Jamilah Fraser named communications chief for Philadelphia schools

The School District of Philadelphia has a new chief communications officer.

Jamilah Fraser has a background in TV and experience handling communications about natural disasters for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Fraser, 34, will receive $170,000 for overseeing district communications, community engagement, and broadcast operations. She started Monday as the replacement for Lisa Mastoon, a former television producer and communications specialist who quit in August after two weeks in the post.

Fraser said her plans included creating new programming for the district's public-access channel, PSTV; enhancing the district's use of social media; launching community initiatives; and developing an internship program with local colleges and universities.

After earning a bachelor's degree in English from the University of South Carolina, Fraser began her broadcast career with local stations in South Carolina and Missouri.

In 2005, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Fraser joined FEMA, where she produced several public-service announcements on hurricane preparedness and an instructional video for children. In addition to her work after Katrina, Fraser worked for FEMA in California, dealing with wildfires and floods.