Strategic communicator will bring 15 years
of experience in public relations
and nonprofit management.
Stephen Hall, regional vice president of communications for the American Heart Association, has been named chief communications officer for Missouri’s largest school district. Hall will officially join Springfield Public Schools on Monday, Nov. 6.
“As we searched for the right candidate to fill this important role, Stephen’s proven record of success combined with his long-term commitment to working on causes that are important both personally and professionally set him apart,” said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. “We look forward to working together to achieve great things for our district.”
Hall’s appointment will complement the district’s talented team of communicators and further equip Springfield Public Schools to highlight the important work of its 4,000 employees and the success of its 25,000 students. The creation of this new cabinet-level role fulfills a long-term priority, that was outlined as part of the restructuring plan Dr. Jungmann constructed in response to the listening and learning tour that took place when he entered the system in 2014. The ultimate goal of this position is to help build and strengthen relationships with internal and external audiences.
“It is an honor and privilege to join the team at Springfield Public Schools,” said Hall. “There are heroic actions happening every day in our district - within the walls of each facility and across the variety of our choice programs, both on our campuses and off. As a strategic communicator and storyteller, I am pleased to have an opportunity to highlight the heroes, including faculty, staff, students, family members and administrators, who work to make this community great and our shared future bright. This is a challenge that I take seriously and welcome with enthusiasm.”
As a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia’s prestigious School of Journalism, Hall offers 15 years of communications experience developed with nationally-recognized nonprofits, including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. In his most recent role as regional vice president of communications, Hall has balanced implementing initiatives in Springfield and throughout outstate Missouri with managing a team of communications professionals in St. Louis, outstate Kansas, outstate Illinois, and across Iowa and Nebraska.
Highlights of Hall’s time with the American Heart Association include recognition in 2008 with the Midwest Affiliate’s Newcomer Award and in both 2010 and 2015 with the Health Strategies Award of Excellence. In 2016, Hall was honored with the Player/Coach of the Year Award in acknowledgement of his dual role as a manager and implementer. He was also part of the team recognized with the Media Advocacy Campaign of the Year Award for his work promoting CPR training.
Prior to his decade-long career with the American Heart Association, Hall spent more than four years with the American Red Cross in St. Louis. During his time with the St. Louis Area Chapter, he was twice promoted, implementing media and government relations, while also supervising the department's intern program. During Hall’s time with the Red Cross, the St. Louis Area Chapter was named the Public Affairs Chapter of the Year by the nine-state Midwest Service Area.
“As a product of public education, as a parent of children enrolled in public schools, and as part of an extended family of educators, including teachers and administrators, I have been a long-time proponent of quality education, accessible to all,” said Hall. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to collaborate with the innovative team at Springfield Public Schools to further enhance and promote the educational experience for each of our 25,000 students.”
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