NYSUT has joined its various communications operations into a single department to focus the union's message and get it out quickly to a growing and technologically diverse audience. Deborah Hormell Ward has been named director of the new department, with responsibility for a communications operation that encompasses media relations, New York Teacher, online communications, and publications and video services.

"Deb Ward has been a vital part of NYSUT's management team in her work with New York Teacher and the other areas of our communications program," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "Now, as director of communications, she will be able to bring all of her talents and skills into play with every aspect of communications here at NYSUT."

A veteran journalist whose career includes daily newspaper and media relations experience, Ward joined NYSUT's media relations operation in 1989, also working with United University Professions, NYSUT's affiliate at the State University of New York.

She was named editor-in-chief of New York Teacher in 1994. Most recently, as director of Publications, Web and Video, she helped lead the union's move to expand and upgrade its Web site, www.nysut.org.

Noting that NYSUT's message must be delivered "at the speed of byte" to union members and to a growing external media market that includes newspapers, Web and electronic media, Ward said: "It makes sense to focus the message and be sure we communicate clearly across all media."