Former media and newspaper executive Al Getler has joined Community Heart & Soul as vice president of business development. Created by Lyman Orton, proprietor of The Vermont Country Store, Community Heart & Soul works to create stronger, healthier and more vibrant small cities and towns by directly engaging with all residents in those communities.
Getler came to Vermont in 2015 as president and publisher of the Burlington Free Press and was the last person to serve in that role before the parent company eliminated the role nationwide. Prior to moving to Vermont, he ran newspapers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York and Ohio.
Today, Getler serves as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in South Hero, where he also organizes two yearly parades. In the past, Getler formed a nonprofit organization that oversaw an $8.5 million restoration of a theater in downtown Newark, Ohio.
"Al’s background, skills and passion for small-town life make him the ideal person for this role,” said President Mark Sherman. "We are excited to have him on our team and know he will be a terrific ambassador and evangelist for Community Heart & Soul.”