06/04/2007: "SJC Hires Communications Manager"

San Juan County has hired Stan Matthews as its first Communications Program Manager. Matthews brings a strong background in communications to the job. His 25 year career in public and commercial broadcast journalism includes reporting, writing, photography and producing. In addition, he served as staff for a state governor and as co-owner of a software company.

Currently, he is a journalism consultant working on international media projects for organizations funded by the US Agency for International Development, training journalists in Armenia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia on investigative reporting, basic reporting skills, producing political debates and covering elections.

Along his career track, Matthews has developed a resume that includes several individual or team national journalism awards, including DuPont-Columbia and George F. Peabody Awards and several regional Emmy’s. His broadcast career is also highlighted by leadership posts in the journalistic community.

The Communications Program Manager position, approved in the 2007 budget, will serve the County organization in several ways: by improving responsiveness to citizens; by coordinating a customer service program; improving information for the public on the County web site; assisting in a variety of public outreach needs; developing an on-line news & information letter; and assisting with media relations.

Stan Matthews moved to San Juan Island in February with his wife, Susan Matthews, who is the Program Coordinator for the San Juan Island Community Foundation. He will begin service to the citizens of San Juan County on July 2.