At The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), Christa Fazio has joined the leadership team as the new director of communications, marketing, and engagement. Her appointment was approved at the CCIU Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 15, and she officially started in the role on Dec. 20, 2023. Fazio replaces Mary Jeanne Curley, who retired as the director of communications and learning solutions in the first week of January 2024.

“The CCIU extends our deepest gratitude to Mary for her incredible 38 years of service,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director for the CCIU. “I am confident that Christa’s wealth of public relations experience and proven track record in education will further enhance the legacy of excellence at the CCIU. Christa’s passion for making a difference and fostering meaningful connections within the community aligns seamlessly with our goals here at the CCIU. We are looking forward to her contributions to enhancing our organization’s community relations, fostering our mission and strengthening engagement with all stakeholders.”

Bringing with her over 18 years of experience in public relations, Fazio has dedicated nearly 12 years to the steadfast support of public education. From professional beginnings in the newsroom, to experience in a top public relations agency and, most recently, her position as the director of communications and community relations for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD), Fazio has cultivated a talent for successful strategic planning, effective crisis management and creative storytelling.

After a start in the news industry, Fazio worked as a senior account executive at Tierney, a top public relations and advertising firm in Philadelphia, where she helped lead creative public relations programs for several clients.

Led by a passion for making a difference and doing meaningful work, Fazio sought out a role in education and became the communications coordinator for the Penn-Delco School District (PDSD) in Delaware County in 2012. At PDSD, she launched the district’s social media presence and focused on establishing enhanced community engagement.

In 2018, she joined UCFSD where she developed a robust communication program, helped the district navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and led communication strategies for several major district initiatives including the mascot rebranding project, adjusted school start time and the centennial celebration.

Fazio is a leader in education communications and her efforts have been acknowledged with multiple awards of excellence. She has presented at state and national conferences where she shared her work with other education professionals on diverse topics including branding, effective communication strategies, crisis management and leadership. She will be taking on the role of executive director of the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA), an organization for which she served as president from 2021-2023.

“I am truly honored and thrilled to join the Chester County Intermediate Unit as the new director of communications, marketing and engagement. The legacy of excellence and commitment to education that the CCIU embodies is inspiring and it is with immense gratitude that I take on the responsibility of spearheading communication efforts for such a distinguished educational institution,” said Fazio.

“Together with the dynamic CCIU leadership team and outstanding communication staff, I am eager to contribute my expertise and passion to further elevate the CCIU’s impact, amplify its voice, and forge meaningful connections with our valued stakeholders across the county and beyond,” Fazio added.