VTDigger.org, the online news site for vermont politics and public policy issues, has announced that Diane Zeigler of Montpelier has joined the VtDigger team as co-publisher. Zeigler comes to VTDigger from KSE Partners, a Montpelier communications and government affairs firm.
At KSE, Zeigler served as director of Web strategies and client affairs. She provided strategic counsel to businesses and nonprofits in message development, crisis management, media relations, branding and social media. She directed the communications and advertising effort for the landmark 2009 Vermont Freedom to Marry Campaign, managed local and national ad campaigns, produced television and radio spots, CD compilations and video documentaries, directed strategic email outreach campaigns, and has served on numerous technology development teams.
The winner of eight national songwriting awards, Zeigler is also an important voice in contemporary acoustic music. She managed a 20-year career in the industry, with five critically acclaimed CDs.
Anne Galloway, founder of VTDigger, will continue to serve as executive director and editor-in-chief.
“Diane brings a unique combination of media and technology experience, as well as an artist’s creative mindset and passion for our mission that is precisely what we need to bring Digger to the next level,” said founder and editor Anne Galloway. “We’re frankly thrilled that we snagged her!”
Prior to her work with KSE, Zeigler was webmaster and director of technology projects at the Vermont Arts Council, and was the development and canvass director at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. She holds a bachelor of arts in history and English from the University of Vermont and is pursuing a masters in Infrastructure Planning and Management at the University of Washington.
“As we all try to figure out where journalism is headed nationally, VTDigger has established itself as an important model for what’s possible right here in Vermont,” said Zeigler. “I’m so lucky to get in here now, with the yeoman’s work of startup behind us, and roll up my sleeves and be a part of where we’re headed with this incredible team of journalists.”
Zeigler will work in close partnership with co-publisher Rick Woods, former longtime general manager of the Burlington weekly newspaper Seven Days. The two will direct VTDigger’s operations, membership programs, underwriting and grant-writing programs, as well as new strategic partnership development, events and conferences.
“I’ve known Diane for many years in many capacities – as an artist, a seasoned professional, and a friend,” Woods said. “She brings an almost visceral ‘git-er-done’ orientation to everything she does that is rare and invaluable.”
Raised in Burlington, Zeigler now lives in Montpelier with her three children, ages 6, 15 and 17, and her husband Geoffrey Sather, the director of guidance at Montpelier High School.
“There’s no understating the critical role that journalism plays in a democracy, especially in local communities. Digger demonstrates its value every day as the go-to site for in depth coverage on politics and policy in Vermont,” Zeigler said. “Keep your eyes on Digger, because we are a team devoted to mission, and we will be around for a long time to come.”
VTDigger.org is a statewide news website that publishes watchdog reports on state government, politics, consumer affairs, business and public policy. VTDigger’s mission is to provide consistent delivery of in-depth reports on matters of public interest and to serve as a catalyst for more open debates on key issues that impact Vermonters’ daily lives. The organization, which was founded in September 2009, publishes new content six days a week, Sunday through Friday. VTDigger.org is a project of The Vermont Journalism Trust, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.