HILARY DelRoss
39 | Vermont Department of Economic Development Senior Economic Development Specialist
Residence: Montpelier
Career highlight(s): One of the career highlights I'm most proud of is opening a business in my community. I enjoyed putting into practice so much of what I've learned from working with other business owners and advisors over the years. Getting to know and work with local organizations and individuals on a more personal level 
gave me a whole new perspective on the challenges and benefits of entrepreneurship.
Community Involvement: Small business development is something I am passionate about and incorporate into my service activities such as volunteering with my local downtown organization, serving on the board of a statewide recreation association, and helping promote a professional development event for folks employed by benefit corporations across the region.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Vermont's strong local food system and proximity to so many fun ski areas enticed me to move here a decade ago. The opportunity to carve out a career in an industry that excites me was a huge draw at the time and is what keeps me here. It's also how I've made some of my closest friends.
Favorite part of your job: What I enjoy most about my job is how much I learn every day by interacting with businesses in different industries, and the creativity required of my role in the economic development department. From connecting businesses with appropriate resources to promoting Vermont's State Trade Expansion Program, I love that I'm able to draw on my marketing and communications background to support companies growing their international sales. Watching them succeed is so rewarding!
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escapes are paddling on a quiet lake (Green River Reservoir is a favorite) or finding a snowy patch of woods to ski in.
Favorite downtime activity: In my downtime, I love to bake and experiment in the kitchen. I definitely got in on the sourdough trend over the last year!
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years? In the next 5-10 years, I'd like to deepen my engagement with the sustainable business community here in Vermont, particularly in the areas I'm really excited about: entrepreneurship and outdoor recreation.
How has your community service changed since the pandemic? With everything going virtual this year, I was able to volunteer with new-to-me organizations and collaborate with leaders from outside my regular networks right from my living room. It's been a great way to fill my free time, keep my skills sharp, and remain connected to my community from the confines of my bubble.
How has your job changed since this pandemic? In response to the pandemic, my job expanded to include recovery and response efforts. The entire agency shifted gears to provide guidance to businesses navigating safety measures and applying for relief grants. It was simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring to hear from the many business owners who forged ahead with creative solutions to support their staff and keep their doors open as well as those who made the tough decision to close.