Jess Wilson: Gratitude for Community Media Leadership

Image: Jess holding Willow as a puppy outside the Media Factory in 2021.

After 27 years of leadership in Vermont community media, Media Factory Co-Director Jess Wilson has moved on to become the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Chittenden County. While we will miss her humor, vision, and dedication, we are excited for her new role.

Image: Jess (center) representing Vermont Access Network with Angelike Contis (MMCTV) and Kurt Broderson (MCTV)

Jess has been a passionate advocate for community media, working at Town Meeting TV, Lake Champlain Community Television, and the Regional Educational Television Network, where Jess had an instrumental role in merging RETN with Vermont Community Access Media to become the Media Factory. She navigated the Media Factory through the challenges of the 2020 lockdown, working alongside co-director Seth Mobley to ensure our community had access to information and the means of media production. Her leadership and commitment have significantly impacted Vermont’s media landscape, ensuring that local voices are heard and stories are shared.

Image: Jess conducting an interview for HomeShare Vermont

Jess remembered every staff member’s birthday, making sure a cake or pie was served at the closest staff meeting. She stayed engaged with many Media Factory projects, working with Champlain College Broadcast Television students each semester, and creating several Crowdsourced VT scenes. Jess leads by creating space for others to blossom. 

Beyond media, Jess is an animal lover with several pets, including Willow, our Chief Treat Officer, who joined us weekly - greeting staff, community members, and students with her loveable full-body wag. 

Image: Chief Treat Officer Willow lying outside the Media Factory.

Jess’ move to the Humane Society is a wonderful opportunity for her, and for them. We look forward to visiting Jess and Willow at their new office!