KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced today that she has appointed Amberly Jane Campbell to the position of Assistant Deputy County Executive. As Assistant Deputy County Executive, Campbell will lead the communications and community outreach work of the County Executive’s Office, and help direct, advise, and support the communications efforts of County departments more broadly. Campbell brings a wealth of experience to this position and a thorough understanding of journalistic practices and community outreach strategies, having served as Publisher of the Shawangunk Journal, Co-Founder of Kingston Wire, and, before that, as an On-Air Reporter for Capital Radio/Audible Broadcasting Co.
“I am thrilled that Amberly has joined our team, bringing decades of experience as a communications professional to her new position with the County, along with a deep personal commitment to the betterment of our communities,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I have known Amberly for many years through both her professional and community volunteer work, and have long admired her contributions to local independent journalism as well as the energy and dedication she has brought to local economic and community development initiatives. She is a fantastic addition to our team. I want to thank Evan Menist, who previously served in this position, for his dedicated service, and wish him all the best in his next professional endeavors.”
In this role, Campbell will be instrumental in identifying opportunities to engage communities with the work of the County, offering information that is accessible, transparent, and reliable to the public, while also cultivating and maintaining relationships with community stakeholders and local press organizations. Campbell's professional career is marked by a diverse array of accomplishments in editorial and news media, showcasing her ability to take charge and craft a comprehensive content strategy to disseminate news to the public. As the Publisher of the Shawangunk Journal and Co-founder of Kingston Wire, she has been instrumental in evolving and accelerating print and digital content strategy informed by data, analytics, and citizen experience; cultivating relationships across cultures, sectors, and communities; and driving editorial innovation, managing cross-functional teams.
“Coming from a background in journalism, especially with such quality news outlets as the Shawangunk Journal and Kingston Wire, I've had the privilege of hearing from and working closely with our fellow citizens firsthand on a wide variety of concerns, often being entrusted by them with their personal and sometimes painful stories, seeking answers and resolutions on their behalf,” said Assistant Deputy County Executive Campbell. “As both a watchdog and cheerleader for our communities, I will always believe in the public’s right to know what’s going on in their government, and I’ve always been impressed, from a journalistic perspective, how open and accessible Jen has been, and how she leads with empathy. I’m thrilled to be part of this highly talented executive team, dedicated to making a positive difference. I look forward to engaging with and showcasing the community to continue with our essential mission of leaving no one behind.”
In addition to her media endeavors, Campbell has demonstrated a commitment to public service and cultural enrichment. She currently serves on the Rosendale Economic Development Committee and is an active member of the Mid-Hudson Misfits Roller Derby Team. Her involvement in such initiatives as the Kingston Marijuana Task Force underscores her dedication to economic development and community empowerment.
Campbell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, graduating summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, with additional studies at La Sorbonne, Paris. Her diverse background in journalism, anthropology, and the arts will enrich her work with the County.
