For immediate release - Dec. 9, 2005
Newsbrief
(DALLAS) – Dr. Jesus “Jess” Carreon, chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, has announced the appointment of Justin Lonon as DCCCD’s first executive director for public and governmental affairs, effective Dec. 19, 2005. Members of the district’s board of trustees confirmed the appointment during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Lonon currently serves as vice president and director of public affairs for Levenson and Brinker Public Relations, one of the largest privately-held public relations and marketing communications firms located in Dallas.
At DCCCD, Lonon will oversee an expanding governmental affairs effort as well as public information and marketing. The new executive director previously served as press secretary for former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, as well as communications director and press secretary during Kirk’s U.S. Senate bid in 2002.
“I am excited to welcome Justin Lonon to the Dallas County Community College District,” said Carreon. “His experience in public affairs and governmental relations will help DCCCD build upon previous efforts in those areas. He will be responsible for providing districtwide leadership in our governmental affairs program, as well as the operation of the office of marketing and communications.”
“It is an honor to join such a dynamic organization, and I look forward to helping shape and elevate DCCCD’s profile even more,” said Lonon.
A member of the Dallas Press Club, Lonon has taught public relations crisis management seminars and communications workshops to area mayors, city managers, municipal administrators, and police and fire chiefs. He also serves as a member of the International Studies External Advisory Board for the University of North Texas. Lonon earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Southwest Missouri State University and a master’s degree, also in public administration, from UNT.
For more information, contact
Ann Hatch in the DCCCD office of marketing and communications at (214) 860-2478.