Melissa Bounty
39 | Executive Director, Central Vermont Economic Development Corp.
Residence: Washington
Career highlight you are most proud of.
After almost two decades working in publishing, I was so fortunate to find a second great career in community economic development. The best part of this work has been the teams I work with and the people we serve. CVEDC’s Board of Directors, the other RDC Directors, the staff of CVEDC, and the various partners we work with in the state and other nonprofits are the kindest, most innovative collaborators, and I am so grateful to be here helping entrepreneurship become a viable pathway for all.
Community involvement.
I like to connect with my community through experiences supporting New Americans, elders, as well as those in agriculture, as often as I can.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
I’m pretty sure no one else would take me — at least not exactly as I am. :)
I have been lucky to live, work, and travel in many places but Vermont will always be the only place I consider my home.
Favorite part of your job.
Being given autonomy in my work and using that to bring transformational change to others.
Most inspiring mentors.
As a student at Johnson State College, local author Daniel Hecht, who was generous with connections and time. In my career in publishing, writers and publishers Ray Montgomery and Shannon Gilligan, who led me through a world I would never have known existed otherwise. And as a full-grown adult, my stepdaughter Zara, who encourages me to create professional boundaries and follow my heart.
Best career advice you have received.
To balance efficiency with care, and to realize that solutions and creativity sometimes only emerge for us after moments of rest and reflection.
Favorite smell.
A perfume called Une Rose, which is supposed to smell like roses and dirt.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years.
Still working as executive director at CVEDC. There are so many exciting things I am looking forward to doing!
