Rowan County has a new face in charge of communications, but it is someone for whom communications is hardly new.
A Tuesday release from Rowan County indicated that Jodi Bailey has been named as its first communications director, a move “establishing a dedicated communications leadership role designed to strengthen how the county connects with residents, employees, community partners and the media.”
Bailey brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, media relations, crisis communications, executive communications and organizational strategy. She currently serves as the director of marketing and communications at Catawba College, where she is the senior administration’s communications advisor and institutional spokesperson. In that role, she leads internal and external communications, media relations, executive messaging, crisis communications and digital communications.
As Rowan County’s first communications director, Bailey will develop and lead a comprehensive countywide communications strategy; serve as the county’s primary media contact and spokesperson; advise county leadership on communications and messaging; oversee digital and social media communications; support community engagement initiatives; and coordinate communications during emergencies and other critical events.
“Rowan County is committed to providing residents with clear, timely and meaningful information about the services and work of their county government,” said Rowan County Manager Aaron Church. “As our community continues to grow and change, effective communication and engagement are increasingly important. Jodi brings a wealth of experience, strong community connections and a proven ability to help organizations communicate with clarity and purpose. We are excited to have her join our team and lead this important new function for Rowan County.”
Bailey added, “Effective communication is about much more than sharing information, it’s about building understanding, creating connection and earning trust. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve Rowan County in this new role and to help residents better understand the work their county government is doing on their behalf.”
“I also believe strongly that communications is a two-way conversation. My goal is to make it easier for residents to find the information they need, understand the issues that affect their communities and have meaningful opportunities to engage with their county government.”
Bailey’s career includes leadership roles in higher education and nonprofit organizations, including five years as executive director of the Allegany County Chapter of the American Red Cross in western New York. There, she served as the organization’s chief spokesperson and worked closely with local government, emergency management agencies, healthcare organizations, community leaders, volunteers and the media on public information, community outreach and disaster response.
Her professional experience also includes extensive work advising executive leadership, managing complex stakeholder relationships, leading organizational communications and developing strategies that translate organizational priorities into clear, transparent messaging.
Bailey is also deeply connected to the Rowan County community. She has been involved with Brand Rowan through the Rowan Economic Development Council, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Rowan Steering Committee and Leadership Rowan, where she is a member of the Class of 2023.
Bailey lives in Salisbury with her husband, Tim, and their son, Brandon.
“Rowan County is home for me, which makes this opportunity especially meaningful,” Bailey said. “I’m excited to serve the community where my family and I live and to help tell the story of Rowan County while also making sure we’re listening to the stories, questions and priorities of the people who call this community home.”
Church said Bailey’s experience working across complex organizations and with diverse audiences will be valuable as the county strengthens its communications efforts.
“Jodi understands that good communication starts with listening,” Church said. “She has the experience to work with our leadership, employees, elected officials, the media and the community to make sure we are communicating effectively and consistently.”
Bailey holds a master of business administration from Alfred University and a bachelor of arts in marketing from Baldwin-Wallace College.
She will begin her new role with Rowan County on Sept. 14.
