Amy Spear
37 | Vice President of Tourism, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Residence: Rutland
Career highlight you are most proud of.
While working for the town of Killington I was involved with the conception, permitting and project management of a cross-country mountain bike trail network in town. 
Simultaneously, I was a founding member of the Killington Mountain Bike Club. At the time, there was no formal trail network; today, the network is over 18 miles. Embracing place-based community economic development unlocked transformational change through collaboration across multiple stakeholders and bolstered a strong sense of community that is still embraced by town officials and community members today.
Community involvement.
I currently serve as co-chair of the Killington Recreation Commission and as a soccer coach for the Little Squirts soccer program. Professionally, I serve as chair of the Governor’s Travel and Recreation Council, on the board of the Vermont Tourism Summit and as a member of the advisory committee for the Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
The strong sense of community, high quality of life and outdoor recreation opportunities drew me to the state. When I had the opportunity to move to Vermont and make it my home, I jumped at the chance.
Favorite part of your job.
The Vermont Chamber represents businesses of all sizes, across every industry, in every part of the state. I love listening to Vermont business stories and learning about what makes them tick. It’s rewarding to see the work that we do to advance the Vermont economy have a direct impact on the businesses that are critical to the fabric of our communities.
Most inspiring mentor.
My family is very important to me. I often think of one of my grandmother’s most common phrases, “Come on over.“ She was strong, fiercely independent and intelligent and set an example for being curious, treating others fairly and with respect, and being welcoming.
Something fun about yourself that few people know.
I am a published co-author in a neuroscience education journal.
Favorite Vermont escape.
A trip to the Northeast Kingdom — camping at Brighton State Park and hearing the loons, biking at Kingdom Trails and relaxing at Lake Willoughby on my stand-up paddleboard.
Favorite social media.
Instagram — I am a sucker for animals, a tasty recipe and a good scenic photo.
