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 diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Can attend meetings 4-5 times/year (in-person or 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, Caroline Hauser, 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 conferences, education and training 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 Roxanne Vought, Executive Director
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 Jordan Giaconia, 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 Jordan Giaconia.
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

Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Waitsfield, Vermont's Lawson’s Finest not only aims for the highest quality standards in their beer production but achieves this goal by leading with their values and by building genuine personal interactions. Lawson’s Finest embodies what it means to use business as a platform for good and a generator of social change by valuing their employees, customers, community, and environment.
The Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program (SIP) works to support thriving communities where people take good care of each other, protect and enjoy the natural world, and bring more fun to life. The program features six initiatives focused on cultivating a people-first work place, supporting local communities, greening the planet, and bringing people together to play and innovate.
The Lawson’s Finest commitment to making a difference in Vermont begins at home, where they strive to be an employer of choice by providing generous livable wages and comprehensive paid benefits to their staff. The brewery boosts economic vitality in Vermont by generating year-round tourism, sourcing from local businesses, and through guest donations to their Sunshine Fund, which supports non-profit organizations focused on healthy communities and natural resource protection.
In addition to charitable giving, the brewery puts their money where their values are. They are committed to continual innovation and investment in efficiency, taking steps to minimize their impact in a resource-intensive manufacturing business. Lawson’s Finest is proud to be a founding partner of the VT Brewshed Alliance and a member of the pioneer VT Green Brewery Cohort. From the planning and building their Waitsfield, Vermont taproom to selecting the most efficient brewing, packaging, and process equipment available (even when it requires more investment), Lawson’s Finest continues its deep commitment to people, planet and prosperity.
“Social responsibility is at the core of important business decisions that we make at Lawson’s Finest. Whether selecting suppliers from among Vermont’s many talented artisans and businesses, to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion, or generating our energy from sustainable sources. We recognize the important impacts that our business can make on the social, economic and natural landscape of our state. We are delighted to be a VBSR Champion member which brings together like-minded Vermont companies who aim to operate in a socially-responsible manner, give back to their communities, and share a vision built on sustainability, equity, and prosperity for all Vermonters.” – Sean Lawson, Lawson’s Finest Liquids
VIEW THEIR WEBSITE