Meg Sunstrom Email and Phone Number

Plan and administer media strategies under the guidance of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Board of Regents Chairman. Initiate, develop, and maintain local and national media and public contacts for disseminating information. Research and write speeches, new releases, and position papers on selected topics. Prepare media advisories, fact sheets and public service announcements. Plan and conduct press conferences. Write and direct the layout and production of informational materials such as newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, and posters. Coordinates use of website for the dissemination of information.

Creation and oversight of all marketing materials and events for the Picard Center for Child Development including professional development conferences and press events. Point of contact for media, legislators, educational stakeholders and the public. Supervisory responsibility for Center’s graphic designer and web master.

Responsible for the direction of the Office of Communications & Legislative Services, including approximately 20 employees. Primary duties include writing press releases, handling media calls to the department, serving as primary spokesperson for the department, speech writing, managing of internal & external issues, coordinating the website, coordinating publications & graphic design services, coordinating events and oversight of the department’s Call Center.

Responsible for the communication of vital state education initiatives to the media as well as the public. Duties include speech writing for the State Superintendent of Education, public relations coordination, publication production and event planning.

Responsible for communicating vital information about the School System to the media, parents and employees. Duties include media interviews, supervision of all publications, writing of news releases, hosting of school system publicity events and service on school district’s executive leadership team.

Coverage of general assignment news stories including education, crime, local and federal courts, government and features. Responsibilities include development of story ideas, gathering information and conducting interviews, writing and editing packages, live shots and fill-in anchoring. Specific focus on education reporting between 1999 and 2001.

Responsible for the content and production of the highest rated newscast in Baton Rouge. Duties include writing, editing, graphic coordination, satellite uplinks and management of control room during live broadcasts.

Coverage of news events in St. Mary and Assumption Parishes for independent cable station. Responsible for writing, shooting video, editing and production of daily newscasts, as well as anchoring. Also hired news employees, coordinated schedules and managed all news staff.