La Plata, MD- The Board of Education recently recognized Katie O’Malley-Simpson for her leadership role in the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). She is a consummate professional in all of her roles and goes above and beyond to support CCPS, its mission, students and staff, said Superintendent of Schools Kimberly A. Hill, Ed.D ..
Whether it was talking about the press, coordinating a special event, overseeing television and website operations, or promoting success in the school system, O’Malley-Simpson has worked tirelessly for CCPS and Charles County.
Katie O’Malley-Simpson, director of media / communications at Charles County Public Schools, left, received the James E. Richmond Leadership in Excellence Award presented by Superintendent of Schools Kimberly A. Hill, Ed.D.
O’Malley-Simpson is recognized as a tireless advocate of strategic communication and drives those around you to excel. Her passion for education is evident in everything she does for CCPS. For these qualities and their ability to lead with passion, O’Malley-Simpson received the James E. Richmond Leadership in Excellence Award in 2021.
Hill presented the award to O’Malley-Simpson at the May Education Committee meeting. Speaking at the awards show, Hill said O’Malley-Simpson was a natural choice for an award that recognizes someone who sets a good example. The Richmond Leadership Award pays tribute to a CCPS employee who has led by example throughout his career and made a positive and lasting impact on the school system, Hill said.
The award was created in 2013 to honor CCPS employees who demonstrate high standards of excellence and leadership. The award is named in honor of former longtime Superintendent James E. Richmond, who spent his entire educational career with CCPS. Former Chairman of the Board of Education, Col. Donald M. Wade, created the award in honor of Richmond when he announced his retirement plans.
O’Malley-Simpson began her career with CCPS in 1994 as a graphic designer / editor and rose to the position of communications coordinator before being appointed director of communications and media relations in 2010. Working for CCPS became her second career after serving more than a decade as a reporter and editor for the local newspaper The Maryland Independent. Hill said that O’Malley-Simpson’s work ethic at the paper was guided by “the core values of journalism – humility, accuracy and fairness – the same values it lives up to today.”
During her career, O’Malley-Simpson took on the role of spokesperson for the school system and directed communications through many years, some of which attracted national attention. Hill said O’Malley-Simpson was a strategic thinker and planner who was one of her focal points as a sounding board and support.
After a 27-year career at CCPS, O’Malley-Simpson will retire at the end of the school year on June 30th. Highlights of her career include helping develop the school system’s first website and making it easier to add live streaming board meetings, graduation ceremonies and special events, and promoting student and staff success for a job well done. “As the Director of Communications / Media Relations, I have had the privilege of helping spread the good news about the continued success of CCPS students and staff. I have been most fortunate to lead the communications team, a group of extremely hard working people who use their talents to develop the school system, students and staff, ”said O’Malley-Simpson.
A plaque bearing the Richmond Leadership Award winners is displayed outside the boardroom of the CCPS Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. A winner is selected for the award every year.
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