The Burlington Businesses Association (BBA) is pleased to announce the addition of two members to the Board of Directors: Michele Asch and Christian Kuzia. 

RELEASE: BBA Welcomes Two New Board Members

Michele Asch is the VP of Leadership & Organizational Development within her family business, Twincraft Skincare. Twincraft Skincare is a custom contract manufacturer of specialty bar soap and skincare products for over 150 brands throughout North America. Michele has a diverse background which includes 14 years at the University of Vermont. The first 10 years she was responsible for leadership development and service learning programs for students. She then moved on to the UVM School of Business and, as the Director of the UVM Family Business Program, she assisted Vermont family businesses with their succession planning. Thriving on the creativity found in entrepreneurship, she founded and sold two small businesses, a sea kayak adventure travel business and a men’s salon.  Michele is committed to serving our community. She currently serves on the Let’s Grow Kids Board of Directors and the ECHO Science Center Board of Directors. She recently ended a 3 year appointment as Chairperson of the Burlington Police Commission. Michele also served as Chair of Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation where she was a board member for 7 years. Michele graduated from the UVM School of Business in 1988. 

 

Christian Kuzia works for Westport Hospitality, and is the general manager of the Courtyard Burlington Harbor Hotel. Born and raised in Vermont, Christian has held multiple positions within the hospitality and restaurant industry over the past 20 years. He is a graduate of the food and beverage management program from the New England Culinary Institute, and began his career with Westport overseeing the food and beverage operation at the Courtyard Burlington Harbor. He has also managed Westport’s extended stay property, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, in Williston. Christian has previously served on the board of directors for the Vermont Convention Bureau, The Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, and is currently a board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont. Christian resides in Colchester with his wife Jodi and their two sons, Caleb and Camden. 

“We are so excited to have Michele and Christian join the Board of Directors,” said Kelly Devine, Executive Director of the BBA. “The insight and perspective they bring from two industries critical to Burlington’s economy will be especially valuable as we come out of the pandemic.”