Castaldi leaving her county PR post

Adrienne Packer

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002 | 9:46 a.m.

Clark County Public Communications Director Gwen Castaldi announced her resignation Wednesday, just six months after the former television news anchor was appointed to the administrative position.

Castaldi, who made about $99,500 a year, was hired by Clark County Manager Thom Reilly in August. She began her job Oct. 1.

Castaldi, a former news director at KVVU Channel 5 and a reporter, anchor and producer for KVBC Channel 3, for 17 years, said the public information position wasn't the "right fit" for her.

"I want to take my media knowledge and utilize it in a different venue," Castaldi said. "I'm not going to stay in a job because it's good pay or good benefits when my heart is not into it."

Castaldi said she plans to focus on her media company, Eyespeakmedia, Inc., which she set aside when she accepted Reilly's appointment. Her company helps coach and train people in media relations.

Although she announced her resignation Wednesday, Castaldi said she will continue working in the public communications office for at least two weeks and perhaps as long as a month.

"I'll stay on to finish a series of projects I'm working on," Castaldi said. "I want the projects to stay on track and to make sure the staff will carry forward."

Reilly, who will immediately begin a search for a replacement, said Castaldi said she had been mulling her options.