The Prince George’s County Council announces the retirement of longtime Communications Director Karen D. Campbell, effective March 1, 2024.  Director Campbell has managed the communications needs of the County Council and Legislative Branch for 30 years.  

Since 1994, Ms. Campbell has been instrumental in shaping the communications landscape of the County Council and Legislative Branch, creating and managing the organizational structure for the Office of Communications.   Under her leadership over the last three decades, the Council has successfully navigated many transformative periods in the growth and development of the County and the Legislative Branch, employing effective communications tools to enhance public understanding of the Council’s mission and legislative initiatives.    

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) noted the profound impact of Director Campbell’s tenure. “Karen has been the cornerstone of the Council communications initiatives, pioneering the establishment of the Office of Communications and nurturing its growth into an invaluable asset for the Legislative Branch.”   Council Chair Ivey adds, “Throughout her tenure as director, she has applied unparalleled expertise, and leaves an enduring legacy of strategic vision, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to truth and excellence in service to this body and our residents.” 

Former District 6 Council Member Samuel H. Dean, who served as Council Chair during the Office of Communications’ inception, says he was privileged to witness Karen’s visionary leadership.

“As newly elected Council Members, my colleagues and I recognized the need to establish an Office of Communications, appointing a director to develop communication strategies, act as the primary spokesperson and media liaison, and collaborate closely with us to ensure the effective dissemination of our message.  Karen, possessing exceptional communications skills, managerial adeptness, extensive media contacts, and a gift for assembling and leading a talented team, played a pivotal role in transforming the County Council Communications Office into one of the most positively recognized entities in the county during my term of service.  Her legacy speaks for itself and is unequaled.”

In her capacity as Communications Director, Ms. Campbell has worked jointly with several executive administrations, including the Office of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.  

"I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Karen as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement from the Prince George’s County Council,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “For 30 years, Karen has admirably served as the Council’s Director of Communications, demonstrating steadfast commitment and dedication to our community's residents. Her exceptional leadership and expertise have undoubtedly shaped the Prince George’s County Government, leaving an enduring legacy. I am profoundly grateful to Karen for her invaluable contributions and wish her a fulfilling retirement journey ahead.”

Karen Campbell formerly served the administration of former District of Columbia Mayor Sharon Pratt and her Youth Initiatives Office as a Public Affairs Specialist and Communications Cluster Chief for youth and family issues, ensuring the Mayor’s key initiatives were accurately and appropriately conveyed across multiple agency communications channels to the media and the public.  

For nearly two decades, Karen Campbell enjoyed a distinguished career on the airwaves as an award-winning broadcaster and trusted voice in media.  A proud Howard University graduate, she began her journalistic career as a student intern reporting for WHUR FM news.  She ascended to a host of professional positions at the station over the next two decades, including drive-time news anchor, air personality, reporter, talk show host, and producer, culminating with a pivotal role in broadcast management as WHUR Community Affairs Director and Marketing Director at WHHM TV Channel 32 (now WHUT-TV). 

The County Council expresses heartfelt gratitude for Director Campbell’s immeasurable contributions and unwavering commitment over the past thirty years.   Her unique experiences combine for a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire in our service to Prince Georgians.

The County Council is available for further comments or inquiries regarding Karen Campbell’s retirement.  Please direct all media inquiries to the Council Office of Communications at 301.952.5262

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