Emily McFarland, former communications coordinator for the city of Hazelwood, has been selected as the Mehlville School District’s new communications director.

The Board of Education voted during a June 26 closed session to offer a one-year contract to McFarland, who will start July 21. She will be paid $60,000.

McFarland brings with her seven years of experience in media and communications.

“I look forward to using my knowledge of the area’s media, my leadership ability and my communications skills to assist Mehlville School District in all of their communication efforts,” McFarland stated in a district news release.

In her role as Mehlville’s communications director, McFarland will be responsible for implementing the district’s communications plan and effectively communicating the district’s mission and goals to the entire community.

“She will be a tremendous asset to our district leadership team. Her experience, enthusiasm and knowledge of strategic communications will help us as we take our district to the next level and continue to improve our communications program,” Superintendent Terry Noble stated in the release.

McFarland attended Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and public relations.

She worked with the March of Dimes as its community coordinator, writing press releases, setting up press conferences and working with local media as well as raising awareness throughout the community through seminars and interviews.

In her work as community education coordinator with the National Kidney Foundation, she was responsible for securing publicity to cover events, distributing press releases, placing media ads, managing the foundation’s Web site and quarterly news-letter and securing speakers for seminars and events.

During her stay at the city of Hazelwood, she worked closely with area media as their go-to person. She also developed the city’s new marketing campaign that has catapulted the image of Hazelwood in the area, promoting the city to visitors, residents and businesses alike.