Forsyth County government has announced the hiring of a director of communications to oversee publications, media relations, social media pages and internal communications.

Karen Shields is scheduled to join the county July 9. Most recently, she has been communications manager and public information officer for the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources.

Shields has more than 20 years of professional communications experience, officials said. She has a degree in business/office administration from Southern Adventist University.

“Being able to send accurate messages directly with residents through as many mediums as possible is paramount in today’s age that demands instant communication,” said Forsyth County Manager Eric Johnson.