New Coordinator Of School And Community Relations Appointed In Westfied

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Board of Education appointed Communications professional Katherine Ernst as the district’s new Coordinator of School and Community Relations at its Tuesday night meeting.

Ernst's appointment will take effect on Aug. 1. She will succeed Mary Ann McGann, who is retiring on July 31. Read More: Mary Ann McGann 'Significantly Shaped Field Of School Communication In Westfield'

Most recently, Ernst served as Communications Media Coordinator for Katie Linendoll Productions, supporting national broadcast appearances, assisting at global technology conference events, and producing multi-platform content across social media and the company website.

Ernst also held roles at local ABC affiliates in Florida and West Virginia as a news anchor and producer. Throughout her media career, Ernst worked closely with public information officers,
booked interviews with community stakeholders, produced and anchored live news broadcasts,
and created lifestyle content spotlighting local stories.

"Katherine’s background as a journalist, coupled with her deep understanding of media strategy and stakeholder engagement, make her well qualified to support and strengthen communication efforts in our schools," said Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. "We are thrilled to welcome her to the Westfield community."

A graduate of Salisbury University in Maryland, Ernst holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications: Media Production, with a minor in Business and Professional Writing. Her professional skill set includes community relations, web content development, crisis communications, video and graphic production, social media strategy, and project management.

"Born and raised in New Jersey, I owe so much to the teachers, coaches, and staff who helped shape the person I am today throughout my public school education," said Ernst. "It is truly a full-circle moment to have the opportunity to combine my love for storytelling and building strong school and community relations in the wonderful, close-knit Town of Westfield."

— Westfield Public Schools