Communications & Community Relations
Natasha Eckard, Director
As the Director of Communcations & Community Relations, I am responsible for planning and developing programs and services that promote a positive and collaborative working and learning environment and advance the Hickory Public School's mission and values for student success.
Communications Department Essential Duties & Responsibilites
- Develops and maintains HPS brand standards and ensures that all HPS communications adhere to approved brand standards; develops and coordinates specific internal and external communication plans on major strategic plan and district initiatives.
- Manages media relations, crisis communications, the district website, social media sites, special events, internal/external communications, school and district marketing plans and promotions, and the production and development of district publications and collateral materials.
- Works directly with communication representatives at each school in an effort to bring in public support through press releases, media events, material support or specific advice.
- Develops advertising campaigns representative of diverse faculty, staff and student demographics to promote and support district outreach.
- Partners with the HR Department to create and implement recruiting and hiring strategies to attract, retain, and develop employees from diverse backgrounds.
- Acts as a liaison to the media, business officials, non-profit directors, business partners, realtors, faith leaders and other community contacts, as directed by the Superintendent.
- Coordinates annual awards and recognition programs.
- Serves as the district volunteer coordinator and supervises the volunteer program for the school system.
2023-2024 HPS Communications Representatives:
Media requests are submitted to the school's Communications Representatives. Athletic news is submitted to the school's athletic director.
HCAM: Mary Lee Tosky
Hickory High: Norma Padron-Cervantes
Grandview: Vanessa Lail
Northview: Lindee Parsons
Jenkins: Betsy Swann
Viewmont: Heather Minton
Oakwood: Jana Kaylor
Longview: Caroline Brown
Southwest: Meredith Clay
HHS Athletic Director: David Craft
Grandview Athletic Director: Todd Teague
Northview Athletic Director: Cathy Hitchcock