Bales to join Cd'A schools as communications director

Stefany Bales has been hired as the Coeur d'Alene School District's new director of community relations.

The district announced in a Tuesday news release that Bales will replace Scott Maben, who served as the district's communications director for the past six years.

After accepting the position in late February and requesting time to transition from her current responsibilities, Bales will join the district Monday. Her immediate priorities will be the May 16 supplemental levy information campaign and the district’s new five-year strategic plan.

Bales will bring with her more than 25 years of experience in public relations, public affairs and strategic communications. Her professional experience in Coeur d’Alene and across Idaho uniquely positions her to continue developing community relationships, the news release states.

"We have a lot of work to do and are confident that Stefany is the right person with the right skillset to help us effectively get that work done," Coeur d'Alene Superintendent Shon Hocker said. “Our school community expects us to maintain strong communications across the district and throughout our region and state — as they should."

He said Bales has the experience and existing connections to help the district continue its invaluable community relations work while bringing a fresh approach to how it's done.

As director of community relations, Bales will work to maintain the district's critical connections with community stakeholders while furthering the district’s practice of providing transparency for its patrons. Providing important, accurate and timely information to the community about the district’s priorities, plans and activities is foundational to this position.

Bales will also lead internal and external communications; foster two-way community engagement; and manage crisis communications. She will serve as the school board and district media liaison and spokesperson and will coordinate public information efforts for levy and bond elections.

Bales previously served as the executive director of communications and marketing for the University of Idaho; the North Idaho regional director for the offices of U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo; corporate communications director for Coeur Mining Corporation; vice president of communications for Pac/West Communications; and vice president of communications for the Intermountain Forest Association.

"We are excited to have her join our team," Hocker said.