Greenwich Patch Editor to Become First Selectman’s Executive Assistant

First Selectman Peter Tesei has appointed Barbara Heins to be his Executive Assistant effective March 28, 2016.

Ms. Heins has edited Greenwich Patch since it was created five years ago. At Patch, she covered Town government, education, police & fire, business and human interest stories.

Ms. Heins has more than 35 years’ experience as a traditional newspaper and online journalist, and as a public relations consultant. She is a former night city editor and assignments editor of The Advocate of Stamford. She also served as the senior arts writer for Greenwich Time, responsible for coverage of Greenwich’s vibrant arts community. As a long-time Greenwich resident and journalist, Barbara possesses a wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and familiarity with Town governmental processes and diverse neighborhoods.

Ms. Heins will be responsible for supporting the First Selectman in the area of communications and as a liaison with internal and external constituents — including Town department heads as well as elected and appointed Town officials, and residents. In addition to growing the Town’s social media platform and communications program, she will also oversee the administration of the Office of the First Selectman.

She earned a BA in Journalism from St. Bonaventure University and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Hudson Valley Community College.

The First Selectman’s Office conducted a national search for the Executive Assistant position. There were 31 applicants. Ms. Heins was the top finalist of five candidates who were interviewed.