Seven Southern Vermont Professionals Named Rising Stars

VermontBiz recognized seven young professionals from southern Vermont among its 2026 Rising Stars honorees.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Jobs — General

Historic red brick mill building with tall windows beside a river valley, with forested hills rising behind it under soft morning light. — VermontBiz named seven southern Vermont professionals among its 2026 Rising Stars honorees, recognizing emerging leaders from Bennington and Windham counties. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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VermontBiz named 40 statewide 2026 Rising Stars, honoring professionals under 40 selected from more than 140 nominations. Seven of the honorees are from southern Vermont, and six received Southern Vermont Emerging Leader awards at the May 2026 Southern Vermont Economy Summit.

Why it matters

The recognition spotlights emerging business talent across Vermont, with several honorees drawn from Bennington and Windham counties. It highlights the professionals building careers and leadership in the state's regional economy.

VermontBiz selected 40 Rising Stars from more than 140 statewide nominations, with seven coming from southern Vermont. The source does not detail the scoring or panel process used to narrow the field.

The players

VermontBiz

VermontBiz is a Vermont business publication that runs annual recognition programs honoring state professionals.

The details

Six of the southern Vermont honorees received Southern Vermont Emerging Leader awards, presented at the May 2026 Southern Vermont Economy Summit. Honorees from Bennington County include Andrea Ameden, Heather Davis Miller, and Analee Patel, while Emma Spett, Krista Gay, Kaci Viado, and Ben Brewer represent Windham County.

May 2026: Southern Vermont Economy Summit presented Emerging Leader awards to six honorees.
November 3, 2026: VermontBiz announced the 2026 Rising Stars recognition.

Talent Pipeline

The 2026 Rising Stars class continues VermontBiz's annual recognition of under-40 professionals, adding a new cohort of 40 statewide honorees. Its regional breakdown places seven of those leaders in southern Vermont's Bennington and Windham counties.

For job seekers and employers in southern Vermont, the honorees offer a visible reference point for regional leadership in the workforce. Professionals tracking Vermont's business community can use the published winners list to identify potential contacts and emerging leaders.

The takeaway

Recognition programs like the Rising Stars can help readers identify emerging professionals in their own region. Following published honoree lists is a practical way to find new business contacts and mentors.