Billie C. Scruse has been the Executive Director of Hartford Public Access Television since July 2009. She is responsible for the coordination and management of Hartford Community Channels 5 (public), 95 (education), and 96 (government). Ms. Scruse brings over 20 years of diverse communication experience in the areas of journalism, broadcast media and public relations.

Prior to accepting this position she resided in North Carolina where she worked as a Public Relations Consultant for a non-profit organization in the City of Charlotte. She worked on grant writing projects and assisted with promoting the economic and cultural development in specific neighborhoods.

Ms. Scruse is no stranger to the Hartford area. She is a Hartford native and has had the opportunity to provide her extensive media and public relations talents to a wide variety of landmark institutions. She has served as a Press Secretary for the City of Hartford in the Mayor’s Office. Ms. Scruse was also a former spokeswoman for Capital Community College. She was responsible for advertising and marketing the academic and continuing education programs, as well as promoting the College’s move to Downtown Hartford.

For 10 years Ms. Scruse held the position of Communications Officer for two state agencies, the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. While at both agencies she provided public information to constituents and key stakeholders about state programs, served as editor of the agency newsletter, and developed and coordinated marketing campaigns to address issues concerning welfare reform, teen pregnancy, Lyme Disease, and AIDS. In addition she has taught at two state colleges as an adjunct professor.

Ms. Scruse hosted the public affairs show, “Black Perspective” for the NBC affiliate in West Hartford for a decade. She also has experience as a television producer and host on cable access channels in Hartford and West Hartford. Ms. Scruse has a wide range of Hartford community involvement and has served on several boards and committees.

Ms. Scruse holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Hartford in West Hartford.

billiescruse@hartfordpublicaccess.org