Placed Leaders

Sky Barsch

CEO

VTDigger

We partnered with VTDigger on the search for a Chief Executive Officer. VTDigger is an investigative journalism platform that reports on politics, businesses, events, and public policy of Vermont. Since its founding in 2009, VTDigger has grown into Vermont’s most essential news organization, powered by more than two-dozen journalists and boasting the state’s largest newsroom.

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Sky Barsch to the role.

In her role as CEO, Barsch will lead the organization’s efforts to expand audiences, grow revenues and provide Vermonters with outstanding reporting on matters of public interest.

A Vermont resident, Barsch comes to VTDigger after an extensive career in local and national media, including roles at the Burlington Free Press, the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus and The Nation magazine.

Most recently, she served as Vice President of Sponsorships & Market Strategy for Chalkbeat, one of the largest nonprofit news organizations in the United States. At Chalkbeat, Barsch led the team and strategy for sponsorships and advertising, tripling earned revenues and growing audiences across platforms.

Previously, Barsch served as Associate Publisher of Vermont Life. At Vermont Life, she oversaw the digital version of the magazine, as well as social media channels, email newsletters, and digital asset development for Vermont Life’s content and e-commerce websites.  

In addition, Barsch was the owner, editor and publisher of Vermont Sports, a magazine dedicated to outdoor sports and recreation in northern New England.  

Before moving into media management, Barsch got her start in journalism as a reporter for the Burlington Free Press and for the Times Argus, where she was named the Vermont Press Association’s Rookie of the Year. 

Barsch has also played an active role in civic and community life in Vermont. She has served as corporator for Northfield Savings Bank and as a board member of the Barton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association. She owns a fitness studio in downtown Montpelier and is an indoor cycling and yoga instructor and an avid mountain biker. 

Barsch holds a BA in Communication from Castleton University.