During one of the most rapidly changing decades in the history of local journalism, Betsy Edwards helped steer the Virginia Press Association through legislative battles, the COVID-19 pandemic, technological change and the evolving business of local news.
Edwards, who retired as the association’s executive director on June 30, championed digital innovation, defended public notices, expanded statewide reader engagement and helped position Virginia newspapers for a more sustainable future.
Steve Stewart, publisher of The Smithfield Times and former VPA board president during the COVID era, said Edwards provided steady leadership as newspapers navigated one of the industry’s most challenging periods.
