My story
I’ve worked as a journalist, editor and news director at The Charleston Gazette, West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and WUSF Tampa. I won some awards, but more importantly, I collaborated with other reporters on investigations that made a difference.
Journalist
I started out as a sixth grade teacher, English and social studies. I’ve also taught journalism at a HBCU. Now, I’m working with the Center for Community News at the University of Vermont. I see the power of journalism as an educational tool, and the ability of students to tell compelling news stories.
Teacher
I founded and led a family-literacy organization in Appalachia, and later led two public media organizations. I understand the challenges nonprofit media organizations face, especially in rural and low-income communities.
Nonprofit leader
I spent a dozen years transforming two public media organizations - Vermont Public and West Virginia Public Broadcasting. I led the successful merger of VPR and Vermont PBS, and worked to create more collaboration between stations and NPR and PBS.
Public Media Innovator
TESTIMONIALS
I benefited a ton from Scott’s steady counsel, masterful facilitation of executive meetings, and his deep knowledge of the local news ecosystem. Every conversation with Scott was a step forward for me and the collaborative. I’m grateful for his lessons in leadership.
Vanessa de la Torres, Chief Content Officer, Connecticut Public; Executive Editor, New England News Collaborative
“Scott’s experience and relationships make him the perfect person to help public media organizations build relationships with universities.”
Richard Watts, Executive Director, Center for Community News at UVM
“Scott's presence has significantly eased anxiety around the next steps for the station. He has consistently demonstrated care, thoughtful understanding, and compassion for the staff and leadership, especially during challenging situations.”
A. Rima Dael, CEO, National Federation of Community Broadcasters; Former NPR Board member and CEO WSHU Public Radio
Latest News
Public Media Veteran Joins Center for Community News
University of Vermont, 2/8/2024
The Center for Community News at UVM has hired public media veteran Scott Finn to spearhead a new effort to build partnerships between public media organizations and colleges across the country.
Former Vermont Public CEO Scott Finn Takes Role at UVM's Community News Service
Seven Days, 2/8/2024
Scott Finn, the former president and CEO of Vermont Public, has been hired to help the University of Vermont’s Center for Community News increase the number of college students who are reporting local news through public media stations around the country.