ERIN Lorentz
Company: GWC Communications/VT Wood Works Council
Title: Director
Age: 36
Favorite Part of Job: The people! Everyone I work with has an investment in Vermont and are just genuine people that I am proud to know. They range from some of the finest furniture makers in the 
world, to dedicated landowners supporting our working landscape, and businesses that focus on environmental issues.
Most Inspiring Mentor: That’s easy. My mom. She is my rock and I have learned and grown so much from her guidance. Her strength and commitment to her family is beyond admirable. She is there for every laugh and every tear and my family would be lost without her.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Fun fact: I am a twin girl who has 3 year old twin girls. Also, if I’m in my car alone, I am usually singing, LOUDLY. #noshame
What three words best describe you: Sarcastic. Resilient. Observant.
What song on your playlist are you ashamed to tell your best friend: Anything by Shawn Mendes. And not ashamed.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Kayaking at Chittenden Dam or Hiking around Lake Willoughby. We have so many gems to escape to in our state.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Hanging with my twin sister and my girls. I also love to be in the kitchen and outside gardening.
Favorite Super Hero: Barack Obama.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram! #Addicted
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Betty White! And a nice Stonecutter Spirits cocktail! She’s just an amazing person and I used to love watching the Golden Girls with my Gram.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which causes would you support: Causes that help support sick kids, that fund research for a cure for diabetes, and foundations that help families who have had a family member experience a brain injury. All of those things have affected my family in some way.
What is the best career advice you have received: You have to do things that scare you or you will never grow in your career. Don’t be afraid of change.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I was born here, as were several generations from my family. I actually have never considered leaving Vermont. This state is very special to me and I knew I would want to raise a family here.
Career Highlights: Managing the Vermont Woodworking & Forest Festival from 2006 to 2017, a designated top 10 Chamber event. Traveling to Washington, DC for the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting and sitting in Senator Leahy’s chair. Becoming Executive Director of the Vermont Wood Works Council in 2018.
Community Involvement: I am currently a voting Member of the Rutland Young Professionals and am on their volunteer events committee. Through my work I have been able to serve on the Vermont State Fair forestry exhibit committee, the Vermont Tourism Summit planning committee, and the newly formed Vermont Forest Industry Network Steering Committee serving as Chair of the Local Wood Action Team. I’d like to volunteer more in Rutland, which is an amazing community of people!
