Longtime political reporter Dan Barlow is leaving journalism to become the public policy manager over at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.

Barlow is one of three reporters who compose the Vermont Press Bureau, the team that covers the legislature for the Rutland Herald and the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus.

Barlow received a 2009 New England Associated Press award and is a frequent guest on various Vermont news and analysis television and radio programs. He also started the comic book group Trees & Hills.

As public policy manager, Barlow will be VBSR’s chief liaison to state legislators and will advance VBSR’s policy goals through legislative lobbying and strategies, research, outreach and education. Barlow succeeds Andrea Cohen, who became executive director of the organization earlier this fall when Will Patten retired. VBSR is a nonprofit, statewide business trade organization with 1300 members.

Barlow has worked in Vermont journalism since 2002, first at the Brattleboro Reformer, then at the Rutland Herald and most recently at the Vermont Press Bureau.

“We couldn’t have found a more capable person to represent the interests of our membership to policy makers in Montpelier," noted Cohen. “Dan has such a strong understanding of the way the legislature works, and he’s respected by everyone that spends time in the Statehouse. We’re fortunate Dan has decided to bring his energy and talents to VBSR.”