VTDigger announced today that Editor-in-Chief Geeta Anand will step down on June 30, 2026, as she returns to teaching journalism at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.
VTDigger also announced appointments to top editing positions. Susan Allen, veteran Vermont journalist who has led several other newsrooms in the state, will serve as interim editor-in-chief. Ruth Hare, a former editor at VTDigger, the Rutland Herald and The Times Argus, will assume the managing editor role on March 16. Shane Graber, longtime journalist and journalism educator, has been promoted from senior editor at VTDigger to deputy managing editor, effective February 20.
During her tenure, Anand strengthened VTDigger’s commitment to rigorous, independent reporting. She helped elevate the ambition and reach of its journalism. She was instrumental in establishing a partnership with Frontline that is supporting deep reporting on flooding in Vermont — an example of the accountability journalism that serves communities at critical moments.
“I’ve truly enjoyed working with VTDigger’s ambitious, enterprising and deeply committed reporters and editors,” Anand said. “The newsroom’s dedication to public service and editorial independence is inspiring, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.”
To ensure continuity and momentum, VTDigger has appointed Allen to serve as interim editor-in-chief beginning June 1. Allen has served in a number of journalism roles, including reporter, columnist, editorial writer and executive editor at news organizations including the Burlington Free Press, Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, Associated Press, Manchester Journal and Bennington Banner. She also worked in the administration of governors Peter Shumlin and Howard Dean. In her VTDigger role, Allen will work closely with the newsroom, leadership team and Board of Trustees.
“There is no news organization in the state with the scope and reach of VTDigger,” Allen said. “I look forward to working with a solid team of reporters and editors who provide great statewide coverage on issues that really matter to Vermonters.”
Hare, the incoming managing editor, served as VTDigger’s news editor from 2016 to 2018. Before that, she served as editor of the Vermont Sunday Magazine and news editor at the Rutland Herald and The Times Argus, among other roles.
Former colleagues describe Hare as an exceptional newsroom leader. Several said they had never had a better editor and called her the glue that held their newsrooms together, a steady and collaborative presence who elevated coverage and supported reporters at every stage of the editorial process.
“I’m looking forward to returning to my roots in Vermont journalism,” Hare said. “This is also a chance to be part of an exciting era at VTDigger as it continues to evolve while remaining Vermonters’ essential source of news.”
Graber, during his time at VTDigger as a senior editor, has already made an impact through his enthusiasm, ambitious story ideas and passion for special projects.
“I’m thrilled to step into the role of deputy managing editor at VTDigger because Vermont’s news ecosystem is remarkably vibrant, civic-minded and deeply engaged — the kind of environment that makes ambitious journalism possible,” Graber said. “I consider VTDigger the gold standard among news outlets, especially nonprofit organizations, and I’m honored to help lead a newsroom that sets the bar for accountability reporting and public service in our state.”
VTDigger is looking forward to welcoming its next chief executive officer this summer. In early 2027, the news organization expects to launch its search for the next editor-in-chief to guide the newsroom into its next chapter of ambitious, community-centered reporting.
VTDigger’s newsroom remains focused on delivering journalism that helps Vermonters understand their communities and their government — and engage with the decisions shaping their lives. At a time when local journalism is more essential than ever, VTDigger remains committed to expanding the depth, reach and impact of its reporting across the state, serving Vermonters with clarity, accountability and independence for generations to come.
