(Frankfort, KY) – Interim Commissioner of Education Wayne Lewis announced June 6 the hiring of Jessica Fletcher as the chief communications officer for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). She will begin her role with the department on June 11, focusing on internal and external communication strategies.

“Communications is an integral component of everything we do at KDE,” said Lewis. “As a former journalist, Jessica has a deep understanding of Kentucky news media, and as a public relations professional she also understands the power of social media. Her skills made her a valuable member of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet team when we worked together, and I look forward to seeing what she will bring to the table at KDE.”

Fletcher previously served as the executive director of communications for the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC), where she worked with Lewis in his previous role as executive director of educational programs.

Fletcher has 16 years of experience in communications. Before joining the EWDC leadership team in 2017, she worked as director of communications for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade.

“I’m grateful that Dr. Lewis has provided me with this exciting opportunity,” said Fletcher. “There are so many innovations happening in Kentucky public schools right now, and I look forward to building on this momentum to keep moving in a constructive direction.”

Prior to working at the Chamber, Fletcher was the design editor at The Winchester Sun, a daily newspaper. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 2002, she was hired at the London-Laurel News Journal as first an intern and then worked her way up to managing editor.

Fletcher is a graduate of Rockcastle County High School and currently resides in Lexington.