Dana Kaminske named Communicator of the Year by NC3C
City of Hickory Communications and Marketing Manager Dana Kaminske received the Chris Coulson Communicator of the Year Award from the North Carolina City and County Communicators (NC3C). The prestigious award was announced and presented to Kaminske on Thursday, April 11, during the Excellence in Communications Awards Ceremony at NC3C’s annual conference in Concord, North Carolina.
The Chris Coulson Communicator of the Year Award was created in honor and memory of Chris Coulson, a founding member of NC3C. The Communicator of the Year Award recognizes an NC3C member who demonstrates a passion for making a difference in the profession and in the lives of citizens.
The Communicator of the Year is someone whose character, career, and service represent the highest standards and who excels in the practice of local government communications and/or has accomplished an outstanding one-time achievement.
“I am so honored, and humbled, to be recognized with this award by my government peers and NC3C,” said Kaminske. “Being involved in this organization for 12 years has given me a huge respect for the communications profession and the work that we do in our communities, bringing awareness to so many great projects, programs, events, and important information. Working for the City of Hickory has been amazing, and I am fortunate I get to come to work with brilliant people every day. I share this award with my fabulous staff and coworkers who bring their best to everything we do.”
Kaminske has worked for the City of Hickory since January 2012, when she joined the Office of Communications as the City’s first Communications Specialist. She was promoted to her current position of Communications and Marketing Manager in October 2015. She manages the Office of Communications, overseeing the City of Hickory’s Life. Well Crafted. brand, public/media relations, and all marketing and communications strategies for internal and external audiences.
Prior to her work with the City of Hickory, Kaminske served as a senior marketing director for a national private sector company, was an office and marketing manager for a family-run company in Hickory, and founded her own business providing career services. Kaminske earned a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in Communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania (PennWest Clarion).
Kaminske has been deeply involved in supporting and promoting NC3C for over a decade. She has served as Past President (2020), President (2019), President-Elect (2018), Vice President (2017), and Secretary (2015-2016). During her time on the board, she was instrumental in establishing NC3C as a 501(c)6 not-for-profit association, implementing the electronic awards program, and rolling out a new website system.
“Dana is incredibly deserving of this honor,” said NC3C President Kaisha Brown. “She is respected and valued throughout our organization, counted on as a trusted advisor and supporter, and has contributed a great deal to our growth and success.”
In addition to her involvement with NC3C, Kaminske has volunteered her time and talents by participating in a variety of professional and civic organizations and serving on several boards and coalitions. She is an active member of the national group for local government communicators, City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), and currently serves on the board of advisors for Hickory Young Professionals and as a member of the LiveWell Coalition in Catawba County. She also serves as the staff liaison for the City of Hickory’s University City Commission. She has been a member of the International Economic Development Council. She previously served on boards for LiveWell Catawba, Innovate Catawba, The Chamber of Catawba County, Hickory Young Professionals Leadership Council, and was the president of the North Carolina Council of Shopping Centers.
The purpose of North Carolina City & County Communicators is to encourage professional development and networking among local governmental communications professionals. The organization was formed in March 2007 and consists of professional government communicators from around the state. For more information about NC3C, visit www.nc3c.com.