Join the Celebration | May 21, 2025
Each year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce honors an outstanding Vermonter as the “Citizen of the Year.” This award is presented to the individual who has made major contributions to the betterment of Vermont; has been distinguished through outstanding service to their community and region; and typifies the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice in representing the finest ideals of Vermont citizenship.
A lifelong Huntington resident, Major General Knight has dedicated over 40 years to uniformed service—starting in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving in law enforcement, and committing 27 years as a commissioned officer in the Vermont Air and Army National Guards. His leadership has been pivotal, from his deployment to Iraq and earning commendations like the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal, to his critical role as Vermont’s Adjutant General. Under his guidance, the National Guard has responded to historic floods, supported our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fostered an environment that emphasizes inclusivity and personal connection with every member of our force.
His work extends far beyond disaster response; through his proactive leadership, workforce development initiatives, and dedication to ensuring every soldier and airman feels valued, he has truly exemplified the spirit of service and self-sacrifice that this award honors. The Vermont Chamber is proud to award this recognition to Major General Knight and looks forward to bringing Vermonters together to celebrate at Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe.
Major General Gregory Knight has dedicated over four decades of service to his country and the State of Vermont, exemplifying a lifetime of leadership, integrity, and commitment to others. His distinguished career spans service in the U.S. Coast Guard, the Burlington Police Department, the Department of Liquor Control, and both the Vermont Army and Air National Guard. A combat veteran deployed to Iraq, MG Knight has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. In 2019, he was elected by the Vermont Legislature to serve as the state’s Adjutant General—a position he continues to hold with distinction. In this role, he has guided the Guard through major natural disasters, supported pandemic response efforts, and led with compassion and resolve, always advocating for the well-being and recognition of the soldiers and airmen under his command.
Beyond his military accomplishments, MG Knight has prioritized building strong community connections and creating a welcoming, inclusive culture within the Vermont National Guard. His focus on workforce development, global partnerships through the State Partnership Program, and recruiting and retaining top talent reflects his forward-thinking leadership. As Vice President – Army of the Adjutants General Association of the United States, he balances national responsibilities while remaining deeply rooted in Vermont, frequently engaging with local organizations, veterans, and community events across the state. A resident of Huntington, Major General Knight is a visible and active leader whose presence and impact are felt throughout Vermont.
AWARD FAQ
This award is presented to the individual who:
- Has made major contributions to the betterment of Vermont;
- Has a distinguished record of service to their community or our state; and
- Embodies the spirit of Vermont through collaboration and a commitment to the common good.
The 2025 nomination period has closed. We look forward to receiving your submission for the 2026 award.
2024- Tom Dee
2023 – The Leahy Celebration
2022 – Cancelled due to COVID
2021 – Cancelled due to COVID
2020 – Cancelled due to COVID
2019 – Al Gobeille, Gobeille Hospitality Group, Burlington
2018 – Leo O’Brien Jr. and Daniel J. O’Brien, O’Brien Brothers, South Burlington
2017 – Richard W. Schneider, RADM (USCGR) RET., President, Norwich University, Northfield
2016 – William Stritzler, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville
2015 – Janette Bombardier, IBM/GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Essex Junction
2014 – Stephen C. Terry, Vermont Citizen, Middlebury
2013 – U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, United States Senate, Middlesex
2012 – Antonio Pomerleau, Pomerleau Real Estate, Burlington
2011 – Bill Stenger, Jay Peak Resort, Jay
2010 – Governor James H. Douglas, Governor of Vermont, Middlebury
2009 – Ed Colodny, University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington
2008 – Robert Miller, REM Development Corp.
2007 – Kenley D. Squier, RadioVermont, Waterbury
2006 – R. Allan Paul, Co-Founder, Paul Frank + Collins, P.C., Burlington
2005 – U.S. Senator James M. Jeffords, United States Senate, Shrewsbury
2004 – Stephan A. Morse, CEO, Windham Foundation, Grafton
2003 – David R. Coates, EVP & CFO, New England Culinary Institute, Colchester
2002 – The Honorable Barbara W. Snelling, Shelburne
2001 – Diane P. Mueller, Co-Owner and Executive Vice President, Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow
2000 – Francis G.W. Voigt, President & CEO, New England Culinary Institute, Montpelier
1999 – Graham Newell, Latin Instructor, St. Johnsbury Academy
1998 – Robert G. Clarke, President, Vermont Technical College, Randolph
1997 – John T. Ewing, Chair, Vermont State Environmental Board
1996 – Thomas P. Salmon, President of UVM, former Governor of Vermont, Bellows Falls
1995 – Luther “Fred” Hackett, President Hackett Valine & MacDonald, South Burlington
1994 – Martha H. O’Connor, Chair of the State Board of Education, Brattleboro
1993 – Arthur Gibb, Member, State Environmental Board and Former Legislator, Middlebury
1992 – Frederic H. Bertrand, Chairman of the Board & CEO, National Life of Vermont, Montpelier
1991 – Governor Richard A. Snelling, Governor of Vermont, Shelburne
1990 – State Senator Robert T. Gannett, Vermont State Senate, Brattleboro
1989 – U.S. Senator Robert T. Stafford, United States Senate, Rutland
1988 – Henry M. Carris, Carris Reels, Rutland
1987 – Maynard McLaughlin, President Bread Loaf Construction, Middlebury
1986 – Robert W. Mitchell, Publisher, Rutland Daily Herald, Rutland
1985 – Sister Elizabeth Candon, former Secretary of Human Services & President of Trinity College, Burlington
1984 – Louise Swainbank, Former Member Vermont House of Representatives, St. Johnsbury
1983 – Judge Sterry R. Waterman, U.S. District Court, St. Johnsbury
1982 – Hilton A. Wick, President, Chittenden Trust Company, Burlington
1981 – Robert E. Boardman, Treasurer, Hickok & Boardman, Burlington
1980 – Ralph Nading Hill, Senior Editor, Vermont Life Magazine
1979 – J. Wayne Corbeil, General Manager, Raymond S. Roberts Inc.
1978 – Perry Merrill, Commissioner, Vermont Dept. Forest & Parks, Montpelier
1977 William M. Lockwood, Chairman of the Board, Howard Bank, Burlington
1976 – Sheldon Dimick, President, Randolph National Bank, Randolph
1975 – State Senator Keith Wallace, Vermont Senate & President Vermont Farm Bureau, Waterbury
1974 – Madelyn Davidson, Commissioner, Vermont Dept. Employment Security, Montpelier
1973 – Elmer L. Premo, Owner, Redwood Master Hosts Motel, Burlington
1972 – Governor Deane C. Davis, Governor of Vermont, Montpelier
1971 – Bishop Robert F. Joyce, Bishop of Burlington Diocese, Burlington
1970 – Maurice Kelley, Kelley Construction Co., Barre
1969 – C. Douglas Cairns, President, Champlain Oil Co., Burlington
1968 – W. Arthur Simpson, Former Member Vermont House of Representatives, Lyndonville
1967 Elbert G. Moulton, Commissioner, Vermont Development Department, Montpelier
1966 – U.S. Senator George D. Aiken, United States Senate, Putney
1965 – Sepp Ruschp, President, Mt. Mansfield Corp., Stowe
1964 – Albert A. Cree, Chairman & CEO, Central Vermont Public Service Corp., Rutland
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