Hoover City Schools hires new communications director

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE | Special to the Reporter

HOOVER – After almost 18 years, Merrick Wilson is making a move.

On Oct. 15, the director of communications for Homewood City Schools will transition to her new role as the executive director of communications and public information for Hoover City Schools.

Wilson began at Homewood when the communications position came open as a result of the strategic plan.

“The goal was to strengthen the internal and external communications (for the school system), and I was hired as a communications information assistant,” Wilson said. “I came in with a background in print and online journalism. I was an education editor for a small newspaper and kind of fell into the role of working in education and really enjoyed it.”

Wilson said she has enjoyed her time there and loved getting to build a strong communications program at Homewood.

“When you work in education long enough, you get to know a lot of people,” Wilson said. “I have cohorts and colleagues in so many different school systems. We get to know each other and bounce ideas off of each other.”

She said what was appealing to her about Hoover City Schools is their strong relationship with their community and a great connection and support for their school system.

“I wanted to play a role in strengthening and building that connection they have using proactive and effective communications,” Wilson said.

After a quick trip to the beach with her family over fall break, Wilson will be ready to hit the ground running in her new position.

One of the biggest differences, Wilson said, will be going from a system with five schools to one with 17.

“The fact that Hoover has more schools than what I’ve been working with is exciting for me,” Wilson said. “I will get to meet the amazing people there. I’ve already had so many amazing community members, faculty and staff reach out to me and I can already feel the community support HCS has. I’m excited to work with the faculty, staff and students to build on the things they are already doing in the school system.”

Wilson will have a different title and bigger role than she’s had in the past. She will also get to build her own communications team. She said her goal is to bring on individuals who can help strengthen the communications in the system and help connect the community and build engagement while also supporting the schools and their administration.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and a huge opportunity for Hoover City Schools to have a team dedicated to make sure families feel connected and valued and know what’s going on within their schools.”

She said that Hoover City Schools already has so many great traditions and things in place, and she wants to support those and build on the community involvement and engagement and strengthen things already happening within the school system. She added that everyone she has already met that works within Hoover City Schools have been welcoming and said she is  excited to be a part of that team.

“There is always an opportunity for growth and looking at things differently,” Wilson said. “Hoover is known for the high academic standards and strong student experiences they offer, and I’m really excited to be a part of that team that helps contribute to furthering the success of the school system.”

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