People news: Arc Herkimer names new PR director

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Arc Herkimer has appointed Courtney Brown as the agency’s new public-relations director.

She will lead the marketing and public-relations efforts for all Arc Herkimer endeavors by building awareness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

One of Brown’s immediate priorities is strengthening the media presence for the agency’s enterprises include Supports & Services, Career Connections, Herkimer Industries, the MV Golf & Event Center, Tin Cup Tavern & Grille, Goods Store, and Arc Park, She will also support special events and campaign efforts throughout the community.

“I am very excited to join the Arc Herkimer team and further develop our presence within this community,” Brown said in a release. “My goal is to use my creative background to tell the agency’s story and the dynamic stories of our individuals, while also increasing advocacy efforts to empower people with disabilities.”

Brown previously worked as the marketing and development coordinator at The Arc of Madison Cortland, according to her LinkedIn profile. There, she led the organization’s communications including social-media activities, public relations, and development of its website, as well as advocacy efforts to further the agency’s mission.

She also previously spent several years working in creative development, television/film casting, production, and interactive media. In addition to her current role, Brown is also an adjunct instructor at Utica College.

Brown has a master’s degree in television, radio, and film from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cazenovia College, and is certified in user-experience design.

Headquartered at 350 S. Washington St. in Herkimer, Arc Herkimer (www.archerkimer.org) supports more than 600 individuals with disabilities annually through seven different divisions and more than 40 sites throughout Herkimer County.