Erin Fagnant
39 | President and CEO, KSV
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlights you are most proud of.
Taking on agency ownership and making that leap of faith. 
My business partners and I purchased KSV on March 13, 2020, the same day Gov. Scott announced the COVID-19 lockdown. It was an incredible test of my abilities as a leader and a catalyst for innovationand my personal growth. And, while I can’t personally take credit for this, I’m proud of our agency’s contributions to helping Universal School Meals pass in Vermont. This was very important to me, and I feel honored our team was able to be part of that.
Community involvement.
Environmental activism has been a focus of mine as a member of the B Corp Climate Collective and VBSR, as well as championing KSV’s net zero 2030 initiative. As a B Corp, we’ve committed to using our business as a force for good. This has led to the contribution of more than 1,000 hours in agency time to pro bono initiatives for nonprofit organizations over the last two years.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
My husband and I were attracted to the beauty of Vermont. We love to ski and be outdoors and wanted our two young kids to have a yard and woods to play in.
Favorite part of your job.
That our agency’s work is intentionally aligned with the United Nations sustainability initiatives. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the work we are doing is leading to positive change. Our team is so talented and passionate about what they do, and it’s contagious.
Most inspiring mentor.
Yoram Samets, co-founder of my agency. He saw something in me, invested in me, believed in me and has supported me every single day. Yoram demonstrated true leadership and showed me how to navigate the most challenging situations with humility and grace.
Best career advice you have received.
To always ask yourself, “What if it’s possible?“ People have a tendency to shut down ideas without asking all of the “what-ifs.“ It’s amazing what you can uncover with an open mind.
Something fun about yourself that few people know.
I started my career in Major League Baseball and have a 2007 World Series ring from my time working for the Boston Red Sox. I also played collegiate field hockey and continue to play to this day in a local adult league.
Favorite social media.
TikTok. I’ve found it to be an incredible tool for entertainment, education and building community. What started as an entertainment app featuring trending dances has evolved into one of the most effective tools for sharing information regarding global conflicts and natural disasters due to its ability to create human connection through access to real time, firsthand experiences.
Career goal you would like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years.
To see KSV become the leading sustainability agency in the country in the next 10 years.
