The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Matt Harrington, has been named the 2026 Rising Star Alumni of the Year by Vermont Business Magazine (VermontBiz). Harrington was recognized during the publication's annual Rising Stars celebration on Wednesday, November 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington.
“Matt is the perfect choice for this award,” said Katie Kittell, publisher of VermontBiz Magazine. “Matt Harrington received his Rising Star award with the Class of 2017. Since then, he has truly soared, going above and beyond for Vermont businesses and his community. That is why he is so deserving of our 2026 Rising Star Alumni of the Year award.”
The prestigious recognition honors a former VermontBiz Rising Star who has demonstrated continued professional excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions to Vermont's economy and communities. Originally named a Rising Star in 2017, Harrington joins a distinguished group of past honorees, including Vermont State Treasurer Michael Pieciak, Vermont League of Cities and Towns Executive Director Ted Brady, Vermont Community Foundation President and CEO Dan Smith, and former Vermont Gas Systems President and CEO Neale Lunderville.
"This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the work we've been able to accomplish together in the region I call home," said Harrington. "I'm most proud of the opportunity to help transform a small-town Chamber into a thriving regional organization representing Southwestern Vermont. Along the way, we've built programs, partnerships, and institutions designed to create lasting economic opportunity and strengthen the communities we serve."
Since assuming leadership of the Chamber in 2016, Harrington has helped reposition the organization from a traditional business association into a regional economic and community development enterprise serving 17 communities throughout Bennington County.
Under his leadership, the Chamber has expanded its reach through The Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization, Shires Young Professionals, and the recently established Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation. Together, these organizations advance business growth, tourism, workforce attraction and retention, leadership development, and long-term regional economic vitality.
Harrington has also spearheaded several signature regional initiatives, including Garlic Town, USA, GROW Relocation and Retention, the Bennington State Welcome Center, the Women In Leadership Luncheon, and the Southern Vermont Homebrew Festivals. These efforts have helped elevate Southwestern Vermont's visibility, strengthen regional partnerships, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
In 2026, Harrington helped launch the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation, a charitable organization focused on entrepreneurship, workforce and talent development, leadership, research, and civic engagement. The Foundation represents the next chapter of the Chamber's evolution, connecting regional economic storytelling with the investment, partnerships, and programs necessary to drive sustained growth.
Harrington's leadership was especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Chamber became a critical resource for businesses navigating unprecedented uncertainty. Through business assistance, public communication efforts, and partnerships with local healthcare and community leaders, Harrington helped coordinate a regional response that earned him recognition as an "Unsung Hero" by Vermont News & Media.
Photo courtesy of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Beyond his work in Southwestern Vermont, Harrington is an entrepreneur, organizational strategist, leadership consultant, and author. His consulting practice has served organizations nationwide, including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Association Executives, USDA, AAA Northway, National Ski Area Association, Mass Mutual, and the Woodstock Inn.
He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a graduate and current faculty member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Institute for Organization Management (IOM), and co-author of Survival of the Hive: Seven Leadership Lessons from a Beehive. His professional recognitions also include being named among VermontBiz's 91 Influencers in both 2025 and 2026.
"My advice has always been simple: Show up. Be present. Be useful," Harrington said. "Too often, we think community service requires a grand gesture, a leadership position, or some extraordinary commitment. But the strongest communities are built through small, consistent acts of showing up for one another. Find something you care about, raise your hand, and build relationships."
Looking toward the next decade, Harrington sees the recognition not as a culmination of his work, but as encouragement to continue investing in people, organizations, and communities.
"My goals are less about titles or accolades and more about expanding my impact and helping others realize their potential," Harrington added. "If, ten years from now, I've helped a few more people find their way, made my community a little stronger, and shared plenty of laughs along the way, I'll consider that a pretty successful decade."
The Chamber also congratulates four Bennington County professionals recognized among VermontBiz's 2026 Rising Stars: Andrea Ameden, Heather Davis Miller, Kaiya Kirk, and Analee Patel. Selected from more than 140 nominations statewide, these emerging leaders represent the next generation of talent, innovation, and community leadership helping shape the future of Southwestern Vermont.
