Pleasanton resident named to new city PR position

Joanne Hall has been named the community relations manager/public information officer for the city of Pleasanton.

Hall, a Pleasanton resident, has an extensive background in public relations work and journalism. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, she worked as a newswriter/announcer at KCBS/KRQR radio and served as the public information officer for the city of Oakland for nine years. She most recently worked as a public relations consultant with clients such as Stoneridge Shopping Center, Sunvalley Mall in Concord, the San Francisco Zoo and Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.

In the Pleasanton position, which is new to the city, Hall will administer the city’s marketing, public information and media communications programs by writing and distributing press releases and maintaining the city’s website and other related duties. The plan is to also revive the community newsletter.

“The primary responsibility is communicating all the activities the city is involved in,” said Pamela Ott, Pleasanton’s economic development director. “There are a lot of opportunities for Pleasanton to connect with our residents.”

Until the new community relations manager/public information officer position was established, Ott handled the dual role of economic development director and public information officer for three years.

Hall was interested in the position because it so closely matches her background and interests.

“Working for a city has had the most texture,” Hall said of her previous positions. “You have everything–infrastructure, finance, parks, youth, seniors. You have everything. You never get bored. Cities are always evolving.”

Hall also has a connection to Pleasanton. She and her husband, Tom, have lived in Pleasanton for 14 years. Tom Hall teaches physics at Amador Valley High School, where he was Pleasanton’s Teacher of the Year in 1999. They have two sons, Alex, an Amador Valley graduate who is majoring in pre-pharmacy at University of the Pacific in Stockton, and Stefan, a freshman at Amador. Stefan also serves on the city’s youth commission.

“From the perspective of a resident, I have always been very impressed with the city of Pleasanton, which seeks community input, works collaboratively, and facilitates efficiently,” Hall said. “I’m very flattered to have been selected to join that effort in this new position.”

Hall can be reached at 931-5044 or at jhall@ci.pleasanton.ca.us.