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 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 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

Gardener’s Supply Company
As a founding member of VBSR, Gardener’s Supply not only believes that social, environmental, and human policies are essential for a regenerative economy but that a business has the responsibility to drive change with their own business practices and platform. Gardener’s Supply makes this change through community action, employee volunteerism, sourcing sustainable products and building healthy soil.
With food security being a crucial need in Vermont during COVID-19, the company’s employee-owners are combating food waste and hunger in their communities through a variety of gleaning and donation programs. All of their four locations have company gardens where they grow, harvest and donate fresh vegetables to local food shelves. Each employee-owner is gifted eight hours of volunteer time for work in community gardens or local non-profits and schools.
Gardener’s Supply shows support for the community and future generations by donating 8% of its profits to school gardens, community gardens and more. The company shows that through gardening, people learn compassion for the planet and one another, adopt healthy eating practices, understand the value of science, and learn critical skills like patience and responsibility. Through various funding streams, Gardener’s Supply helps non-profit organizations and schools connect educators and families, provide garden grants and gardening-related curricula, and cultivate a community of practice.
Gardener’s Supply believes that gardeners have an important part in combating climate change as it’s been proven that building healthy soil is directly related to a sustainable environment. Garden patches of healthy soil can store huge amounts of carbon meaning that each of us can play a key role in building healthy soil as we hope to leave future generations with a healthy planet.
“Gardener’s Supply Company is thrilled to support VBSR as a Champion member. As a founding member of VBSR, we believe in innovative social, environmental and human policies that help Vermont thrive and become more sustainable. VBSR is aligned with Gardener’s Supply values and well connected with policy makers and business leaders throughout the state and beyond. We are so pleased with the partnership and look forward to what is ahead in 2021.” – Cindy Turcot, President, Gardener’s Supply
VIEW THEIR WEBSITE