Pace University Names Jerry McKinstry Director of Public Affairs

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. (October 2019) – Jerry McKinstry, a former journalist and seasoned communications executive who has held an impressive and unique combination of roles in news media, government, and public relations agencies in the region, has been named director of Public Affairs for Pace University in Westchester County.

McKinstry has spent much of his career – as a journalist and communications professional – in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, and has served a broad array of clients in higher education, banking, biotechnology, government, real estate, not-for-profits and economic development, among other areas.

“Jerry is well-known and well-respected for his knowledge and understanding of the region, and his ability to get the job done,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “His experience, coupled with his long-standing roots and community ties, are great assets for Pace University, our students, faculty and staff. We’re excited to have him on board.”

In his role at Pace, McKinstry will manage media relations efforts and work closely with President Krislov, Provost Vanya Quiñones, members of the administration and faculty at Pace University’s six schools on media, community relations, and partnerships with businesses and organizations in Westchester County and the region.

Prior to joining Pace, Jerry was director of strategic communications at Harrison Edwards PR in Armonk, N.Y. and previously served as former Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino’s deputy communications director where he worked closely on public policy and government initiatives.

His journalism background spans newspapers, magazines, television, radio and digital platforms. McKinstry was a columnist and Editorial Board member for Newsday where he was responsible for coverage of New York State politics and policy issues pertaining to the northern suburbs of New York City and the Hudson Valley. Prior to Newsday, Jerry was an investigative reporter and political correspondent for The Journal News/LoHud.com, a Gannett media division, where he covered county government, state affairs and politics. During his nearly 12 years with Gannett, he covered many beats and municipalities in the region.

For more than four years, he co-hosted a weekly radio talk show, The Sounding Board, on WVOX 1460 AM in New Rochelle. He was also a regular contributor to Westchester Magazine and 914Inc. While at The Journal News, McKinstry was also an adjunct professor of journalism and media.

A native of Yonkers, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Manhattan College and a Master’s of Science degree in Print and Online Journalism from Iona College. He lives in Ridgefield, Conn. with his wife, two children, and rescue lab.

About Pace University

Pace University has a proud history of preparing its diverse student body for a lifetime of professional success as a result of its unique program that combines rigorous academics and real-world experiences. Pace is ranked the #1 private, four-year college in the nation for upward economic mobility by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights, evidence of the transformative education the University provides.

From its beginnings as an accounting school in 1906, Pace has grown to three campuses, enrolling 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 150 majors and programs, across a range of disciplines: arts, sciences, business, health care, technology, law, education, and more. The university also has one of the most competitive performing arts programs in the country. Pace has a signature, newly renovated campus in New York City, located in the heart of vibrant Lower Manhattan, next to Wall Street and City Hall, and two campuses in Westchester County, New York: a 200-acre picturesque Pleasantville Campus and a Law School in White Plains. www.pace.edu

###