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.