Veteran journalist and editor Susan Allen will be retiring on May 1 following a nearly 40-year career spanning both politics and news.
Allen has served as editor of both the Bennington Banner and the Manchester Journal, helping to usher both newspapers into an era of renewed vitality under Vermont News & Media.
“Sue Allen has been a tremendous influence in our Banner and Journal newsrooms,” said Jordan Brechenser, president and publisher of Vermont News & Media. “She devoted her time to building the best newspapers possible and cared about her staff and coworkers.”
“She is an 'old school' editor who got the job done and did it well,” Brechenser continued. “Whenever there was a problem or situation, you could count on Sue to be level-headed and tackle the issue with a hands-on approach. She will be nearly impossible to replace and missed by all who had the fortune to work alongside her.”
Allen was managing editor of the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, as well as a political and statehouse reporter for The Associated Press, and columnist and editorial writer for the Burlington Free Press. She was also press secretary for former Gov. Howard Dean, and deputy chief of staff for former Gov. Peter Shumlin. She served as Montpelier assistant city manager before moving to Southern Vermont two years ago with her husband, Jim Picone.
“I have a long-held commitment to local journalism, believing the Banner is a key piece of Bennington’s strong sense of community and its economic vitality,” Allen said upon her hiring in 2021. “Newspapers are at their best when they tell the stories of the people who live, work and play nearby, make the news relevant to the lives of readers, promote what’s great about their communities and shine a spotlight on the problems to help find solutions.”
Shine a spotlight she did. During her nearly three years with Vermont News & Media, Allen covered a number of vital and hard-hitting stories throughout the region – but she bears a special talent for capturing the heart and character of the communities she covered, as well as the people within them. She has a proven track record for accuracy and integrity, yet often finds ways to imbue her stories with a rare degree of humor and humanity.
“After recently having been mentored by Sue, her attention to detail, patience, sunny outlook, and enthusiasm for local news is undeniable,” said Tim Wassberg, incoming editor of the Bennington Banner. “I am honored to be following in the steps of such an accomplished, attentive and approachable journalist.”
“Sue is an outstanding journalist but also an inspiring and intuitive leader,” said Cherise Forbes, incoming editor of the Manchester Journal. “I consider myself lucky to have worked alongside – and learned from – someone like Sue. She will be greatly missed, but her impact will continue through all those who looked up to her.”