Jamestown Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of its new Public Relations Specialist, Cameron Hurst. Cameron will take over at the end of September from current Communications Coordinator Cathy Panebianco, who is retiring.

“Not only did Cameron impress the interview committee with his knowledge and experience, but his lifelong connection to Jamestown and to JPS gives him a uniquely powerful perspective,” said JPS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker. “Given the media relationships that he already has in Jamestown, and his long-term connection to the school district and all of its goings-on, this is going to be the perfect fit. We welcome Cam back with open arms.”

Cameron is a 2016 graduate of Jamestown High School. He currently serves as a public relations specialist for the Springville-Griffith Institute and Pine Valley central school districts via Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. Prior to that, he served as public relations specialist at SUNY Jamestown Community College and as a staff and sports reporter for The Post-Journal. 

The son of John and Joy Hurst, Cameron began his career as a sophomore at Jamestown High School, creating the award-winning Rowdy Raider blog to document championship seasons by the Red Raider football and basketball teams. After his graduation from JHS, he attended St. Bonaventure University, earning degrees in journalism and music in December 2019. In 2020, he received the Mark Hellinger Award from the university’s Jandoli School of Communication and was formally honored in October of 2021 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. 

Cameron is excited to return to his alma mater to help promote the district.

“I am grateful to Dr. Whitaker and the search committee for the opportunity to return home to Jamestown Public Schools. As a graduate of Jamestown High School, I am energized by this chance to serve the district in the best way I know how: telling stories. For so long, I’ve been inspired by the many wonderful students and staff who make the district a special way to learn and grow. To work among them and to help spotlight their work is the honor of my career.”

Cameron currently lives in Jamestown and continues to be active in the community, serving as a member of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and singing with the Chautauqua Chamber Singers and the Community Music Project Chorale.