Communications Division

The Communications Division works under the Office of the Village Manager and is the division responsible for the Village's communication efforts.  The Communications Division connects, engages and unites the community through creative, accurate and innovative communication that enhances the Village’s brand. The division oversees the Village’s communication strategies including digital content, website development, social media outreach and management, creative services, photography and videography.

Communications Manager

Michelle Hammontree, CPC, M.S.

Michelle Hammontree established centralized-communication offices for two Miami-Dade County municipalities. She was the first Communications Director at the City of Sweetwater, and two years later became the first Communications Manager at the Village of Pinecrest - where she currently works. Michelle has worked closely with elected officials and municipalities both as a reporter and staffer for the past 20 years. She intuitively makes connections with key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Ms. Hammontree is experienced in emergency and crisis operations and holds Advanced Public Information Officer FEMA certification. Additionally, she is one of 200 public communicators in the nation to be accredited by the Texas Christian University Certified Public Communicator (CPC) program.

Michelle began her communications career at Univision Online when it was a start-up in 2000. Helping the dot-com launch and grow was her introduction to digital media content production, and the catalyst that set Ms. Hammontree on her path toward compelling and creative storytelling.

In 2005, Ms. Hammontree began working as a freelance writer for the Miami Herald where she wrote about topics that include tow-truck pirates, snarky municipal leaders, and heartfelt features about loss, success and effectuating change. Passionate about storytelling, she is not only well-versed in writing but is also a photographer, videographer and multimedia editor.