Dana Kaminske is an award-winning communications professional with more than 29 years of experience in the public and private sectors.

Dana has been the Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Hickory, North Carolina, for 15 years, where she leads the Office of Communications in their public communications, marketing, branding and brand partnerships/events, hosting the website, guiding social media, media relations, graphic design and videography, and developing economic/business development marketing.

Before joining Hickory, Dana worked for 10 years for the second largest R.E.I.T. in the country, as a Senior Marketing Director for multi-million-dollar shopping centers. In between her two careers, she worked for a local heating and air conditioning company, providing marketing and office support.

Dana earned her Master of Science in Communication/Training and Development, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Clarion University of Pennsylvania (now named PennWest Clarion University).

She has been a member of 3CMA and NC3C since she began in government communications. She has held numerous NC3C board positions, including Past President of the organization. Her proudest achievements were winning the 2024 NC3C Communicator of the Year award and being appointed to 3CMA’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Dana serves on the Board of Advisors for the Hickory Young Professionals and is an active member of her church.

Outside of work, Dana especially enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Daniel, their “fur baby” cat, Bella, and friends. Dana believes that showing up, listening, and bringing joy to others is her greatest joy in life.