Ann Botticelli
to spread word
about 105-year-old
local nonprofit

CHILD and Family Service has made a high-profile hire. Former television news reporter Ann Botticelli is leaving her public relations job at Communications Pacific Inc. to become vice president for communications at CFS.

Two years ago Botticelli, then a reporter for KITV, surprised everyone by taking the PR job. After 22 years in the news business, industry folk were stunned she would, as purists say, "cross over to the dark side."

She said at the time, "I know there's life after TV ... I think it's going to be great."

Botticelli served as vice president for CommPac's corporate group and describes the experience as "wonderful," saying it gave her "the opportunity to learn from the best."

Barbara Heckathorn will succeed Botticelli at CommPac.

"It's just been an all-around joy but once in awhile you have an opportunity that just draws you to it and this was one of them for me," Botticelli said. She departs CommPac Aug. 10 and starts her new job Sept. 1.

"They hooked me with their mission," Botticelli said. "It is a 105-year-old private social services agency that does work all over the state."

CFS, a private nonprofit, has programs for autistic children, operates Head Start, an alternative high school for children who wouldn't otherwise be able to graduate, and has elder care programs.

"They just do a wide variety of social services and what they really need is someone who can help tell their story," Botticelli said. "They want to be able to partner with different foundations and businesses and so forth, to provide services that are needed in the community. That was the offer I couldn't refuse."

Too many people are unfamiliar with the scope of what CFS does, said board member Stephanie Ackerman, an executive with Aloha Airlines.

"To bring on board someone like Ann, who's got the background in communications, will be a tremendous asset for the organization," Ackerman said.

Before starting her new job, Botticelli plans to take her daughter Rachel to school -- specifically Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

Mom concedes it's far away, but there is family nearby, she said.