Strategic Communications appoints new Director of Public Relations

Post author:Crystal DeStefano
Post published:December 6, 2022
Post category:News / SCLLC News

Strategic Communications has announced its most significant hire since Crystal DeStefano assumed ownership of the public relations agency in 2014, with the appointment of Virgie Townsend, JD, as Director of Public Relations.

Virgie Townsend has more than a decade of experience as a communications professional in agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. Most recently, she led her own strategic marketing and communications consulting practice, focusing on the education and life sciences sectors. Her writing has been featured or is forthcoming in The New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Harper’s Bazaar, The Sun magazine, and other publications.

Virgie has been with Strategic Communications since May 2022, and takes over the Director of PR position from company president Crystal DeStefano as the company enters a new and exciting phase of growth.

Company President Crystal DeStefano, APR, said: “Virgie is one of the smartest and most strategic public relations professionals I’ve met in my career. Our clients at Strategic Communications who have already worked with Virgie can attest to her strengths which bring tremendous value to their organizations. This will bring even more value to all of our clients with Virgie in this new role.”

Director of Public Relations Virgie Townsend, JD, shared: “I believe Syracuse is on the cusp of significant business growth and potential recognition. I’m so energized to be part of a locally focused, long-standing and highly regarded team that shares this vision and passion.”

In her new expanded role, Virgie will oversee an increasing number of Strategic Communications clients as well as provide public relations direction and oversight to other members of the Strategic Communications team. Additionally, through Virgie’s already strong business network, she will represent Strategic Communications within the local business community, and lead new client opportunities and initiatives for Strategic Communications across Central New York.

Virgie received her bachelor’s degree in newspaper journalism, magna cum laude, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and her J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law. She is a bar-admitted attorney in Colorado. In 2021, the Central New York Business Journal recognized Virgie as one of its 40 Under Forty Awards honorees.

Small Business PR Strategies for Success
by Kelly Gaggin
November 14, 2024
Running a small business is demanding. Fifty-six percent of owners have less than an hour a day for marketing, and 73% lack confidence in their efforts’ effectiveness. With so much focus on operations, customer service, and growth, marketing and communications often get sidelined. Budget limitations, lack of formal training, and the pressure to manage social… Read more: Small Business PR Strategies for Success
Alice Maggiore Named President of Alumni Association Board
by Crystal DeStefano
October 21, 2024
Congratulations to our Director of Public Relations, Alice Maggiore, for being elected as president of the SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association! Alice has volunteered with the Alumni Association at her alma mater for nearly 15 years, providing career guidance to SUNY Oneonta Communications students, emceeing events like the annual Alumni of Distinction Awards, and contributing to… Read more: Alice Maggiore Named President of Alumni Association Board
Bringing Together Public Relations and Marketing for Business Success
by Virgie Townsend
August 30, 2024
In the communications industry, the relationship between public relations and marketing teams can be shockingly competitive, and even openly contentious at times. I’m continually surprised by the number of public relations and marketing professionals who act as if their field is the only one their organization needs to succeed. In reality, public relations and marketing… Read more: Bringing Together Public Relations and Marketing for Business Success
Media Training in a Digital Age – Why Strategy is Stronger Than Tools
by Alice Maggiore
July 5, 2024
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that we’re only 250 years removed from when we received pertinent information from messengers riding horses who galloped through the night to make sure we knew what was going on. We’re 75 years away from a time when less than 50% of households owned a telephone or radio, and got… Read more: Media Training in a Digital Age – Why Strategy is Stronger Than Tools
Kelly Gaggin Joins Faculty at Michigan State University
by Crystal DeStefano
June 18, 2024
Beginning this summer, Strategic Communications Senior Advisor and PR Consultant Kelly Gaggin, will bring her expertise and passion for communications and public relations education to the Spartans’ Department of Advertising and Public Relations as an assistant professor. Kelly has worked in the communications field for more than 20 years, including a decade with Strategic Communications.… Read more: Kelly Gaggin Joins Faculty at Michigan State University