The BTV Ignite Board of Directors, in partnership with The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber, is pleased to announce that Adam Roof has been hired to lead the coordination of BTV Ignite. BTV Ignite is a consortium of local companies and city departments – including People’s United Bank, UVMMC, UVM’s Office of the VP for Research, Burlington Telecom, Burlington Electric Department, the Innovation & Technology Department and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber – all of whom care deeply about the local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The mission of BTV Ignite is to utilize Burlington’s world class fiber infrastructure to promote economic development and to address the social, educational, and environmental challenges facing the city.
BTV Ignite has contracted with the Lake Champlain Chamber to manage Ignite under the direction of the BTV Ignite Board of Directors. Both organizations are fiercely committed to growing businesses and jobs that support the economic, social, cultural, and environmental values that define both Burlington and Vermont.
“Adam brings a passion and knowledge of the community along with consensus building skills that are hard to replicate” said Tom Torti, Chamber president. “I am thrilled that someone with Adam’s credentials is joining the Chamber team.
Ignite Board Vice-Chair Jody Cole noted that “Adam has a range of experiences as both a small business entrepreneur who has worked from local co-working spaces, and as an engaged civic leader with a passion for building sustainable partnerships. He has a unique skillset that will ensure all voices are heard as the BTV Ignite coalition grows.”
A graduate of UVM who chose to live and work in the city, Adam brings his deep community connections to the role as an active community member, a current City Councilor, and former UVM Trustee. Adam also brings his experience starting his own businesses as well as working with successful tech start-ups in both the Burlington area and beyond. Adam will be tasked with promoting Burlington as the location of choice for emerging businesses; for collaborating with Ignite partners to develop a smart city’ application addressing a community issue using technology as the backbone for that solution and; for regularly working to ensure that the diverse membership of the ecosystem are working efficiently to achieve our common goals.