Communicators Heather Leas, AnnMarie Campbell and Brenda Richman will share their combined experience in a panel discussion on communications from a public school perspective.

Heather serves West Fargo Public Schools as the Director of Health, Safety and Public Relations. The diversity of her portfolios means that no day is ever boring which is why she's been a proud #districtofchoice staff member since 2007. She leads and coordinates the district's emergency preparedness efforts, including oversight of the School Resource Officer and Nursing teams; serves as the district's PIO; manages software, hardware and programs that support safe learning and working environments for staff and students; and facilitates annual drills, exercises and trainings. Her department consistently uses communication strategy, media relations and community partnerships to keep the stakeholders of the second largest and fastest growing district in North Dakota informed. 

Heather holds a bachelor's degree in professional communications from Valley City State University as well as multiple certifications related to school safety and public information, including the distinction of Master PIO through FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.

AnnMarie serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the Fargo Public Schools, a position she has held since 2011. She provides leadership and oversight of the district’s communications department and supports the superintendent as their executive assistant and school board as their secretary and parliamentarian. Furthermore, she serves as the public information officer, handling all media inquiries for the district.

Prior to joining the Fargo Public Schools, AnnMarie served as the director of marketing and communications for Oak Grove Lutheran School, a preschool through grade 12 private school in Fargo. She is a graduate of Concordia College, majoring in communications with an emphasis in mass media and minoring in psychology and Spanish. 

Brenda serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement and Public Relations at Moorhead Area Public Schools, providing strategic leadership for district communications, public relations and community education. She oversees stakeholder engagement, media relations, crisis communication and community partnerships to enhance the district’s visibility and impact.

She holds a communications degree from the University of Northwestern, a master's of business administration from the University of Mary, and an Educational Leadership certification from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Throughout her career, Brenda has held leadership roles in human resources, communication, and organizational development across three different industries. A proud wife, mother, and advocate for lifelong learning, she is passionate about community, connection and making a difference.