The Board of Trustees of the Vermont Journalism Trust today announced that Sky Barsch has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of VTDigger, effective June 1, 2026. Sky will continue to serve as CEO until then, working closely with the Board and leadership team to advance the organization’s priorities and support a strong, thoughtful transition.
Sky joined VTDigger in 2023 at a pivotal moment, following the departure of founder Anne Galloway and a period of interim leadership. She stepped into the role with clarity of purpose and a deep respect for VTDigger’s mission, helping guide the organization from its founder-led chapter into its next era as a lasting civic institution for Vermont.
Under Sky’s leadership, VTDigger strengthened its financial foundation, expanded and deepened readership and donor support across the state and reaffirmed its commitment to providing rigorous, independent journalism as a public good — available to all without a paywall. Just as importantly, Sky helped articulate a vision of VTDigger that is larger than any one person: a news organization built to serve Vermonters for generations.
“It’s been an honor to lead VTDigger and to serve Vermonters alongside such a talented staff and dedicated board,” Barsch said. “I’m incredibly proud of the journalism we’ve produced and the trust we’ve built with communities across the state. VTDigger is strong, mission-driven, and well positioned for the future — and I’m excited to support the organization as it takes its next steps.”
As VTDigger looks ahead, it does so from a position of strength — guided by what Vermonters have told us they want and need from a statewide news organization. Communities across the state have called for more diverse voices, deeper reporting from rural regions beyond the Montpelier to Burlington corridor, and journalism that reflects complexity by including multiple perspectives. They have also emphasized the value of reporting that helps people understand issues and participate before decisions are made.
Listening to Vermonters has sharpened VTDigger’s direction and clarified the opportunity to deliver even more world-class journalism that helps people understand their communities and their government, keeps Vermont informed and prepared for what lies ahead, and connects Vermonters to one another — and to the wider world — with clarity, context and care.
Gaye Symington, President of the Vermont Journalism Trust, said, “Sky was exactly the leader VTDigger needed at this moment in its history. She brought steadiness, vision, compassion, fiscal discipline and an unwavering belief in the importance of local journalism. Because of her leadership, VTDigger is poised to meet its future with confidence and ambition.”
The Board of Trustees has launched a search for VTDigger’s next Chief Executive Officer, seeking a leader who will build on this strong foundation and guide the organization through its next chapter of growth and impact. Inquiries may be directed to 2026CEOSearch@vtdigger.org.
VTDigger is Vermont’s statewide digital news organization, informing and connecting Vermonters through fact-checked, original reporting that strengthens democracy and civic life. It is a project of the Vermont Journalism Trust.
