CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – Phil Giaramita, who joined Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) in 2011 as its first Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer, said he intends to retire from the school division at the end of the calendar year. An Albemarle Schools release says Giaramita was the first communications professional to be employed full-time by the school division in a role dedicated uniquely to communications and public affairs.

Over the more than 12 succeeding years, he played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s public image, advancing its mission, and enhancing stakeholder engagement and knowledge of the school division.

In retirement, Giaramita said he will focus on his role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer which he’s done for about 20 years.

Click here for Albemarle Schools’ entire announcement.