Jamie Carson has been named Sarasota County's Director of Communications, a role that continues her 23 years in the communications field, including the past nine years with the county. In her most recent position as Communications Manager, Carson oversaw the department’s Creative Services and Media Relations divisions. She also served as a lead public information officer (PIO) for the county’s joint information center, coordinating emergency communications efforts with local and regional PIOs and developed and implemented a nationally recognized crisis communication plan for the county’s COVID-19 vaccine registration efforts.

As the Director of Communications, Carson will also be responsible for the county’s 311 and Welcome Center operations, as well as the department’s Public Records division. According to Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis, Carson’s experience and expertise help ensure a seamless transition for the county’s communications department, following the retirement of previous director Donn Patchen.

“Jamie is the natural choice to lead our Communications Department with the critical task of informing and engaging with the community,” Lewis said. “She has a passion for public service, which she’s demonstrated across her entire career.”

Carson previously served in the U.S. Army as a public affairs specialist and photojournalist, earning multiple military commendations and awards for excellence in journalism. In Fort Lee, Va., she served at the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command, known as the Army’s sustainment, think-tank, and premier learning institution. As a Public Affairs and Marketing Specialist at Beckley Battalion in Richmond, Va., Carson supervised activities and programs for more than 23 military offices across two states.