Politico managing editor Mike Zapler and executive editor Dafna Linzer:
John Yearwood’s recent promotion created an important vacancy on our national security team. Fortunately, we have a wonderful successor: Heidi Vogt, a longtime foreign correspondent who’s done stellar work leading the tech and cybersecurity team, will succeed John, but with an expanded portfolio. Assuming the title of national security editor, Heidi will partner with Defense Editor Dave Brown in leading an increasingly prominent area of coverage for POLITICO.
This is a natural move for Heidi. During her two decades in journalism, Heidi reported across Africa and in Afghanistan — covering conflict, international diplomatic wranglings and U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press.
As tech and cybersecurity editor, she has worked hand-in-hand with the National Security team, frequently strategizing coverage and overseeing joint stories. So as part of this move, Heidi will bring three cybersecurity reporters with her into the national security team: Maggie Miller, Eric Geller, and John Sakellariadis. Formally merging the two teams makes a lot of sense for our coverage, and we’re thrilled to have Heidi lead the effort.
Heidi’s arrival will coincide with a departure: Ben Pauker, who joined us early last year as world and national security editor, is leaving for The Washington Post. Ben did yeoman’s work building up the team since he arrived early last year, while working with Dave and Sue Allan to lead the defense and Canada teams. He fostered early collaboration with POLITICO’s editors and reporters in Europe— a mission that will only grow in importance as we seek to integrate our newsrooms. We wish Ben the best of luck and will launch a search for his successor.
Heidi, Dave and Sue will report directly to Mike Zapler in the interim.
Please join us in congratulating Heidi and the entire team.
Mike
Dafna
