Strategic Communications That Builds Trust.

Strategic Communications That Builds Trust.

Carbone Communications is your partner in developing communications solutions that generate support for your schools and result in better outcomes for students, families, and communities.

Catherine Carbone Rogers, APR has over two decades of communications experience in public education and is recognized as a regional and national leader in excellent strategic communications.

My Story

I came to the communications department at Highline Public Schools after a 10-year career in broadcast journalism. Over my 22 years in Highline, I grew the department from one person to an award-winning team of six. 

In more than two decades as a school communicator, I have dealt with virtually every kind of communications challenge in public education. My areas of special expertise include:

  • Strategic communications planning
  • Media relations 
  • Issues management and message development 
  • Crisis communications
  • Mentorship and coaching for communications leaders and superintendents

As a strategic communications advisor, I see my role as a thought partner who can give experience-tested counsel to leaders facing both immediate and chronic challenges. My goal is to empower leaders to develop messaging that points everyone–staff, students, families and the community–toward the district vision. 

I am passionate about mentoring emerging and mid-career communications practitioners to support their professional growth and career development. A highlight of my career was receiving the Barry Gaskins Mentorship Legacy Award in 2023 from the National School Public Relations Association.


Experience and Credentials

Catherine’s work has earned dozens of state and national communications awards. She is a frequent presenter at conferences of  the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and NSPRA’S state chapters.

  • Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Universal Accreditation Board
  • Past president of the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA)
  • Member, NSPRA Equity Task Force
  • Mentor, NSPRA Mentor Match Program
  • Guest instructor
    • AASA Superintendents Certification Program
    • AASA/NSPRA Leadership in School Communications Program
    • NSPRA Academy (New Professional and Mid-Career tracks)
    • Central Washington University Pupil Transportation Management Program

 
Presenter at multiple state and national conferences, including:

  • Messaging that Motivates: How to Inspire Others Toward a Vision
  • NSPRA Annual Seminar
  • National School Boards Association
  • Washington School Public Relations Association
  • Oregon School Public Relations Association
  • Missouri School Public Relations Association
  • SunSPRA (Florida chapter of NSPRA)
  • Wisconsin School Public Relations Association


Awards

  • NSPRA Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award
  • WSPRA Learning & Liberty Award
  • WSPRA Digital Media & Publications Awards (multiple)
  • NSPRA Golden Achievement and Digital Media & Publications Awards (multiple)

Services

Presentations and Professional Development (1-3 hours)

  • Strategic Communications Planning
  • Building a Peak Performing Team
  • Building Trust from the Inside Out
  • Crisis Communications
  • Custom presentations to fit client needs


Mentorship and Coaching

  • Thought partnership and communications counsel for superintendents who do not have dedicated communications personnel–or when a situation calls for an experienced outside perspective.
  • Coaching for communications professionals in problem-solving ongoing challenges, building team leadership skills, and supporting professional learning and career development.

Situational and Crisis Communications

Assistance with messaging, communications planning and media relations, whether you are a school communications professional or a superintendent facing an emerging communications challenge or a crisis situation.

Media Training

Group or individual training to prepare you for general media management or specific interviews or challenges.

Communication Audits

Catherine conducts communication audits in conjunction with the National School Public Relations Association. NSPRA’s in-depth, independent review of your school system’s overall communication program assesses the effectiveness of current strategies; identifies strengths, weaknesses and communication gaps; and recommends proven, cost-effective tactics for achieving your communication goals.

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