New Roles for Key Communicators in Governor's Administration | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     We are pleased to announce that effective February 17, Kim Genardo will be assuming a new role in the NC Department of Commerce as director of strategic and economic development communications.

    Genardo will be responsible for the daily operations of Commerce communications and marketing. In addition, she will take responsibility for two major new initiatives for the state. First, she will serve as our state brand steward by leading the development, communication and implementation of the new North Carolina economic development brand. Genardo will also guide the state's efforts to improve communications around job creation, job availability and workforce development.

    "Kim's experience will strengthen our efforts to connect people with jobs and opportunity in North Carolina. I am thankful for her communications leadership in my office over the past year and am grateful for her willingness to join Secretary Decker's team in a critical area of communications for the entire state," said Governor McCrory.

    Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, Genardo worked in television news for more than 20 years. She was the weekend evening news anchor at WNCN-TV in Raleigh and reported daily on the North Carolina General Assembly along with the latest issues affecting our state. Genardo also worked as a weekend anchor and reporter at WGHP-TV in Greensboro. Genardo graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

    With Genardo accepting this new role, Josh Ellis will be assuming the role of communications director in the Governor's Office. He will be responsible for managing all communications, media relations and communications planning for the Office of the Governor. Ellis is currently serving as deputy secretary for communications and external affairs in the NC Department of Commerce. Previously, he worked as capitol reporter with Curtis Media Group in Raleigh. Ellis is an honors graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications.

    Governor McCrory stated, "Josh brings strong experience as a journalist and capitol reporter to this role. His years of work in and around both the legislative and executive branches of government will be a valuable asset to our team."


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov