NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (September 26, 2017) – Ken Valenti, a public relations professional with almost three decades of journalism experience, has joined Focus Media –
the Hudson Valley’s largest and award-winning, full-service public relations and marketing firm – as a public relations manager.
In his new role, Valenti exclusively services the City School District of New Rochelle, the second-largest district in Westchester, with almost 11,000 students.
For 27 years, Valenti had reported on Westchester County and its communities for The Journal News and its forerunners. He spent much of that time reporting and writing about the workings and daily life of New Rochelle, including the city’s schools. While covering the city, he moved to one of its neighborhoods.
“I fell in love with New Rochelle when I was reporting on it, and I have made it my adopted home,” he said. “And at the heart of this community is a wonderful school district with a diverse body of students marking achievements in all areas and doing great things every day. It will be fun telling those stories.”
During his years as a reporter, Valenti gained expertise in a wide range of areas, including education, the environment, transportation and economic development. Since leaving The Journal News in December 2014, he has worked in public relations and freelance writing, serving local governments, developers, business associations, health care organizations and more. He curates several Twitter, Instagram and Facebook streams. Valenti has also published several short stories and has contributed content to Westchester Magazine and the Hearst newspapers in Connecticut. Actively involved in New Rochelle’s cultural and social life, he runs a monthly open mic night for poetry and fiction in the city’s downtown area.
“Ken’s deep appreciation for New Rochelle and its schools comes through in everything he does,” said City School District of New Rochelle schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne. “With his vast experience and his devotion to the community, Ken is perfectly suited to help get the word out about all the wonderful things happening here, and about the excellent education we provide for each of our students. We’re excited to have him on board.”
Valenti holds a Master of Arts in Writing from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Fordham University in the Bronx.
“Ken brings a wealth of journalism and public relations experience to the agency, as well as great skill in many styles of writing and social media,” said Focus Media President and CEO Josh Sommers. “Those abilities and his deep involvement in the New Rochelle community make him an exceptional candidate for promoting New Rochelle’s great schools.”
About Focus Media
Focus Media, Inc. is an award-winning, full-service public relations and marketing firm specializing in market research, branding, design, collateral development, TV and radio production, media planning and placement. Since launching the company in 2002, President and CEO Josh Sommers has assembled a highly talented team of marketing experts, public relations strategists and acclaimed graphic designers that have made Focus Media a preeminent advertising agency known for its creativity, innovation and cutting edge marketing strategies. For more information, visit www.focusmediausa.com.
