Brittany Nevins
32 | Captive Insurance Economic Development Director, State of Vermont
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlights you are most proud of.
In past roles, my work to update policies to better reflect the needs of businesses, while also supporting a community’s comprehensive economic development goals and thinking innovatively about this intersection. 
In my current role, the work I have been doing to highlight the captive insurance industry as a career path, so Vermont’s captive industry, as globalleaders, can continue to thrive and so Vermonters are aware of these incredible jobs right in our state.
Community involvement.
I have lived in my Winooski community for over two years, aside from living here for a brief period after grad school. I had the great fortune while studying at the University of Vermont to lifeguard and teach free, safety-based swim lessons every summer at the Myers Community Pool. Since moving back in 2021, I have been coaching the Winooski Waves swim team during the summers. I love facilitating the magical experience that is learning to swim, developing individual growth and understanding what it means to be a part of a team. I’m also going to start teaching some lessons at the Burlington YMCA again this fall and helping with the Dynamo team. I recently completed my training to become a Mercy Connections mentor, working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women as they transition out of incarceration. A goal of mine is to start community trash cleanups in myneighborhood, something I used to do in past communities.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
I have an incredible job where I get to see the world and come back to a place where I can wander in the woods, eat local foods and truly feel like I am part of a community that I can make a difference in.
Favorite part of your job.
Representing Vermont around the country and sometimes internationally. There are few areas where Vermont is well known on a global scale, so it feels really special to be in a position where I get to brag about our great state and educate people and businesses about what we have to offer.
Best career advice you have received.
If someone approaches you and encourages you to step into a higher or more challenging role or responsibility because they believe you can do it, believe them!
Something fun about yourself that few people know,
I am a swim coach. Swimming has been such an important part of my life since I was 4 years old, when I joined a swim team. Ever since, I can’t seem to stop coaching, teaching lessons or competing in triathlons in my local communities when I am able.
Three words that best describe you.
Kind, reflective and determined.
Favorite Vermont escape.
Biking the causeway, taking the bike ferry and having a glass of wine at Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery before biking back home.
Favorite Vermont season.
Spring. There’s something about the magic of the days getting longer, the flowers blooming, the pools opening soon and letting the sun truly hit your skin for the first time in what felt like an eternity. There’s a hopefulness and energy about spring that feeds the soul.
Favorite downtime activity.
During the summer, paddle boarding, gardening in my community garden plot and biking with the Winooski Bike Gang. As we transition to fall, I enjoy hiking, crafts and attending the Drawing Social with the Wishbone Collective in Winooski when I can. I am also a big reader and journaler year-round!
Favorite social media.
Instagram, because I like to share photos and see other photos people share. When I achieve something I’m proud of, it’s hard for me to keep in my excitement. I’ve learned, though, that boundaries are important with social media, and often it’s important to simply unplug and keep those wins sacred. Sometimes, long breaks are exactly what you need.
Favorite smell.
The ocean in Maine. There’s something really human about walking barefoot, letting the cold ocean water hit you, hearing the waves crashing and taking in the smell of the fish and seaweed.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with.
Former Gov. Madeleine Kunin, who recently turned 90 years old. As I venture in my career to make a difference in a still male-dominated business world, I would love to take in her lessons and reflections over a Vermont beverage.
Cause you would support if you had unlimited access to funds.
Housing for individuals and families transitioning out of incarceration, substance addiction, military service and domestic violence. This housing would consist of wrap-around services and would be temporary in nature.
Song on your playlist you are embarrassed to disclose to your best friend.
“That Love“ by Shaggy. My best friend actually secretly put this song on all my Spotify playlists many years ago after I informed her that the song wasn’t as popular as she thought it was. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve kept the song on every playlist.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years.
For once in my life, I’m not quite sure! I really enjoy working with businesses and working on economic-development initiatives in Vermont, so I suspect I’ll be in that space. But you never know!
Career goal you would like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years.
To continue to make an impact in my community, without compromising my mental and physical health. We can’t give sustainably to our community if we are tapped out.
