VTDigger hires Neal Goswami as managing editor

Neal Goswami, a veteran Vermont journalist and communications professional, has been named managing editor of VTDigger.

In that role, Goswami will run the nonprofit newsroom on a day-to-day basis, overseeing a dedicated team of reporters, editors and photographers. He joins editor-in-chief Paul Heintz, deputy managing editor Alicia Freese and senior editors Diane Derby, Natalie Williams and Kristen Fountain on the newsroom leadership team.

Goswami got an early start in Vermont journalism, delivering his hometown newspaper, the Bennington Banner, starting at age 6. After graduating from the University of Vermont, Goswami spent eight years reporting for the Banner.

He joined the Vermont Press Bureau in 2013, serving as bureau chief and covering the Statehouse for the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus and the Rutland Herald. In 2017, he became capital bureau chief for WCAX-TV. Since 2019, Goswami has been a public and media relations specialist for the University of Vermont Health Network.

Goswami said he was excited to return to journalism and join VTDigger.

“Journalism has never been more important for democracy and community, and I’m excited to work with such a talented group of journalists dedicated to this work,” Goswami said. “I’m looking forward to working with this team to inform readers, provide context to news and tell stories that matter to Vermont and beyond.”

Heintz said he was looking forward to working with Goswami to continue delivering on the news organization’s mission to produce rigorous journalism, promote public accountability and foster civic engagement.

“During his time reporting in Bennington and Montpelier, Neal established a reputation as a tough, fair, thorough and accurate journalist,” Heintz said. “I can’t wait for Neal to bring his talents to VTDigger, where he will surely thrive as a newsroom leader.”

VTDigger CEO Sky Barsch said the organization was fortunate to have had many excellent candidates apply for the managing editor position.

“What stood out about Neal is his enthusiasm and excitement for this role,” Barsch said. “He has a passion for engaging with our audience through our digital products and ensuring that we focus on the kinds of stories our readers find most important.

Goswami will succeed former managing editor Maggie Cassidy in the role. His first day is August 12.

Read the story on VTDigger here: VTDigger hires Neal Goswami as managing editor .