John Barstow

Development Director

John’s varied 38-year career has revolved around a commitment to meaningful, results-oriented communication. For 8+ years he directed communications and marketing at the Vermont-based national nonprofit Orton Family Foundation.

John’s professional experience and years serving on non-profit boards equip him to bring new ways of thinking and doing to the Vermont Folklife Center around fundraising and the relationship-building that wins, grows, and sustains broad support. Having helped bring the Orton Foundation’s groundbreaking Community Heart & SoulTM community-enrichment method to towns across the country, he is thrilled to use similar approaches to help VFC bring its rich store of stories, history, and human drama to more Vermonters and beyond. John lives in Middlebury, Vermont, with his wife, artist Kate Gridley.