ABOUT

Hi, I’m Sierra Ashworth, a communicator who believes that public health messages work best when they sound like they came from a neighbor, not a press release. As the Advanced Public Information Officer for the Iredell County Health Department, I lead crisis communication, media relations, and digital strategy to make public health information easy to trust and even easier to understand.

I manage media relations, content strategy, and community engagement, or, as my coworkers like to say, I translate “public health speak” into plain English. Whether I am drafting a press release, designing a campaign, or translating policy updates into plain English, my goal is always the same; to help our community feel informed, supported, and seen.

Communication with Purpose:
My work focuses on making public health messaging resonate with real people; writing with clarity and heart, framing complex issues in approachable ways, and listening to community needs before crafting the message.

I specialize in inclusive outreach, strategic storytelling, and digital engagement that builds public trust and encourages action. When I am not fine-tuning campaign copy and infographic designs, I am usually brainstorming how to make our next emergency message sound a little less like an alert and a little more like a neighbor checking in.

Beyond the Desk:
Public service has guided my career from the start. I earned my B.S. in Public Health from Guilford College, where I discovered how communication can bridge gaps in understanding and trust. Now, as a graduate student in Drexel University’s M.S. in Strategic and Digital Communication program, I am deepening my expertise in ethics, crisis response, and the evolving role of digital media in public health.

Outside of work, I love creative projects (don’t ask if they’re finished), local coffee shops, and any excuse to collaborate with others who care about community health. Communication is my career, but connection is what keeps me inspired.

Professional Experience

Public Information Officer
Iredell County Health Department – Statesville, NC | February 2022 – Present (Promotion from Previous Role)

Lead countywide communication strategy for all public health programs, managing media relations, press inquiries, and crisis communication.
Serve as department spokesperson and liaison to local, regional, and state partners during emergencies.
Coordinate risk communication and public messaging under NIMS/ICS during health events and emergency operations.
Design and implement data-driven campaigns to promote community health; initiatives have increased engagement and participation across digital platforms.
Oversee social media, website content, and outreach branding, achieving measurable growth in engagement and reach.
Chair and support multi-agency outreach committees focused on emergency preparedness and public information continuity.

Community Health Outreach Coordinator
Iredell County Health Department – Statesville, NC | July 2021 – February 2022

Designed and launched evidence-based education programs to increase vaccine confidence and accessibility.
Led the Community Health Worker campaign that administered over 500 COVID-19 vaccine doses within four months.
Built and sustained partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to improve outreach and resource coordination.
Conducted data analysis and reporting to guide communication strategy and demonstrate program impact.

Operations Manager
Key to Escape – Statesville, NC | July 2019 – July 2021

Directed operations and supervised staff for a top-ranked entertainment business recognized globally (#70 of 5,000+ escape rooms).
Managed marketing campaigns, social media, and customer service strategies that improved engagement and customer satisfaction.
Oversaw staff training, scheduling, and daily operations to ensure quality performance and positive customer experiences.

Program Assistant (POSSE Program)
Forsyth County Department of Public Health – Winston-Salem, NC | January 2016 – July 2019

Supported contact tracing and case management for sexually transmitted infection prevention and control.
Created new patient information systems to improve data organization across multiple partner universities.
Managed grant tracking, reporting, and compliance for three funded public health initiatives.
Worked with marginalized populations to improve access to healthcare and resources.

Education

Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication | Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA | Graduating August 2026

Bachelor of Science in Public Health | Guilford College – Greensboro, NC | Graduated May 2021