Press Release: MSDE Announces New Directors For Gov. Relations, Communications

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: William Reinhard, 410.767.0486

Baltimore, MD (January 14, 2015)

State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery today announced two new members of her team to lead government relations and communications at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Amanda Stakem Conn, Esq. is leading government relations at the state level for MSDE and Amy Bernstein is the new communications director.

“Both Amanda and Amy bring valuable experience and unique expertise to their positions, which will serve our State well particularly as we begin a new legislative session,” Dr. Lowery said. “This is an important time for education in Maryland with higher standards, better assessments, and continuous support for educators now in place. Amanda and Amy will ensure transparency and increase understanding of the improvements in our schools among legislators and the public.”

Conn comes to MSDE after serving as Deputy Secretary at the Maryland Department of Planning for the last two years, and was Principal Counsel and Assistant Attorney General to the agency for the previous four years. She is knowledgeable and experienced in the workings of state and local government in the legislative and executive branches having worked for Baltimore County as the deputy legislative liaison and as committee counsel to the House Environmental Matters Committee.

Bernstein brings state and national experience to the MSDE communications office. She spent the last 11 years as a Cabinet and executive speechwriter and communications/public affairs officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation, after serving as a senior communications analyst with the Government Accountability Office. Bernstein also spent a decade as a print journalist and public radio reporter.

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