Learn about industry research and engage with tools from Vermont's Climate Outdoors Workforce Initiative focused on strengthening the knowledge, skills, and capacity of current professionals while attracting new workers into careers essential to climate adaptation and resilience. Panelists will include outdoor businesses and organizations from the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance and partners from the Vermont Climate Action Office, Vermont Department of Labor, and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative.
Learning Objectives:
Articulate practical Vermont climate and outdoor economy frameworks guiding investment into workforce and resilience strategies for the sector and the State.
Apply knowledge about jobs and skill sets necessary for Vermont’s climate adaptation and resilience.
Interact with training opportunities, a professional development inventory, career navigation tools, and learning partnerships for employment and advancement.
Presenters:
Kelly Ault, Executive Director, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance
Kelly has served as Executive Director since 2019. Prior to VOBA, Kelly spent a decade as the Business Project Director on land conservation, sustainable forestry, nature-based recreation, and cultural heritage tourism for the Northern Forest Alliance (Appalachian Mountain Club) and a decade as the Public Engagement Director on early childhood policy for the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance. She finds adventure and camaraderie with family and friends mountain biking and skiing in Vermont’s Green Mountains and faraway places.
Brian Lamoureux, Green Mountain Sustainability Consulting, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance Outdoor Careers Lead
Brian leads VOBA's workforce initiatives through Green Mountain Sustainability Consulting. He is a 2024 graduate of the Sustainable Innovation MBA program at the University of Vermont and a 2020 graduate of the Mountain Recreation Management program at Vermont State University-Lyndon. Before consulting with VOBA, he worked seasonally in Vermont and out west in conservation, outdoor recreation, resorts/hospitality, textiles, agriculture, and aquaculture. Brian lives in Derby Line with his adventure dog, Finn.