Jerry McKinstry is a seasoned communications executive and former journalist who has held leadership roles in news media, government, and public relations agencies where he served as a wide array of clients in higher education, banking, biotechnology, real estate, not-for-profits and economic development, among others.
Jerry has spent much of his career – as a journalist and communications professional – in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley where he is well-known and well-respected for his knowledge, understanding and strategic thinking on media and public relations.
He is currently the director of Public Affairs at Pace University where he manages much of the day-to-day media relations efforts of the University. Prior to Pace, he worked at several agencies in Westchester County. Additionally, he served as Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino’s deputy communications director where he worked closely on public policy and government initiatives.
His journalism background includes experience in newspapers, magazines, television and radio. Prior to working in public relations, Jerry was a columnist and Editorial Board member for Newsday where he was responsible for coverage areas including New York State politics and policy issues pertaining to the northern suburbs of New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Prior to Newsday, Jerry was an investigative reporter and political correspondent for The Journal News/LoHud.com where he covered county government, state affairs and politics. During his nearly 12 years with Gannett, he covered just about every beat and municipality in the region – and won several honors including an Associated Press Award.
For more than 4 years, he hosted a weekly radio talk show, The Sounding Board, on WVOX 1460 AM in New Rochelle. He was also a regular contributor to Westchester Magazine and 914Inc.
While at Gannett, Jerry was for 10 years an adjunct professor at Iona College, where he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in journalism, editing and media history.
A native of Yonkers, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Manhattan College and a Master’s of Science degree in Print and Online Journalism from Iona College. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Media and Communications Arts, with an emphasis on digital film-making, at Pace University.
He meditates daily, a practice that he has been committed for more than 15 years; tries his best at yoga (though admittedly it hurts and the easy pose is any but easy) and he loves reading about spirituality and personal growth.