Click on the + symbol to see details for each committee. If you’re interested in serving on a committee, please click here.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee consists of up to seven people elected by the board of directors. The committee manages all aspects of board elections and awards including 1) identifying, soliciting and nominating a diverse array of nominees for the VBSR board of directors, VBSR Nominating Committee & VBSR Awards and 2) ensuring the criteria, eligibility and selection process for nominations is user-friendly, fair, aligned with VBSR values, and clearly communicated.
All VBSR members are eligible to serve. We look for committee members who:
- Are familiar with the business community in Vermont
- Are committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
- Can attend meetings 4-5 times/year (typically virtual), each lasting one to two hours
- Can participate in committee discussions conducted via email in between meetings
Current Nominating Committee members are: Adeline Druart, Frank Sadowski, Beth Gilpin, Etienne Morris, Mara Rivera, Madeline Brumberg, and Duane Peterson, Chair.
Interested in joining the Nominating Committee? Contact Roxanne Vought, Executive Director
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee oversees VBSR’s budget and financial well-being. It is also responsible for oversight of financial management systems. The committee consists of current and past board members who:
- Appreciate the importance of solid financial management
- Have relevant personal expertise, such as a good understanding of financial reporting and management
Education & Events Committee
The Education & Events Committee works to plan effective, educational, and fun events throughout the year. This includes advising on content development and planning for our Annual Conference, professional development programming, Networking Get-Togethers, and other offerings. The Committee works closely with VBSR’s Executive Director and Events & Education Manager.
All VBSR members are welcome to participate. We prioritize committee members who:
- Are passionate about enhancing the value of VBSR programs for members
- Are creative thinkers and brainstorming problem-solvers
- Can attend monthly, virtual meetings
- Can commit to work outside of and between committee meetings
Note: being on the Committee does not exclude you from presenting at conferences or hosting Get-Togethers
Interested in joining the Education & Events Committee? Contact Molly Barfuss, Education & Events Manager.
Public Policy Committee
The Public Policy Committee is a formal group that meets monthly to develop VBSR’s policy and positions and works closely with the Public Policy Manager and the VBSR Board. The board appoints public policy committee members from within the VBSR membership.
Interested in joining the Public Policy Committee? Contact Kristin Warner, Public Policy Manager
Policy Issues Groups
VBSR Policy Issues Groups are informal groups of members interested in learning about or participating in advocacy regarding a particular policy issue. All VBSR members are eligible, and new members are always welcome. Members help shape public policy, receive regular updates during the legislative session, are called upon to take action to influence a particular issue, including testifying, writing letters to the editor and/or op-eds, and other actions.
To join, please add your name here or email Kristin Warner.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is comprised of board officers and the previous chairperson, elected by the board. It meets between board meetings and can make decisions for the board except for policy decisions. Terms are for two years, and members can serve up to two consecutive terms.
Featured Member

Chroma Technology
The Bellows Falls based Chroma Technology Corp. is not just a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the photonics industry but has an almost 30 year legacy of living and breathing VBSR’s mission through their commitment to social justice, employee ownership, serving their communities and cultivation of a people-first workplace. Paul Millman, who co-founded Chroma in 1991 and recently retired, received VBSR’s Terry Ehrich Award for Excellence in Socially Responsible Business in 2016 to honor his commitment to sustainable businesses practices and vision for sharing equity & profits among employees.
Chroma believes that a strong socially responsible company can only be built on the foundation of a successful, profitable business. Chroma has developed a strong and loyal customer base by providing exceptional customer service and using cutting edge technology to manufacture some of the most advanced optical filters in the world. Consistent profitability has been the return on the investment in their workforce and dedication to meeting the needs of the scientific and technical communities they serve.
VIEW THEIR WEBSITE