Montenegro Owen hired to lead Monterey County Office of Education Communication and Public Relations Efforts

Monterey County, Calif. – The Monterey County Office of Education is thrilled to announce the placement of Esmeralda Montenegro Owen as Communications and Public Relations Officer effective immediately. This post was previously held by Jessica Hull, who accepted a position as Director of Communications for the Carmel Unified School District. Montenegro Owen comes with over 21 years of experience in media, public relations, communications, marketing and more. She attended USC and earned two bachelors, one in Broadcast Journalism and one in Spanish. In addition, Esmeralda holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University. In Monterey County, Esmeralda has held significant positions at the Steinbeck Center, Hartnell College, and Youth Orchestra Salinas. She was introduced to the Central Coast in 2005 when she was hired as a News Anchor and Producer for Univision 67. She earned an Emmy Nomination for investigative reporting plus earned the CTA’s John Swett Award for her passion and reporting in education. “We are so excited to have Esme join our team at MCOE,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Deneen Guss. “I have witnessed her work in the community for many years and I am confident that she will help to elevate the visibility of public education in Monterey County so families and the community at large will have a much better understanding of how to navigate the educational system here in Monterey County and the great work our schools are doing in support of students and families.” “I am honored to hold this position,” said Montenegro Owen. “My passion for education and for this community will only ignite my curiosity to find all those great stories waiting to be told.” In her spare time, Esmeralda enjoys her role as Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies for Gavilan College, plus, enjoys to mentor youth in our County, volunteers and works to elevate the missions for various non-profits, which include Hospice Giving Foundation, the Salinas Airshow, Girls Inc., Harmony At Home, Partners for Peace, and Informed Choices in Gilroy. Montenegro Owen will now lead all internal and external communications for MCOE. To contact her, email Esmeralda at eowen@montereycoe.org or call her at the numbers listed above.