Pine-Richland communications director retiring; replacement named

Pine-Richland School school officials announced the hiring of a new director of communications.

The school board recently appointed Erin Hasinger as its director of communications to replace Rachel Hathhorn, who is retiring after 17 years in the job to move out of the area.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Hasinger to Pine-Richland,” said Superintendent Brian Miller. “Throughout the interview process, she expressed her passion for communications and serving organizations with a compelling mission.

“The ability to engage with students, staff and the community to tell the story of education at PR is a motivation to her,” Miller said.

Hasinger has 20 years of marketing and communication experience and most recently worked as communications manager for the Materials Research Society in Marshall Township, where she was responsible for the organization’s communications, marketing and web development.

Prior to joining the Materials Research Society, Hasinger held communications roles focusing on content development, search engine optimization, copywriting and public relations.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State and earned a master’s degree in communication from Duquesne University.

According to school board documents, her starting salary will be $85,000.

“I am honored to join the team at Pine-Richland,” Hasinger said after the school board approved her hiring at its May 16 meeting.

“Working for non-profit organizations has been so gratifying for me, and I cannot think of anything more important than working in public education,” she said. “Pine-Richland’s strong reputation and sense of community were very attractive qualities to me, and I’m looking forward to being able to contribute.”

Hathhorn told school officials that she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the district’s families and staff.

Miller praised her dedication to the district.

“We are so thankful for Rachel’s service to our school district, community and the field of communications in education,” Miller said. “We wish her well in her journey and welcome Ms. Hasinger with open arms.”

Hathhorn will work until the end of June to help Hasinger transition into the position, school officials said.