Local governments are constantly looking for a fresh voice to enhance communication with residents, and the city of Jonesboro believes that it has finally found the perfect candidate for the job.
According to Arkansas Business, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin recently announced that Bill Campbell, a longtime local newspaper reporter and editor, will become the city’s new communications director.
A native of Camden, AL, Campbell boasts an impressive resume spanning several distinct industries. From 1997 to 2004, he worked for the Dallas Morning News, where he focused on sports journalism, occasionally appearing on Fox Sports Southwest and ESPN.
Most recently, Campbell was a reporter and editor for the Tennessee Valley Publishing Co., which has newspapers in Florence and Decatur, AL. In this role, he reported on business, local entrepreneurs, and information technology.
Information technology is a wide and varied field, encompassing many types of jobs dealing with different sectors of the industry. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Campbell has the experience needed to bridge the communication gap between local government and Jonesboro residents.
“The chance to use my media background, in a job that seems like I’ve been preparing to do for several years, feels absolutely perfect,” Campbell said. “I will help the mayor and all city leaders as they work to keep Jonesboro progressive and growing, and I will offer another set of ears to help understand what residents want and need.”
According to local Alabama radio station KASU, Mayor Perrin is also extremely pleased with the new hire.
“We’re pleased to have someone as talented and experienced as Bill join our staff, and we look forward to his work in improving communications between the citizens of Jonesboro and their city government,” said Mayor Perrin.
Campbell is set to replace Roy Ockert as communications director, who was filling in for the city on an interim basis. Nearly 50 individuals applied for the position, but it was Campbell who stood out as the most qualified among them.
Much of Campbell’s distinguished reputation comes from the time he spent in Jackson, AL. After working in the Jackson City Hall and state Capitol for years, the city honored him with a Lifetime Citizen of Jackson Award.
Campbell’s appointment to the position is subject to approval of a salary proposal, which has already been submitted to the City Council. Once the two sides come to an agreement, Jonesboro will officially have a brand new communications director.
