Chamber Hires Two New Staff Members

BURLINGTON, Vt. (November 4, 2026). The Lake Champlain Chamber has appointed two new employees to expand its staff. The hires focus on communications and local business advocacy.

Rebecca Ford, formerly Doser, has been named Director of Strategic Communications and Public Relations. In this role, she will oversee communication strategies for both the Chamber and its tourism division, Hello Burlington. Ford possesses more than a decade of experience in these fields. She previously led PR strategy at Karsh Hagan Madden. Before that, she served as Director of Communications for Visit Alexandria. Her career also includes media relations positions at Destination DC and the agency Ketchum.

Ford stated that she is excited to support the people and businesses in the region. She moved to the area a year and a half ago. She noted that she wants to champion the local community she now calls home. Her prior work involved creating campaigns for destinations and brands across the United States.

The Chamber also hired Matt Crawford as Downtown Advocacy Manager. This is a new position created to support the recently launched Downtown Business Alliance. Crawford is a Vermont native and a graduate of the University of Colorado. He has worked in communications and public relations for many years. He also served as a select board member in local government. He has advocated for businesses at state and federal levels. Crawford and his wife live in Winooski, and he has three adult children.

Cathy Davis, president and CEO of the Lake Champlain Chamber, said the hires will help the organization serve its members better. She stated that the new positions allow the Chamber to show up for the community in tangible ways. Davis said each new employee brings a unique skill set that will deepen the organization's impact. The Chamber’s mission includes seeking economic opportunity for all Vermonters. It also aims to promote a diversified visitor economy and cultivate community leadership.