Megan Smith, of Mendon, started her career at Hyatt Hotels and also worked for Au Bon Pain. In 1995, Megan and her husband purchased The Vermont Inn in Mendon, which they owned and operated until 2006. She has also been the president of the Killington Chamber of Commerce, a small business advisor for the VTSBDC, an instructor at both the Resort Management Program at Green Mountain College Killington Campus and CCV. Megan also developed the Vermont Marble Trail, served in the state Legislature and established the Vermont Tourism Caucus.

1. What are your goals as Vermont's Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing? To increase visits by broadening our reach to include the agricultural movement, the arts, our green brand, history, and our beautiful downtowns and village centers. I think we are just hitting the tip of the iceberg on destination weddings, and with the passing of the same-sex marriage law we have huge opportunities to pursue.

2. How does tourism fit into Governor Shumlin's vision for the state? The governor and I have very similar visions for tourism and we are both always thinking of new ideas. He is one creative guy!

3. You're looking at this position from two sides. You have been a businessperson in the tourism industry, and now you also oversee the industry for state government. How do you think this will shape your perspective on tourism in Vermont? I do not want to ever minimize the importance of our big resorts, but I feel that as we come out of the recession we need to help the smaller businesses, which are so important to the local economy. I am hoping to open up the communications with a tourism industry Facebook page as well as work with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on some training initiatives.

4. What are some things the state could do to boost Vermont's tourism economy? The department has been doing a great job with limited resources, and I was able to keep the entire team on board. I think we need to get out and work with more partners to spread the word as well as collaborate more with chambers, towns, arts centers and historical societies.

5. What are some of the most important tourism issues facing the state? Small businesses are losing ground again. Back when the Internet started being used for tourism it seemed as if the playing field was level, but now they are once again having trouble being competitive. Small businesses have also had to cut staff. They are working so much down in the weeds that it is hard to come up for air and do the important marketing work.

6. You've already been out meeting with people around the state to talk about issues. What are you hearing from Vermonters? Vermonters have THE BEST IDEAS for marketing our state. They want to be heard, they want to be included in the process and they will be. I promise.

7. Is collaboration within state government one of your goals? Absolutely. My daily mantra is inclusion, and we're all being encouraged to work together and collaborate with various state agencies.

8. How would you describe Vermont to someone who has never visited the state? Unique, special, and where you can step back in time while peeking into the future.

9. What are your hobbies? All year-round outdoor activities, live theater, reading, and a good vacation (especially STAYCATIONS).

10. What do you love most about Vermont? I love waking up every morning and weighing my choices on what I will do outside, and then going to the best job in Vermont! I also really like to watch my daughter Molly on the Channel 3 news.