Hello From Your New Communications Officer

If we were to meet socially, our introduction to one another would take a few minutes and involve a few questions and answers. My side of the conversation would probably go something like this:

Hi, I’m Sharon.

Well, I’m transitioning ... I’ve worked at the Knoxville News-Sentinel as a copy editor and page designer for about seven years, and I’m about to begin work for the Diocese of East Tennessee as Communications Officer.

No, working for the church won’t be a completely new thing ... I worked in the national offices of the Lutheran church for a while. I understand they have similarities. Yes, I imagine it’ll be an adjustment to working mostly days. At the newspaper, my job starts around 4 p.m.

Yes, I’m really excited about the move. I’ll be working on the diocesan newspaper, Web site and a newsletter for clergy and assisting the staff.

I’m married ... no, no kids. Well, I’ve lived in East Tennessee for nearly 20 years now. Yes, it’s a beautiful place. I agree, the spring is amazing. You know, one of things I love most is watching the trees begin to come out. That hint of green that softens the bare branches, followed by the blaze of the vibrant yellow-green new leaves. Wow. I get itchy to be outside that time of year.

Yes, I imagine I’ll do some traveling around the diocese. I’m familiar with the major roads: I go down I-75 to Alabama to see my parents in Talladega, and Dan and I go north through Kingsport on our way to his parents’ home in Williamsburg, Virginia. My brother lives in Asheville, so we head east occasionally, too. I haven’t gone West often; just to see the Titans play a couple of times.

Well, of course. It would be hard to live in Knoxville and not follow the Vols. But I did go to school there. No, I got a master’s in journalism at UT just a few years ago. My bachelor’s was in graphics from Auburn. I know, it’s tough watching the Vols and the Tigers play each other. I want both to win.

Yes, it’s been great meeting you. I hope we meet again soon.

I’m looking forward to meeting many of you and hearing your stories.

– Sharon Rasmussen