Vermont Lobbyist Named to National Top 100 List
Megan Sullivan of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is the first lobbyist from the state to receive the honor.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Government
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The National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics has named Megan Sullivan as one of its 2026 Top Lobbyists. Sullivan serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the impact of state-level advocacy on the national stage. Sullivan earned the distinction among a field of over 50,000 professional lobbyists operating across the United States.
The National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics selected 100 honorees for the 2026 award through a blind peer review process that saw a record number of nominations. This pool represents a small fraction of the more than 50,000 lobbyists currently working in the country.
The players
Megan Sullivan
She serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs and lead lobbyist for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics
This professional organization advocates for and recognizes excellence within the lobbying and government affairs industry.
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
The organization represents business interests across Vermont and advocates for economic policy changes at the state level.
The details
Sullivan, who acts as the lead lobbyist for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, was selected following a review process involving recommendations from government officials, clients, and Members of Congress. This marks the first time a lobbyist based in Vermont has appeared on the organization's annual list.
Timeline
The 2026 Top Lobbyist list was officially announced on October 26, 2026.
Political Context
Professional lobbying remains a highly scrutinized field governed by the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Critics often argue that industry awards for lobbyists can obscure the influence of private interests on public policy, fueling calls for tighter ethics regulations.
While this award recognizes professional service, it does not change existing state regulations or tax policies for Vermont residents. The work performed by industry lobbyists remains focused on shaping legislation that impacts business operations and economic development across the state.
The takeaway
Professional recognition in the lobbying field often correlates with high-level connections to both government officials and private clients. Residents can track lobbying activities by reviewing public filings and disclosures maintained by state and federal ethics offices.
Further reading
For more information on state policy and advocacy, visit the Vermont Government section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Vermont Business Magazine.
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