Breakfast with Berkshire Business Succession Planning

Description

Panelists Include:

• Nancy Shuttleworth, Business Advisor with the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC): Through her role, Nancy supports entrepreneurs with business planning, financial forecasting, marketing, and growth strategies. With a background in digital marketing, technology, and innovation, she brings both corporate and entrepreneurial experience to her work. Nancy has owned a small business and worked with nonprofits, agencies, and firms including PwC. She holds a Master’s in Managing Innovation and IT and a Bachelor’s in Business and Marketing.
   

• Kerry Muse, Director of Business Development at Fort Point Capital: In her current role, Kerry focuses on deal sourcing and intermediary relations in the middle market. She previously held similar roles at Windjammer Capital and Sherbrooke Capital, where she led efforts in origination, due diligence, and portfolio management. Kerry holds a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. from Boston University.
   

• Dwight Williams, Business Banking Team Leader at Berkshire Bank: Dwight brings over 20 years of experience in SBA business lending, with past roles at Peoples United Bank and KeyBank. In his current roles as Business Banking Team Leader at Berkshire Bank he has helped the team earn the #1 SBA lender title in Vermont for three consecutive years. A top producer, Dwight is known for his deep expertise in supporting small business growth across the region.
   

• Matt Cropp, Executive Director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center: Matt has helped expand employee ownership across the state since 2014. With a background in economic history and cooperative finance, he brings deep expertise in succession strategies that empower workers and preserve local businesses. Outside of his professional work, Matt is actively involved in cooperative projects and serves on the boards of several real estate co-ops. He lives in Burlington with his family and enjoys gardening, biking, and experimenting with sustainable technology.
   

• John Muse, Vice President and Investment Advisor & Financial Planner at Berkshire Bank: With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, John specializes in goals-based wealth planning and has worked extensively with individuals and families to navigate the complexities of financial decision-making and intergenerational wealth. A graduate of Amherst College and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, John previously held senior roles at Minot Wealth, J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, and Merrill Lynch.
   

• Moderator Matt Harrington, executive director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber: Matt leads regional efforts in economic development, business advocacy, and community engagement with over 400 members at the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. With over a decade of experience in leadership, marketing, and strategic planning, Matt works closely with local businesses and policymakers to foster a vibrant and resilient economy. He is also founder of Harrington Brands, a consulting firm where he helps organizations navigate transitions, build leadership capacity, and align around a shared purpose and vision.