positions, then joined the UNC Highway Safety Research Center as communications manager. In July 2019, I joined Chatham County Government as public information officer.
who's who
What major projects or initiatives have you led that you’re particularly proud of? We’ve experienced a wide range of challenges and opportunities over the past five years. I’m most proud to work with such a fantastic team of people, from our Board of Commissioners and manager’s office leadership to all our county staff. I would not be able to communicate effectively with our community if it were not for all these folks who I am so blessed to work alongside.
in town & county government
Kara Lusk public information officer, Chatham County
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By LAUREN ROUSE Photo by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
ara Lusk has always felt a strong desire to serve others. She finds deep fulfillment in using her communication skills to keep residents informed and connected with essential information in her role as Chatham County Government’s public information officer. Kara's dedication to making a difference shines through in all she does, from handling crises to actively engaging the community through public outreach. When she’s not at work, Kara channels her energy into mentoring young athletes as the head coach for Seaforth High School’s junior varsity cheerleading team.
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C H AT H A M M AG A Z I N E
What does it mean to you to work here in Chatham County? I grew up in Cary, and I have lived across this great state throughout my life. It means the world to me to be able to serve the wonderful community that I live in. All I have ever wanted to do is help people, serve my community and make a difference. I am truly honored to be able to communicate pertinent and timely information to the residents of Chatham County. Tell me about your career journey. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1996 with a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communication. I have always wanted to make a difference in my community through my communication skills. The first 15 years of my career, I worked as a broadcast journalist in Raleigh (at WRALTV and NC News Network), Greenville (WNCT-TV) and Charlotte (WSOC-TV). In 2011, I decided to cross over to public relations. I served the American Red Cross in both regional and national communications
WINTER 2024-2025
All I have ever wanted to do is help people, serve my community and make a difference.
How has your experience in media relations and crisis communications shaped your approach to handling sensitive or urgent public information for the county? As a news reporter, I dealt with sensitive information daily. I had to digest information quickly, ensure that it was factual and communicate it clearly to diverse audiences – often live on air. Being on scene during crises or emergency situations is stressful and often dangerous. You have to keep calm under pressure to convey information in a way that does not heighten people’s fears. Developing these skills really helped prepare me for my roles at the American Red Cross and Chatham County Government. What challenges have you encountered in your role? I’ve been a department of one for the past five years; however, the help and support of our leadership and our many departments has