Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation

A Decade of Vision.
A New Chapter of Impact.

Group of people sitting under a tree in a park, engaged in conversation in southwestern vermont.

For more than a century, the Southwestern Vermont Chamber has helped shape the economic life of our region. Supporting businesses, strengthening partnerships, and championing the spirit that defines The Shires of Southwestern Vermont.

Now, as we look toward the next decade, we are taking a bold step forward.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation was created to meet this moment: to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing our communities with deeper investment, stronger collaboration, and long-term solutions.

This is philanthropy aligned with economic vitality.

This is investment in place.

This is our invitation to build the future together.

Why a Foundation?

The Foundation exists for one reason: to accelerate progress in ways the Chamber alone cannot.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Foundation enables us to:

  • Attract philanthropic investment and tax-deductible gifts

  • Secure state and federal grant funding

  • Develop innovative education, workforce, and leadership programs

  • Support research, data, and regional insight

  • Strengthen long-term community reinvestment

This structure allows donors, businesses, families, and partners to invest directly in the future of Southwestern Vermont — with clarity, confidence, and measurable impact.

'Citizen of the Year, Tom Dee' from the vermont chamber. 'Advancing the Vermont Economy.' Event in southwest vermont.

Mission & Vision

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation exists to meet the moment — to respond to challenges and opportunities that require deeper investment, broader collaboration, and long-term solutions that extend beyond traditional Chamber work. 

Mission: The Chamber Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the betterment of the community of Southwestern Vermont with a mission to promote and improve the regional economy, workforce and education, and leadership of the region. The Foundation’s activities support and assist the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce in cultivating a vibrant regional economy through business growth, workforce enhancement, and community development.

Vision: Our vision is a region known for its vibrant economy, adaptable talent, forward-thinking leadership, and deeply connected communities - a place where opportunity is accessible, collaboration is the norm, and progress is both measurable and felt by all who live and work here.

We envision a Southwestern Vermont where people, businesses, and communities thrive - supported by strong educational pathways, a skilled and growing workforce, dynamic entrepreneurship, innovative partnerships, and a shared commitment to regional prosperity.

Leadership & Stewardship

Group of five people on a stage holding a large ceremonial check for $25,000 made out to the Southwest Chamber Foundation.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to strengthening the long-term economic vitality, resilience, and quality of life of Southwestern Vermont. Drawing from leaders across business, healthcare, finance, media, philanthropy, and community development, the Foundation’s leadership reflects a shared belief that the future of the region depends on thoughtful collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in people and place.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Foundation is dedicated to responsible stewardship, transparency, and mission-driven impact. The Board provides strategic oversight to ensure that philanthropic investments and organizational resources are aligned with the Foundation’s core priorities, including workforce and education initiatives, entrepreneurship and small business support, leadership development, community vitality, and regional research and insight.

Current Priorities

The Foundation will focus on building, listening, and laying the groundwork for long-term impact by:

  • Establishing strong operational and financial systems

  • Conducting research to identify the region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities

  • Launching entrepreneurial education and workforce programming

  • Expanding destination marketing and regional storytelling

  • Hosting community convenings to foster collaboration and shared solutions

Our Team

Matt Harrington, CAE

Matt Harrington is the CEO of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Enterprise comprised of the Chamber and it’s affiliate organizations including the Chamber Foundation. Matt works at the intersection of economic development, workforce strategy, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community collaboration. Matt is passionate about helping rural communities and organizations adapt, grow, and position themselves for the future while preserving the authentic character and values that make Vermont unique.

CEO of the Chamber Foundation

Shannon McLenithan

Shannon McLenithan serves as the Board Chair of the Chamber Foundation, along with being President of the Chamber Board. She brings decades of community banking and regional leadership experience to the Foundation. As a longtime advocate for Southwestern Vermont’s businesses and communities, she is passionate about fostering collaboration, economic resilience, and long-term investment in the region’s future.

Foundation Board Chair
Foundation Vice Chair

Caryn Packard

Caryn Packard serves as Vice Chair of the Chamber Foundation and brings extensive experience in healthcare advancement, philanthropy, and community leadership. Through her work with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and previously the Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation, she has helped strengthen community investment and regional collaboration efforts across Southwestern Vermont.

Ahmad Yassir

Ahmad Yassir serves as a founding Board Director for the Chamber Foundation and brings experience in media, marketing, and community engagement. A graduate of Bennington College, Ahmad works with Vermont News & Media and is passionate about regional storytelling, civic involvement, and strengthening Southwestern Vermont’s future through creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Board Director

JJ Williams

JJ Williams serves as a founding Board Director for the Chamber Foundation and brings decades of experience in financial planning and business advisory services. In addition to his local leadership, JJ serves on several national boards and advisory groups, bringing both regional commitment and national insight to his work and the Foundation.

Board Director