The Optical Society has recruited Tracy Schario as chief external relations officer at the Washington organization of scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs.

tracy scharioShe'll handle PR for TOS' PR programs for its scientific journals, trade shows, international conferences, STEM educational outreach effort and the 2016 centennial celebration.

Previously, Schario directed advocacy for the clean energy portfolio at Pew Charitable Trusts and served as spokesperson for George Washington University.

She also had stints at Strategic Communications Group, community relations manager at the American embassy in the Philippines and government relations staffer at National Utility Contractors Association.

Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of TOS, said, "Promoting and educating audiences on the essential role optics and photonics plays in helping solve real world challenges will be a core goal during the upcoming centennial year."