatro Jenna's Promise Co-Founder
Anson Tebbetts Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Secretary
Loralee Tester Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Dr. Marlene Tromp UVM President
Emiliano Void nuwave equity corp Founder
Richard Watts Center for Community News Director
Miro Weinburger Let’s Build Homes Executive Director
Dan Werme NBT Bank Regional President of VT & MA
David White White + Burke Real Estate Advisors, Inc. President
Kate Williams 1% for the Planet President
Richard Wobby Jr AGC Vermont Executive Vice President
Elizabeth Wohl Brattleboro Retreat General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Michael Wood-Lewis Front Porch Forum Co-Founder & CEO
Brad Worthen Pomerleau Real Estate Senior Vice President, Commercial & Business Brokerage
Steve Wright Jay Peak Resort General Manager

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