Meet the MMSD Communications Department staff

Amy KnightAmy Knight, Communications Manager

Amy leads a team of developers, designers and content creators in producing authentic and engaging multiformat stories, news and marketing materials, maintaining brand and message continuity. Amy also oversees the district's brand through print, video, web and multimedia materials. As a veteran designer and art director, Amy creates the district's print, web, and interactive visuals, graphics, and illustrations. She is responsible for the overall goals and strategies of district communications. Amy manages personnel and oversees strategic planning, training and supporting schools and other Central Office departments in their efforts to engage, solicit feedback from and communicate with stakeholders. Email: ajknight@madison.k12.wi.us

Ryan BudziszewskiRyan Budziszewski, Bilingual Communication Specialist

Ryan supports families as a first point of contact on the main MMSD phone line, providing assistance in both English and Spanish. He also serves as a web buddy to several departments, assisting with website updates and layout design. Ryan is the main contact for sending out districtwide messages through the SchoolMessenger system and maintains the Community Events board on the MMSD website. Email: rjbudziszews@madison.k12.wi.us

Taryn JohnsonTaryn Johnson, Bilingual Project Specialist

Taryn helps coordinate projects for the department, including producing, managing and executing strategic communications plans. She supports internal and external communications functions using online, print, social and other media, produces the district’s large-scale print publications, creates graphic materials for print and web, translates the MMSD family newsletter and MMSD en español social media outlets, and maintains the MMSD Spanish language website. She also serves as the communication liaison for all west side schools. Email: tssoza@madison.k12.wi.us

Brad MackeyBrad Mackey, Web Developer

Brad is our Drupal expert, the platform all MMSD websites run on. His expertise is in website design, web forms and specialized functions. In his spare time, Brad keeps MMSD's cable tv channels 992 and 993 up and running. Email: bmackey@madison.k12.wi.us

Marla PetersonMarla Peterson, Communications Specialist

Marla coordinates production of the Principals' Bulletin, and the MMSD Connect staff newsletter, and provides communications support to all east side schools. She is skilled in the use of MMSD's many tools for communication and a great resource for getting your story distributed in MMSD publications, social media tips and tricks, and e-newsletter development. Email: mrpeterson@madison.k12.wi.us

Tony RodriguezTony Rodriguez, Web Team Leader

Contact him if you need web help and training. Tony facilitates web editor meetings and quarterly web editor workshops. Tony also has expertise in social media. Email: amrodriguez@madison.k12.wi.us

Mike WetzelMike Wetzel, Media Designer

Mike produces multimedia and specializes in video production. He directs live TV coverage of the Board of Education meetings and has come to be known as the go-to person for creative and efficient solutions to audiovisual communications challenges. Email: mwetzel@madison.k12.wi.us

Liz MerfeldLiz Merfeld, Public Information Officer

As PIO, Liz serves as the district's lead crisis communications officer, is a liaison to local and state emergency management and public health government agencies, is the lead communicator for emergency response protocols, and serves as the primary contact and school support lead for safety and security communications. A current priority is the work of planning to safely reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Deputy to Tim LeMonds, Liz supports executive communications and advises district leadership on a wide range of communications issues. Email: elmerfeld@madison.k12.wi.us