Stride Creative Group, a full-service marketing agency in Burlington, announced the hiring of Alison DeFisher as Content Producer and Marketing Coordinator.

DeFisher has 12 years of experience in marketing and communications for nonprofits and government agencies of various sizes, most recently for United Way of Northwest Vermont. Her experience includes branding, messaging, social media, media relations, event management, video content, and copywriting for various platforms.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has hired Megan Sullivan as our Vice President of Government Affairs and Amelia Seman as our Government Affairs Specialist. The two new staff members will join the Vermont Chamber in December to grow our government affairs division at an important time. Across the state, businesses have been challenged by the pandemic, and Vermont Chamber advocacy has been crucial to the survival of Vermont’s diverse business community.

Richard Lewis of Essex, a lifelong Vermonter and longtime communications and public relations professional, assumes the role of Community Outreach Manager for Vermont Blue Advantage (HMO and PPO), the Medicare Advantage Plan created and supported by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (Blue Cross).

Lewis, a graduate of the University of Vermont, has held communications and public relations positions with several Vermont organizations, including the Champlain Valley Exposition, the University of Vermont, KeyBank’s Vermont district and the American Cancer Society.