District 205 Names New Executive Director of Communications

ELMHURST, IL — Beverly Redmond has been named the new District 205 Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations, effective July 1. The district said Redmond replaces Melea Smith, who will be retiring at the end of June after eight years. Redmond’s base salary will be $114,716.

"I am pleased to join the District 205 leadership and communications team,” Redmond said in a release. “The opportunity to collaborate to showcase the creativity, learning, and growth of our talented teachers and students is an honor. Elmhurst is rich in tradition and academic excellence. Enthusiastically, I seek to support community engagement in our schools while serving as a liaison to families, alumni, residents, and supporters.

“My ultimate goals are to allow the diverse voices and accomplishments of the school community to shine, and to champion District 205’s powerful story of educational distinction nationwide."

According to the district, Redmond's school PR experience includes seven years as the Director of School and Community Relations at two large, highly-ranked school districts in the Bloomington, Indiana area. She also worked as the Assistant Director of Human Resources for the 14th largest school corporation in Indiana for an additional seven years.

Redmond has founded two independent public relations ventures and has experience with crisis public relations and social media presence. She holds a BA in Communications, with specialization in radio and television from Ball State University and Purdue University, Calumet.

"Bev is a highly accomplished professional who will combine the ability to support a vision for communications in District 205 and provide leadership consistent with the District's vision as a member of the senior leadership team,” Superintendent Dr. David Moyer said in a release.

“I am relieved to find someone of Bev's ability to replace Ms. Smith, who has had a distinguished career in school communications. Bev has been integral in her two previous districts' successful passage of operating fund referendums, and has been a pillar of the communities in which she has served," Moyer added. "She also has human resources experience and television, newspaper and radio experience. Her eclectic background will serve us well as we continue to ensure that D205 is a 'National Leader in Future Ready Learning.'"

Photo provided by District 205.