As Chief Communications Officer, Michelle Durand leads the County’s media relations, public affairs, and crisis communications. She is responsible for strategic messaging on a wide variety of projects and initiatives and oversees a team charged with telling the County’s story using a variety of platforms. She co-chairs the Bay Area Joint Information System (JIS), a nine-county collection of communicators who collaborate on best practices and regional messaging. During times of emergency, she also heads the County’s Joint Information Center (JIC).

Prior to joining the County in 2015, Michelle was an award-winning journalist and columnist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and a master’s degree in communications. She is also certified as a public information officer with the California Office of Emergency Services.