Becca Blais Joins National Trust for Local News as Head of Development

The National Trust for Local News has hired Becca Blais, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Bluebonnet Data, as its first Head of Development. 

With Bluebonnet Data, Blais focused on closing gaps in talent acquisition and data capacity in the civic sector. She also worked on local economic development in the City of Daytona Beach and in impact investing in small and medium-sized enterprises with the Stanford GSB Impact Fund. 

Blais will bring her entrepreneurial passion to her new fundraising role as the Trust aims to enhance civic life by rebuilding local news and bolstering an industry whose survival and success depends on innovative solutions and evolving business models.

“Newspapers remain at the center of local news ecosystems,” said Blais. “They’ve embraced technology – from newsgathering to audience reach to digital storytelling. Despite real challenges and disruption, we can stabilize their business models. With the right investment, they're positioned to succeed in the digital age.”

Blais will continue to build on the National Trust’s fundraising infrastructure and drive donor engagement with the organization’s largest foundation partners, as well as members of the local publications across the Trust in Maine, Georgia and Colorado. 

“Blais’ venture-focused experience aligns well with The National Trust’s growth strategy,” said Tom Wiley, CEO of the National Trust for Local News. “Expanding access to vibrant, independent local news requires visionary philanthropic investment to drive innovation and ultimately sustained growth in earned revenue in our newsrooms. We’re pleased to welcome Becca to our team as we build a more resilient future for the industry.”