Farmingdale State College (FSC) today announced the appointment of Karen V. Contino as College Communications and External Relations Manager, bringing with her over two decades of communications experience and extensive knowledge of Long Island government.
Contino, an accomplished government officer, was appointed to serve with Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone’s administration in 2022. As Special Assistant to the Chief Deputy County Executive, she helped guide executive communications, departmental projects, Suffolk County initiatives, and supported the daily operations of a government that serves 1.5 million residents with a $3+ billion budget and a workforce of approximately 10,000 county staff.
“Karen’s extensive experience as a communicator, journalist and public servant will serve Farmingdale well as we continue to spread the news about our students, faculty, alumni and institutions,” said Matthew Colson, Vice President for Development and Communications for Farmingdale State College. "We are thrilled to have Karen join our expanding communications team.”
Throughout her public service career, she has served in senior communications, leadership and support roles under two Nassau County Executives, Thomas Suozzi and Laura Curran, in addition to Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini and multiple County Legislators.
An award-winning journalist, Contino began her career as a reporter for the Nassau Herald, where she specialized in education coverage. She has over a decade of experience as an independent writer and editor in the Orlando, Florida area, where she wrote community-focused feature stories for several publications, including Lifestyle Magazine and the Southwest Orlando Bulletin.
“I’m excited to be joining the FSC communications team,” said Contino. “There are so many stories to be told about opportunity, accomplishment and the unique contributions that Farmingdale students and alumni are making to Long Island and beyond.”
Contino holds a BA in English and journalism from Stony Brook University.
