SCiLL appoints Courtney Gartman as inaugural director of communications
June 30, 2026
Veteran media executive Courtney Gartman has joined the UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership as its inaugural director of communications.
Gartman brings a wealth of high-caliber media experience to the role. An Emmy Award-winning executive producer, she spent over a decade in New York City developing, producing, and overseeing content for some of CNBC’s top-rated weekday financial newscasts, including Fast Money, the Fast Money Halftime Report, and Squawk on the Street.
She also served as an executive producer at North Carolina television stations WRAL and WCNC, where she oversaw top-rated programming, guided cross-functional teams, and drove significant audience and revenue gains. Her work supported major national events, including presidential town halls and landmark financial coverage, while contributing to Edward R. Murrow Award–winning newsrooms.
“Finding the right person for this inaugural role was an incredibly competitive process, but Courtney’s unparalleled track record as a seasoned storyteller made her the perfect fit to shape and lead our communications strategy,” said Jed Atkins, Dean and Taylor Grandy Professor on the Philosophy of Living. “We are fortunate to have someone of Courtney's caliber helping us tell our story.”
Gartman’s expertise includes communications strategy, crisis communications, speechwriting, and public speaking. She is a Carole Kneeland Fellowship alumna and holds a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Kansas.
Gartman said she is passionate about translating complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives, strengthening institutional voice, and mentoring the next generation of communicators.