The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District appointed Brandyi Phillips as chief communications officer during its June 24 regular meeting.
Phillips brings more than 15 years of strategic communications and public relations experience from the Maryland and Washington, D.C., areas. She has worked in communications leadership roles at multiple federal agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection.
At these agencies, Phillips managed communications during high-pressure situations, including the humanitarian crisis involving record migrant border crossings. She created policy, handled crisis communications and served as agency spokesperson while supervising teams and multi-million-dollar budgets.
"After more than a decade of fulfilling years working in strategic communications and public affairs in the federal government, I am honored to join the SMMUSD team," Phillips said. "We have a unique opportunity to tell our story through compelling communications that meet our parents, students, employees and community members where they are."
Phillips is a Navy veteran who served four years of active duty from 2009 to 2013 aboard the USS Bataan, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. She deployed twice and participated in Operation Unified Response, providing humanitarian assistance in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince in 2010.
She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Loyola University Chicago and a master's degree in marketing management from University of Maryland Global Campus, along with a graduate certificate in public relations.
Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton welcomed Phillips, saying her federal government experience has prepared her for SMMUSD's communications needs. Phillips will begin her role July 1.
She replaces Gail Pinsker, who is retiring after 10½ years with the district. Pinsker was the first person to hold the position and built what officials describe as an award-winning communications program recognized throughout California.
Phillips said she looks forward to leveraging her experience to support the district's mission "at a time when trust, transparency and community engagement are more important than ever."
Edited by SMDP Staff