For the first time in its history, the Erie County Acting District Attorney has appointed a veteran broadcast journalist to serve as Public Information Officer. Joanna Pasceri, former anchor at WKBW-TV has been named by Michael Flaherty."We are excited to have Joanna join our outstanding leadership team, and welcome her to her new position serving the people of Erie County. She will help the media communicate to the people we serve,” said Acting District Attorney Flaherty.
Paseri will serve as point person for all media inquiries. She will also be "instrumental in raising awareness of the office and increasing its presence online and on social media."
“I am looking forward to working with my former media colleagues and informing the public on the work of the Erie County DA,” said Pasceri. “I am so very proud to be part of a team of professionals dedicated to doing the right thing every day. It’s a perfect fit for me. I highly respect the values of this office.”
Pasceri spent 28 years in the television news industry. She brings to the DA office "expertise in public engagement, media relations, social media and web development."
"This is an office that works for the people and absolutely needs to be out there, the public needs to know what's happening here, what we are doing here," said Pasceri in a WBFO interview in her new office.
Pasceri, 50, is a Western New York native. She began her TV news career as a weekend anchor/reporter at WETM-TV in Elmira, N.Y. and joined WKBW-TV in Buffalo six years later. Pasceri departed from WKBW after resigning in December when the station planned to demote her from her co-anchoring the evening news with Keith Radford.
"It is difficult after 28-years to start something new, but I was ready for it. It's time to advance my career," noted Pasceri.
Pasceri has also served as an adjunct professor in the Communication Department at Medaille College. She has also provided media relations training for several organizations, including the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the WNY Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, and the Bar Association of Erie County.
"I've been doing television news for 28-years, so I know a thing or two about connecting with the public, engaging the public," explained Pasceri.
Pasceri will work to increase the DA Office's on-line presence through social media and other web products.
"We are going to be bringing the office into the 21st century. We're already on Twitter. We need to get on Facebook and we are going to start a YouTube page as well where we can put our news conferences so that the public can see what is happening here," noted Pasceri. "Really showing the good work that is being done here day in and day out by these professionals."