The BBA’s Pub Talks group was established in the fall of 2015 as a platform for young professionals who live and work in Burlington to come together and discuss the issues that are most pertinent to them in a relaxed and candid setting, bars!

The Pub Talks group has met regularly over the past year to learn from guest speakers and discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities that young professionals face in Burlington. This month’s guest speaker was BBA Board Member, Afi Ahmadi, who spoke to the group about non-profit board service.

Afi is a director at the Burlington law firm of Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew, P.C., which he joined in November of 1999. He came to Vermont in 1989 as an undergraduate at the University of Vermont, where he served as a student member of the Board of Trustees. Along with serving on the BBA board, Afi is currently a member of the UVM Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and Victory Club Advisory Board.

Afi spoke to Pub Talks members about making connections with existing non-profits, getting involved through events and committee work, and connecting with existing board members. His emphasis on looking for organizations that do the work you’re passionate about was underscored by his reminder to the group that board service can be a significant investment of time, but if you enjoy the work and believe in the organization’s mission that time will feel well spent and enjoyable. Afi answered the group’s questions and offered insights into the expectations, roles and responsibilities that board members play in the organizations they work for.

Pub Talks meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 pm at varying bars around town.

Interested in getting involved with this group? Email BBA’s Member Services & Events Manager, Sarah O Donnell.