Shires Young Professionals Name Figueroa New Chair

The Shires Young Professionals (SYP), a sub group under the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, recently named Alex Figueroa as the new chair of the group.  Figueroa is currently the BluePrint Care Coordinator with the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

The mission of the Shires Young Professionals group is to help young professionals and families create deep roots in the community that encourage them to stay and build a prosperous life in the Southwestern Vermont region.  The group looks to “engage, emerge, and empower” young professionals throughout the region. 

The group provides events called SOCIALS, educational programs, volunteer and mentorship opportunities, and political and advocacy-based meet and greets geared to the young professional demographic (21-40 years old).

Ten volunteer young professionals make up the advisory board positions that oversee the development of the group with one chair position. The chamber’s executive director and staff also sit in on meetings to advise and counsel the group. 

“Alex is a terrific person to take the lead in this group and we’re excited to be working with him,” stated Matt Harrington, the executive director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber and former chair of the group. “When we took on the group two years ago, I wanted to make sure we provided it with some authority, vision and leadership with me as the chair. The time has come for a new leader and chair to step up and continue the mission.  I’m excited to see what someone like Alex does with the role. Our staff will still be deeply involved and help with more of the office functions of the group - organizing gatherings, fundraising and working with our members.”

Alex is a native of Buffalo, New York. Prior to moving to Bennington in September 2017 he attended Utica College in Upstate New York where he received a Bachelor's  degree in Health Sciences with a Minor in Gerontology. Shortly after graduation Alex continued on with his education at Hilbert College, a small private catholic school  where he obtained a Master’s degree of Public Administration with a concentration in Health Administration. Alex is an active volunteer in the community where he currently serves as chair of the transportation subcommittee through Blueprint,  board member with Green Mountain Community Network, an active member with Mission City Church, and most recently served on the board as Vice Chairperson with Berkshire Family And Individual Resources, a human services agency located in North Adams, Massachusetts where he stepped down in December to better focus on efforts in Bennington and the state of Vermont. 

“I really need to thank Matt Harrington and the rest of the members on the SYP Leadership Advisory Board for this opportunity.  As young professionals in our community, I believe we have a unique opportunity to make an impact in the different areas we serve,” says Figueroa.  “This year one of my goals is to really drive the importance of advocacy and ensure we become better ambassadors in our community. There is great work being done here in Southern Vermont  and it breaks my heart to believe that the rest of the state does not see that. I believe we have a tendency to be a forgotten region that no one talks about. This has to change. Along with focusing on advocacy, the SYP board will be looking to  focus on initiatives where members and non-members have concrete understanding on what SYP has to offer, and what we are about. We want to develop a brand that fits the needs and wants of current members, but simultaneously attract new members in. We have the right people on the bus.  I am excited to see where 2020 takes us.”     

According to their website, the Shires Young Professionals currently have seven “SOCIALs” set up for 2020 including events at Old Mill Road Recording Studios, The Avocado Pit, a baseball game in Troy, Social House in Manchester, and more.  In addition to their events that tend to be more geared towards networking and socializing, the Young Professionals group also has a meet and greet with Senator Sanders’ office, a house purchasing program with Heritage Family Credit Union and a gathering with the Vermont Chamber set up for the 2020 year as well.