Community Relations & Communications

Aaron Harada has been selected as the new Director of Community Relations and Communications for Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Aaron will take on leadership of the department following the recent retirement of outgoing director, Sylvia McDaniel.

Most recently, Aaron served as the district’s Communications Manager, supporting the outgoing director in overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of the department’s team of professionals responsible for district communications, crisis communications, web products, video production, publications, marketing, media relations and more.

Aaron has nearly 18 years of experience in communications and journalism, and 15 years serving Salem-Keizer schools.

Karma has worked for Salem-Keizer’s Community Relations & Communications department since 2010. She specializes in communicating about capital construction projects funded by general obligation bonds, and plans the information programs that inform the community about bond measures. Karma is a Keizer native and proud graduate of McNary High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oregon State University and has a background in communications and marketing for local non-profit organizations and associations.

Emily has served in the Community Relations & Communications department for Salem-Keizer Public Schools since 2018. Emily graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Advertising Management. With a passion for building connections, Emily serves the district through coordinating a wide variety of content creation, internal and external communications and creative services. Emily writes for and oversees district publications, campaigns and supports the CRC department in crisis communications and media relations. Emily is a strong advocate for professional learning and works to support improved school public relations practice across the state through the Oregon School Public Relations Association.

Jordan joined the communications team in 2019 after graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Speech Communication. Jordan’s role as a communications coordinator entails a variety of responsibilities from media tracking for the weekly newsletter, and district website support, design, communications planning and monitoring. In Jordan’s role she supports the communications team as back up as well as takes the lead on event planning with communications students and special projects. Born and raised in Salem, Jordan loves working for the district that helped shape her.

Caleb joined the Community Relations & Communications department as a communications intern in 2018, while attending Willamette University. He then became a communications assistant before graduating and later contracted as a Capital Construction Communications Coordinator for the 2018 Bond Program, supporting bond communications through writing, graphic design, videography, photography, and event coordination. In July 2022, Caleb was hired into a new role as the Stakeholder Relations and Engagement Specialist, focusing on engagement and outreach efforts to build connections and enhance relationships with the community.

Bryan joined the Community Relations & Communications department in 2007. He specializes in website management and development and in content creation. His prior work experience includes teaching English at universities and working as a newspaper reporter. He has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Mass Communication, along with post-graduate work in Adult Education.

Jessica has served as a communications coordinator for Salem-Keizer Public Schools since June 2021. She specializes in design of both internal and external communications. Jessica graduated from University of Oregon in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Jessica’s passion for graphic design and journalism started in high school. She is proud to be part of SKPS and help the next generation of students find their passion.

Yuriana was born in Mexico and is a very proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. She attended Salem-Keizer Public Schools, and graduated from North Salem High School. Yuriana started her career with SKPS in 2010 and has worked in several capacities including as a bilingual instructional assistant, school office specialist and community school outreach coordinator.

It’s been a passion of hers to work with families in the community and to help students in the district overcome barriers to receive an education. In her role as Communications Outreach Coordinator she will be making connections and partnerships with organizations to better serve our students. Yuriana is bilingual and bicultural and often translates and interprets for SKPS.

Karina joined the Salem-Keizer Public Schools department of Community Relations and Communications in August of 2018. She monitors the budget, info inbox, mail, phone and flyer review process. Karina is bilingual and often supports the department with translation needs.