ACPS Names Dr. Jason Grant as Chief Communications Officer

NEWS RELEASE

(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia) – Albemarle County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jason Grant as the division’s next Chief Communications Officer. An accomplished communications leader, Dr. Grant is known for shaping communication around the needs of the community and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. He will begin his new role on Monday, October 20.

Grant brings more than two decades of experience in public sector communications, advocacy, and engagement. He most recently served as Director of Advocacy and External Affairs for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), where he led national initiatives to strengthen local government leadership and advance effective strategies for connecting with the public. In this role, he championed communication practices that emphasize clarity, credibility, and trust, while thoughtfully integrating new tools and approaches to help organizations share information more effectively and build lasting public trust.

Before joining ICMA, Grant spent nearly 17 years with Prince William County Government, including a decade as Communications Director. There, he led a team of professionals in developing and executing division-wide strategies to inform and engage residents on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, County Executive, and county departments. His work focused on building two-way communication structures between local government and the public, using data and community insight to guide messaging and consistently foster dialogue that leads to understanding and action.

“Dr. Grant is a proven communications leader whose work has focused on building trust and understanding between government and the communities it serves,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas. “His depth of experience and thoughtful approach to engagement will strengthen how we share information, celebrate our successes, and connect with students, families, staff, and community members. I’m confident his perspective—one that blends innovation with a deep respect for authenticity and human connection—will help us continue to evolve our communications in ways that serve our community well.”

Grant holds a Ph.D. in Writing and Rhetoric from George Mason University, where his research explored how public discourse shapes government structures and community solutions. He also serves as an adjunct professor in communications at George Mason University. He earned his master’s degree in communication from the University of Washington and his bachelor’s degree in communication with honors from the University of Maryland.

“Albemarle County Public Schools has a strong national reputation for its commitment to student success,” Grant said. “It is an honor to join such a dynamic team of educators and staff as we seek to foster meaningful connections between ACPS and those we serve.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Butler
Acting Chief Communications Officer
Office of Communications
Albemarle County Public Schools
(434) 260-4634
communications@k12albemarle.org