Buffalo, New York – Erie County Acting District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. has appointed veteran broadcast journalist Joanna Pasceri as the office’s first ever Public Information Officer. This new position is part of a strategic effort to better inform the public of the work of the office of the Erie County District Attorney.

Ms. Pasceri, a former anchor at WKBW-TV, will be the point person for all media inquiries and will be instrumental in raising awareness of the office and increasing its presence online and on social media.

“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.

Pasceri brings to the position 28-years of experience in the television news industry with expertise in public engagement, media relations, social media and web development. The Western New York native who has worked in local television news for 22 years is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia. She began her television career as a weekend anchor/reporter at WETM-TV in Elmira, N.Y.  She joined WKBW-TV six years later.

She has also served as an adjunct professor in the Communication Department at Medaille College and has 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 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.”

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