Dear Reader,
It’s our Spring Member Drive, a fitting time to introduce myself as VTDigger’s new CEO. I joined the team just weeks ago and know I have enormous shoes to fill. To you, our readers for whom we do all our work, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
We are indebted to Anne Galloway for her vision, her tenacity and her service in launching VTDigger and growing it into the institution it is today: an invaluable public service for anyone who cares about Vermont — not to mention a national success story for the nonprofit, independent journalism model. As we look forward, we as Vermonters are invested in the success of the next chapter of VTDigger because of the critical role it plays in our democracy.
This is the most important moment in my 20-plus-year career in journalism. The gravity and privilege of leading this organization hits me every few seconds, from the moment I rise to the moment I go to sleep. I’m constantly thinking about how we can continue to serve Vermonters in the best and most innovative ways possible. This thinking is in tandem with considering how we continue to expand our coverage and support our staff: the immensely talented, brilliant and hardworking team that brings you VTDigger’s journalism.
I was fortunate to get my start as a reporter at the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus and later The Burlington Free Press, where I covered a number of Vermont communities. I hold dear in my heart that as associate publisher of Vermont Life, I got to meet dozens of artists, farmers, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. And how much it meant to them to see themselves in the pages of that beautiful magazine, and how much it meant to me that I was entrusted with that role.
I recognize that spark in VTDigger’s reporters and editors, who come to their work with an enthusiasm and passion that is nothing short of infectious (and has made me miss being an on-the-ground reporter). I see their drive and their hope to connect us to each other, and to give us more say and voice in the decisions that affect our lives. I see it in our business and fundraising staff who work tirelessly to ensure that we can pay for public records requests, voter guides, data-intensive projects like our Full Disclosure series, and expand our critical efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion.
This is where you come in, readers. We need your help and support so we can do deeper reporting and more impactful work for you. Our sustaining members and regular donors have made our work possible: your commitment has built a strong and award-winning staff.
If you rely on VTDigger’s journalism but haven’t donated recently (or ever!), I am asking if you can help continue this critical work. If you’re on the fence about donating, please consider making a contribution for those neighbors who might rely on our work but aren’t in a position to donate.
As Vermonters, we take care of each other — and your support of VTDigger contributes to an informed, connected Vermont.
Thank you so much for helping kick off our membership drive on a successful note. I’m looking forward to working together to build the next chapter of VTDigger together.
Sincerely,
Sky Barsch
CEO, VTDigger
