Meet Erick Starkey, Gahanna-Jefferson's new public-information director
Erick Starkey left a career in sports journalism for public-school communications.
Starkey, 27, was hired Oct. 3 as public-information director for Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, a new position for the district.
He most recently worked at Dublin City Schools, where he was assistant public-information officer.
"I spend a decent amount of time inside our school buildings," Starkey said of why he enjoys the job. "It's just so rewarding, seeing the learning happening every day."
He said he went to college with the intent of becoming a sports reporter, even though he was not a good athlete, he said. Then he moved to Torrington, Wyoming, to be the sports editor of the town newspaper.
After two years, he was on the sports desk for the Mount Vernon News, a position he had held for one year.
Starkey said he needed a change in lifestyle after spending long, grueling hours on the sports desk.
In school communications, "I could use a lot of skills I used in print publications but in a different arena," he said.
His job falls into two basic categories: general communication for the school district, such as the Friday updates, and crisis communications, which applies to many different situations, such as a phone lines being out in a building and having to communicate that to staff and parents.
Judy Hengstebeck remains Gahanna-Jefferson's communications coordinator.
"We're in the same department but do different duties," Starkey said.
"I am excited to expand our communications department for the district," Superintendent Tracey Deagle said. "Erick will be joining our team to help tell the great stories of the learning happening in our schools each day. He will also lead efforts in engaging in communications with our community."
10 things to know about Erick Starkey
Age: 27
Title: Public-information director, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
Hometown: Groveport, Ohio
Salary: $103,977 plus benefits totaling about $22,000, including pension but not yet including insurance
High school: Bishop Hartley High School
College alma mater: Ohio University; major, journalism
Residence: Northwest Columbus; moving to Gahanna within the month
Contact info: Starkeye@gjps.org.
Early work experience: Dairy Queen between high school and college.
Pets: Dog Ruby, 1-year-old rescue mix, and Nala, 5-year-old hedgehog
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Meet Erick Starkey, Gahanna-Jefferson new public-information director
