People in the news

Venture 7 Advisors, a Burlington, Vermont-based merger and acquisition advisory firm with offices in New York and Massachusetts, announced the addition of Michael Kirchner as the fourth partner in its fast-growing practice. Michael brings an outstanding financial management background, business operations skills, and experience in negotiating complex merger/acquisition transactions.

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

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.

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).

Every year, during their Annual Meeting in November, the NEK Council on Aging recognizes a special volunteer or organization with the Humanitarian Hero award in honor of their dedication to the Council's mission and the impact they have on the community at large. This year, the Council is pleased to announce Linda Guyer as their 2021 Humanitarian Hero.

The NEK Council on Aging is pleased to announce that Bryan Bennett has been hired as an Options Counselor working in the Newport office. This position supports clients by evaluating needs and providing person-centered and lifestyle options that inform, encourage, inspire, and support older and disabled adults.



Six months into its independence as a community-owned radio station, WGDR/WGDH has hired a new Station Manager, Llu Mulvaney-Stanak. This role will oversee all aspects of the station, as well as provide key leadership for CVCR as a nonprofit.

Darn Tough Vermont® is proud to announce the newest addition to their athlete roster with local advocate and influential runner, Mirna Valerio. A lover of the outdoors, Mirna advocates for inclusivity, works to reduce stigma, and is dedicated to normalizing an outdoor lifestyle for all bodies, genders, and identities.

Christine Bourque of Grand Isle and Livy Strong of Jericho were honored with conservation awards at the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) Annual Meeting in October.

Every year, the land trust recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to conservation and farming in Vermont.

Marathon Health, an employer health company, announces the addition of Venkataraman “Venkat” J. Chittoor as Chief Product & Technology Officer. Chittoor will lead the development, launch and scale of digital products and health services to deliver a superior patient experience and predictable outcomes.

Union Mutual is pleased to announce the Company’s Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Alexis Burrall, was recently recognized by Vermont Business Magazine as a “Rising Star” in recognition of her contributions to the community and the Vermont economy as an outstanding young leader.

This morning, the Vermont Democratic Party concluded its biennial state committee reorganization efforts and elected Party officers for the 2022-23 term.

2022-23 Party Officers:

Chair: Anne Lezak (Burlington)

Vice Chair: David Glidden (Saint Albans)

Secretary: Thifeen Deen (Burlington)