As a kid, Merrick Wilson was always captivated by stories, whether it was through books, conversations or asking lots of questions. This curiosity led her to write for her high school’s newspaper, where she discovered her love for storytelling. This passion grew into a career in school communications, where she’s spent the past 18 years helping to highlight the achievements and stories of students, teachers and staff. In October 2024, she was hired as the Executive Director of Communications for Hoover City Schools, and here, she relays her gratitude for serving in such an integral position.
Why did you choose to work in public relations?
Every day, I get to share the incredible stories of the work happening in our schools. Even after all these years, I am truly amazed by the innovative things that our teachers and staff accomplish.
What about your new role excites you the most?
I enjoy being able to share all the great things happening in our schools and connecting with a community that’s so dedicated to excellence. I’m really looking forward to working with an incredible team and strengthening the bond between our schools and the community even more.
What does a day in the life look like for someone in school public relations?
It can involve anything from crafting press releases, managing social media or coordinating with the media on important stories. Some days, I’m at schools capturing photos or videos of events, while other days, I’m working on larger projects such as planning communication strategies for district-wide initiatives. I also spend time responding to questions from families or the media, keeping the community informed and making sure the district’s messaging is clear and consistent.
What experience can you recall that solidified your purpose, supporting students and teachers through your career?
During COVID-19, everything felt uncertain, and we knew that keeping communication clear, timely and reliable was more important than ever. Almost overnight, schools closed. My goal was to make sure our messages gave a sense of calm and reassurance. This experience reinforced my approach throughout my career: Connect our school community together by providing information and clarity that ultimately builds strong relationships and trust among our schools and families. Schools are filled with people who dedicate their lives to educating and caring for students, and my role has always supported them by highlighting their stories.
What are both the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of a career in communications?
Communication is an ongoing process, as there’s always a story to tell, updates to share and ways to keep our community informed and engaged. It requires constant attention and flexibility to ensure we’re telling the full story and addressing the needs of our community. Despite the challenge, it’s rewarding to know that the work we’re doing keeps our families and community engaged.
