VTDigger has announced Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, accomplished author, and academic leader Geeta Anand as its new editor-in-chief, effective July 1. This marks a pivotal moment for independent journalism in Vermont, according to CEO Sky Barsch, who hailed Anand’s appointment as a powerful step toward shaping the future of public-interest reporting in the state.
Anand, who previously headed the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, brings close to three decades of journalism experience to her new position. She will oversee a team of over 20 reporters at VTDigger, steering the newsroom toward bold investigative projects and deeper accountability journalism while nurturing democratic engagement.
In her statement, Anand expressed eagerness to collaborate with both the editorial staff and the board to define an ambitious vision for the newsroom. Her focus will be on mentoring talent, supporting a sustainable editorial culture, and working with Barsch to secure funding that ensures long-term journalistic excellence.
For Anand, this appointment is more than just a new role—it’s a homecoming. Her journalism career began in Vermont at The Rutland Herald in the early 1990s, where she uncovered errors in credit reporting that led to federal reform. This return, she shared, is deeply personal for both her and her husband, Greg Kroitzsh, a Vermont native.
Anand’s acclaimed journalism career includes her tenure as a foreign correspondent in India for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Her investigative prowess earned her a Pulitzer, and her book The Cure—later turned into a Hollywood film—demonstrates her storytelling strength beyond the newsroom.
The Vermont Journalism Trust, VTDigger’s parent body, views Anand’s arrival as validation of the publication’s growing influence and commitment to quality. As she steps into this key leadership role, Anand brings not only journalistic excellence but also a clear dedication to guiding the next generation of reporters.
