The Vermont Afghan Alliance (VAA) has announced the appointment of Ellen Yount of Starksboro as its new Executive Director, effective March 4. Yount brings more than twenty years of experience leading mission-driven organizations and working alongside refugee and vulnerable communities. Her background includes managing complex, federally funded global programs; organizing and leading fundraising initiatives; and supervising diverse, multicultural teams in the United States and overseas.

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.