Natalie Williams
Director
Natalie Williams joined the City of Laurel as the Director of the Department of Communications in April 2024, following a unanimous vote by the City Council. In her role, she leads the department’s strategic vision and oversees all facets of communications, working closely with departments across the City of Laurel government.
Her early experience in television and radio equipped her with invaluable skills, paving the way for a 30-year career in the communications industry. Over the years, she has demonstrated visionary leadership and effectively developed and executed multi-layered communication strategies in the education, healthcare, entertainment, public policy, and government sectors.
Among her career highlights, Ms. Williams served as a top aide to two members of the District of Columbia City Council. There she supported the crafting of legislation, developed programs and strategic messaging to thousands of District residents. Her work in the District of Columbia also included serving as Chair of ANC8A, President of the Ward 8 Democrats, and a key member of the transition team responsible for effectively implementing the new charter for the State Board of Education.
Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for live special coverage and two Emmy nominations for news programming. She has also won the “Best in Business” award from the Public Relations Society of America. Ms. Williams has been featured in the Washington DC edition of the “Who’s Who” publication and has appeared as a commentator on local news programs discussing political affairs.
Contact Natalie at [email protected] or call 301-725-5300 x2208.
Joyce Jackson
Deputy Director
Joyce Jackson is the Deputy Director of the Department of Communications. She manages the day to day operations of Laurel TV, including working with the reporting staff, and overseeing the technical aspects of Laurel TV productions. Joyce is an Emmy Award winning Sports Journalist and 6 time Telly Award Winner. She is the main point of contact for those seeking memberships with Laurel TV, especially content creators looking for an outlet to broadcast their work.
Contact Joyce at [email protected] or call 301-725-5300 x2106.
Char Freedberg
Technical Production Manager
Char Freedberg joined Laurel TV in May 2023 as a production assistant. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2022 and worked at a variety of journalistic publications, including the PBS NewsHour, Washington Jewish Week, and Voice of America’s Student Union. In her free time, Char likes to watch anime, voice act for some YouTube channels, sleep, sing, dance, act, and watch TV.
Carmen Cano
Social Media Specialist
Carmen Cano is the Social Media Specialist for the Communications Department. Hailing from Ohio, Carmen ran the social media for Ohio’s largest free art and music festival and was excited for the opportunity to move the DMV and work with Laurel TV. You’ll see her snapping pictures around town and at events, so make sure you say ‘Hi!’