City hires new public information officer

The City of Morganton has selected Jonelle Sigmon as the newest Public Information Officer effective Dec. 12, 2022.

Sigmon is a Morganton native and graduate from Gardner Webb University with a degree in Communications. She previously worked for the Morganton News Herald as a reporter and Burke County Public Schools as their Marketing and Communications Specialist. She has experience with social media and print marketing, graphic design, photography, videography, writing, podcast creation and management.

In her time at The News Herald, she received multiple awards for her work in journalism from the North Carolina Press Association. Sigmon chose journalism because she enjoys meeting new people, writing and telling stories through photos and video. While at BCPS, she was a member of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association and also received awards for multiple video projects, podcast episodes and photography pieces.

Sigmon grew up in the Morganton area and wants to use her knowledge and skills to help as many people as possible realize how wonderful of a place it is to live, work and play.

Sigmon will oversee all internal and external communications, social media and website content, the generation of press releases, graphic design, photography and videography, and newsletters.

City Manager Sally Sandy said, “We are thrilled to have Jonelle onboard and know that her work experience and her abilities in the realm of journalism and public relations will help move the City of Morganton forward in a positive direction. She has come to the position already having established relationships with several city employees which will help her hit the ground running.”

While Sigmon isn’t on the job, she enjoys hunting for antiques with her husband Cody, spending time with family and friends, shopping, photography, crocheting and watching professional tennis. Sigmon is also a volunteer youth leader at her home church Royal Chapel Church of God and enjoys spending time with the youth group.