Executive Director & Journalist: Marisa Dawson

Marisa Dawson brings over 16 years of experience in photography and journalism to her role as Executive Director and Journalist of The Bennington Buzz. Her passion for storytelling was sparked by her father who passed away in February 2025, Michael Halfmann — a journalist, photographer, and beloved teacher — who taught her everything she knows about the craft. Her mother, Meilii Halfmann, inspired her entrepreneurial spirit and love for building something meaningful.

Marisa earned her MBA in Sustainable Leadership from Osiri University in 2024. It was during this time that she recognized a growing need for community-centered journalism in Bennington — and made it her mission to fill that gap. She helped lay the groundwork for what would become The Bennington Buzz — a publication closely aligned with the values and vision of a united, compassionate, and informed community.

Marisa has called Bennington home for the past eight years, where she lives with her husband and their two young children. Her mom and grandmother recently moved to town as well, making the community feel even more like home. Through The Buzz, Marisa is honored to carry on her family’s legacy and help connect the people of Bennington through meaningful local journalism.

Sports Journalism Intern: Baylor Detjens

Baylor Detjens is a student at Syracuse University and Bennington High School graduate. Baylor is studying Journalism, with an emphasis on Sports Broadcasting in school. Baylor is a freelance photographer, a member of the Syracuse Men’s Hockey Creative Team, and a former writer for the Douglas County Post Gazette. At the Post Gazette, Baylor covered many different events, but specialized in sports, and the same can be said for his photography career. Eventually, he wants to become a Play-By-Play Commentator in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or another major sports organization. Baylor grew up in Bennington and played sports in the community throughout his high school career. He loves the community which has brought him so much, and is looking forward to this opportunity to continue to cover it (even from afar in New York).

Board of Directors:

President: Cynthia Snoderly

Cynthia is a local educator with 14 years of teaching experience and currently in her fourth year at the middle school level, where she also advises the school yearbook and video journalism program. Cynthia is a mother to two young children and the spouse of a local first responder. She’s lived in the Bennington area for the last 5 years and has craved a local newspaper to help her get to know the town, events and how she can be more involved. That’s why she joined the efforts of Bennington Buzz — to bring local, small-town journalism back to a growing community. 

Secretary: Open

If you’re interested in serving in this role, please fill out our interest form. We’d love to connect with you and share more about the opportunity.

Treasurer: Brianna Cook

Brianna Cook works in billing/accounting for Pitney Bowes and has lived in Pine Creek since 2022 with her husband, Chris, 3 year-old son Miles and daughter Hattie who just turned one. She grew up in South Central Clay County in Nebraska on a farm, where the Clay County News is the newspaper of choice. She and her family had fun reading it weekly, especially to see if any of their sports photos made the cut. Brianna believes being involved in the Bennington Buzz is an amazing opportunity to serve our small-town community.

Director Of Marketing: Krisy Byers

Krisy Byers is a strategic marketing leader, community advocate, and proud Bennington supporter. With an executive background in multi-location brand growth, digital strategy, and team leadership, she brings both big-picture vision and hands-on execution to every organization she serves. Krisy also currently serves as Vice President of the Bennington Chamber of Commerce and is deeply committed to strengthening local businesses, amplifying community voices, and helping Bennington continue to thrive. Her passion lies in connecting people, building momentum around great ideas, and creating marketing that makes a measurable impact.

Director Of Technology: Rachel Torson

Rachel Torson serves as the Director of Technology for the Bennington Buzz and lives in Bennington with her family. She works in digital marketing and communications in healthcare. She is passionate about technology and digital marketing. Rachel values the role of local news in keeping neighbors connected and informed. Growing up in a small town helped Rachel understand the power of community and she is excited to help strengthen and give back to the one she now calls home.