Asheville Watchdog Expanded Staff and Board
The local news organization hired a new engagement editor and added two members to its leadership team.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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Asheville Watchdog has grown its news team to six people and hired seven full-time employees. The nonprofit newsroom also added a new volunteer data reporter and a board member.
Why it matters
The expansion strengthens the local reporting capacity and data journalism capabilities of the Asheville-based nonprofit. These additions aim to increase community engagement and bolster investigative output.
The Asheville Watchdog news team now consists of six members and seven total full-time employees. The new additions bring decades of experience, including 24 years of investigative work from Mary Ann Myers and three decades of teaching from Steve Doig.
The players
Katie Linsky Shaw
She is the new full-time engagement editor for Asheville Watchdog who will manage the organization's social media platforms and newsletters.
Steve Doig
He is a volunteer data reporter and editor who joins the team after spending three decades teaching data journalism.
Mary Ann Myers
She joined the board of directors after a 24-year career as a fraud investigator and serving as president of the Asheville Tennis Association.
Asheville Watchdog
This is an Asheville-based nonprofit news organization that covers news primarily in Buncombe County.
The details
Katie Linsky Shaw has been hired as the full-time engagement editor to manage the outlet's Instagram and TikTok platforms while developing email newsletters. Additionally, Steve Doig will serve as a volunteer data reporter, and Mary Ann Myers has joined the board of directors.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Asheville Watchdog announced staffing and board changes.
2025: Mary Ann Myers received the UNC Asheville Trailblazer Award.
Market Landscape
This staffing expansion reflects the ongoing growth of nonprofit newsrooms seeking to bridge gaps in local investigative reporting. The inclusion of experienced professionals mirrors a wider trend of veteran journalists and experts contributing to community-focused media outlets.
Residents can expect increased social media content and more frequent newsletter updates as the outlet deepens its engagement efforts. The addition of dedicated data analysis resources may lead to more frequent investigative reports regarding local issues in Buncombe County.
The takeaway
Nonprofit newsrooms are increasingly relying on specialized talent to expand their reach and analytical capabilities. Readers who rely on local reporting can expect more sophisticated, data-driven content as these organizations grow their professional staff.
Further reading
For more on the individuals covering the local community, read the People section.
More information
To support the newsroom or learn more about the team, visit the Asheville Watchdog support and donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AVL Watchdog.
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