Deschutes County hires new public info officer

Whitney Malkin has been hired as the Deschutes County Public Information Officer and will start work on Monday.

Whitney will replace Communications Coordinator Anna Johnson, who relocated to Arizona this past July.

The position of Public Information Officer is responsible for managing external and internal communications, media relations, public relations, and a range of other responsibilities designed to increase transparency of county government, as well as engage the public in participating in the development of county priorities and programs.

“We are tremendously excited to welcome Whitney to the county management team.” Said County Administrator Tom Anderson. “She not only possesses all the technical skills necessary to perform well in the job, but as a Central Oregon native has a keen sense of the perspective and values of the citizens of the County.”

A native of Bend, Whitney has a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. Whitney’s work experience includes serving as Marketing and Communications Manager (Pacific Source Health Plans) and Public Affairs Specialist (Federal Bureau of Investigations).