Emerging Leaders honored at 2026 Economy Summit

WEST DOVER - The 2026 Southern Vermont Emerging Leaders were recognized during the ninth annual Southern Vermont Economy Summit. The recognition event, conducted by the Southern Vermont Young Professionals and the Shires Young Professionals, celebrates young people from the Bennington and Windham regions. Individuals are nominated each year based on work as community leaders and volunteers, and for professional accomplishments and commitment to serving the region.

Many of the emerging leaders have grown up here and have chosen to stay or return because of love for and belief in southern Vermont. An equal number are fairly new to the state and have sought out opportunities to support and enhance area communities.

All of the 2026 Southern Vermont Emerging Leaders will be nominated for the Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Rising Star awards. Go to sovermontzone.com/emerging-leaders to learn about new and past awardees.

This year’s Southern Vermont emerging leaders are: Lachlan Francis, Krista Gay, Morgan Gero, Maddie Grant, Jessica Lockie, James Mayer, Noah Morgan, Leah Murdock, Kegan Refalo, Emma Spett, Kaci Viado, Andrea Ameden, Lauren Carifio, Steve DeTeso, Hannah Gianotti, Heather Davis Miller, Dylan Moss, Deja O’Grady, Mary Page, Analee Patel, Ryan Rogge, Jack Rossiter-Munley, Sayed Zaki Sadat, and Julia Zema.