ACEDC Appoints New Executive Director

For Immediate Release
Contact: Fred Kenney 
(802)388-7953 fkenney@addisoncountyedc.org

MIDDLEBURY, VT - The Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexander Armani-Munn as the new Executive Director. Armani-Munn will start February 10, 2025 and will work alongside outgoing Executive Director Fred Kenney for a period of familiarization and guidance. 

Armani-Munn brings ten years of community and economic development experience spanning positions in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Beginning his career with a two-year fellowship at the Town of Nederland, Colorado, Armani-Munn received extensive training in all aspects of city management before taking a position with leading media and public relations firm Development Counsellors International (DCI) in Denver, Colorado. Following his time at DCI, Armani-Munn worked for four years at the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, rising to the position of Director of Economic Development before joining private equity firm The O’Neil Group Company as Economic Development Manager. Most recently, Armani-Munn worked for architecture and engineering firm AES Northeast in Plattsburgh, NY, managing critical infrastructure projects while also assisting municipalities in attaining and administering several state and federal grants. 

Armani-Munn holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Northern Colorado and an M.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Policy from the University of Colorado-Denver. He published a master’s thesis on the use of tax increment financing as a tool for development. Armani-Munn also served in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, studied economics at the University of Economics in Prague, and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA). 

The ACEDC Board and Armani-Munn believe that under Kenney’s leadership, the region successfully weathered the impacts of the COVID Pandemic and Addison County is well positioned to continue as a leader in economic development in Vermont. During Kenney’s tenure, ACEDC financed more than $1 million in business growth and job creation projects, helped bring over $12 million in grants to the region, and assisted hundreds of businesses. 

Armani-Munn notes that, “Addison County offers the quality of life, creative spirit, and entrepreneurial energy that are essential buildings blocks for a dynamic and resilient rural economy. From agriculture to aerospace, and everything in between, Addison County’s diversified economy can be a model for small communities across Vermont and the country.” 

Board President Jason Larocque said, “Addison County is business-friendly. We will continue to build on Fred’s great work and the region’s assets to find more and better ways to grow our rural economy. The Board believes that Alex’s experience will bring a new perspective and generate fresh ideas to advance economic and community development in Addison County.” 

Armani-Munn plans to be both visible and proactive in the community. Over the coming months he will be meeting with business owners, local, regional, and state officials, legislators, and other partners to hear from them about their hopes, needs, concerns, and opportunities for the future of business in Addison County. “I am excited to immerse myself in the community and to continue Fred’s legacy of being an advocate for businesses and a facilitator of job creation and smart growth in Addison County. I will work tirelessly to support our business community, to promote Addison County, and to continue building on the many accomplishments of the ACEDC.” 

About Addison County Economic Development Corporation 

The Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is dedicated to helping all businesses, regardless of background, size, sector, or stage of growth to retain and create good-paying jobs in Addison County. Organized to promote the common business and economic interests of commercial enterprises in Addison County, ACEDC strives to create an entrepreneurial and innovative environment that nurtures businesses to launch, grow, and thrive. For more information on ACEDC visit: www.addisoncountyedc.org. 

ACEDC activities are made possible, in part, by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Loan programs are made possible by USDA/Rural Development. 

ACEDC is an equal opportunity service provider and lender, with all services and funds available on a non-discriminatory basis.