As a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, and with more than 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, journalism and crisis management, JacQui leads the strategic communications and public relations functions for Minnetonka Public Schools. JacQui oversees the five-member communication team’s development and implementation of online, multi-media and print communications strategies. She also leads strategy for the district’s brand awareness efforts and the District’s use of video, web and print content marketing; website and other online marketing; social media engagement; media relations; crisis communications planning and execution; internal communications; major district events; and special projects.

JacQui serves as a trusted advisor to Superintendent and School Board, as well as to principals and fellow executive staff and directors, on internal communications, media relations and sensitive issue/crisis response. She is the district liaison to the Tonka Pride and Parenting with Purpose Speakers Series committees and serves on Administrative Council, on the Mental Health Advisory Council and on the District Calendar Committee. She was an inaugural member of the District’s first Belonging Committee of MHS parents and students.     

JacQui began her career as a television reporter, anchor and news director in Minnesota and Illinois, serving nine years as a broadcast journalist at various TV stations. She has significant public relations, marketing, communications and crisis management experience in the K-12, secondary education and nonprofit sectors and has held board positions for the YMCA and the Northwest Broadcast News Association. JacQui earned her doctorate in education (EdD) and her MFA in writing from Hamline University and her BA in journalism from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. She has served as a Fellow in the National Education Policy Fellowship Program and has won countless national, regional and statewide awards for various broadcasting and communication efforts, including a regional Emmy, a national Gabriel and a national Edward R. Murrow Award.