Catherine Hirko

Curriculum Vitae

Catherine Hirko

Communications strategist and former newsroom leader with more than 20 years of experience in journalism, audience engagement, and digital storytelling. Background includes leadership roles in regional business journalism and local news, with a focus on economic development, community leadership, and organizational transformation. Currently serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, leading brand strategy and public storytelling for a nonprofit serving 30 counties.

Areas of Expertise


Digital Media Strategy
Audience Engagement and Growth
Editorial Leadership
Crisis Communication
Brand and Narrative Strategy
Multimedia Storytelling

Business Journalism
Community and Economic Development Coverage

Professional Experience

Director of Marketing & Communications

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania — Camp Hill, PA
2020–Present

  • Lead marketing, storytelling, and communications strategies for a nonprofit organization serving 30 counties across central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
  • Direct integrated campaigns supporting membership recruitment, fundraising, and program engagement.
  • Produce multimedia content including podcasts, videos, newsletters, and digital campaigns to expand audience reach and engagement.
  • Plan and promote major public events including leadership conventions and fundraising galas.
  • Develop crisis communication strategies and messaging for internal and external stakeholders.

Associate Publisher / Editorial Director

Central Penn Business Journal | Lehigh Valley Business | Central Penn Parent
2019–2020

  • Oversaw editorial direction and digital strategy for three regional publications.
  • Managed newsroom teams across multiple locations and implemented operational improvements.
  • Developed new editorial products and events that expanded audience reach and revenue streams.
  • Moderated business leadership panels and community discussions.

Managing Editor

Central Penn Business Journal | Lehigh Valley Business | Central Penn Parent
2016–2019

  • Led newsroom operations and digital strategy for regional business publications.
  • Increased online audience engagement by approximately 20 percent year over year.
  • Launched a Women in Leadership initiative through newsletters, roundtables, and social media coverage.
  • Directed newsletter redesigns to improve mobile readability and subscriber growth.

News Director

The Evening Sun — Hanover, Pennsylvania
2014–2016

  • Led newsroom transformation to a digital-first publishing model.
  • Doubled online and social media audiences through expanded multimedia storytelling and community engagement initiatives.
  • Managed reporting staff and editorial priorities for a daily local newsroom.

Department Director, Business & Hyperlocal Coverage

York Daily Record / Sunday News — York, Pennsylvania
2008–2014

  • Led reporting teams covering business, local government, and community issues.
  • Developed digital reporting strategies and multimedia storytelling initiatives.
  • Recruited and mentored journalists who produced award-winning coverage and audience engagement initiatives.

Editorial Roles, Various Beats

Various Regional Publications
1991–2008

  • Reported and edited coverage in business, crime, education, and community reporting.
  • Developed experience in feature writing, investigative reporting, and newsroom production.

Awards & Recognition

Pennsylvania News Association Award — Women’s Business Coverage (2018)
Shining Star Nominee — West Shore Chamber (2018)
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Awards (team recognition), 2004–2016

Education

Lock Haven University — Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism / Public Relations

Professional Interests

Catherine Hirko’s professional interests reflect her background in journalism, communications leadership, and community engagement. Her work has consistently focused on storytelling that highlights the people, organizations, and ideas shaping communities across Central Pennsylvania.

  • Regional economic development and business leadership, particularly how local organizations, entrepreneurs, and institutions influence community growth.

  • Community storytelling and civic engagement, with a focus on amplifying voices and initiatives that strengthen local communities.

  • Women’s leadership and workforce advancement, including programs and conversations that highlight women’s contributions to business and public life.

  • Youth leadership and experiential learning, especially opportunities that help young people build confidence, independence, and real-world skills.

  • Digital media transformation and audience strategy, shaped by her experience leading newsroom transitions to digital-first storytelling and audience-focused content.

  • Mission-driven marketing and nonprofit communications, exploring how strategic communications can advance organizational missions and build public support.

  • Multimedia storytelling, including podcasts, video, and integrated digital campaigns that engage audiences across multiple platforms.

  • Community partnerships and public engagement, fostering collaboration between nonprofits, businesses, media organizations, and civic leaders.