About

Janell J. Lewis Ford has been the Executive Director of Communications for the City of Killeen since July 2021.

She has a nearly 20-year background in broadcast news media and she’s a three-time Emmy nominee. She has also taught on the elementary, junior high school and collegiate level as a journalism professor.

Janell has worked as a Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Military at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin; Assistant News Director for an ABC/Fox affiliate; and a producer for NBC and CBS news affiliates across the country.

She has volunteered and held several positions on national and local boards, including the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the Society of Professional Journalists, the NAACP, the Urban League, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Order of the Eastern Stars, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), the Garinger Education Foundation, the Young Professionals, United Way, the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), the American Red Cross/Service to Armed Forces, Military and Civilian Spouses’ Club, Family Readiness Groups, Valley Rescue Mission, Feeding the Valley, Forever Baltimore!, JanellJay Media LLC, as well as other non-profits organizations.

Janell has been appointed by U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop to serve on various committees, and appointed by a Georgia mayor to serve on the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity.

Janell has interviewed the likes of Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, among others and has been awarded a “Top 5 Under 40” honor from three, different organizations.

Janell is currently responsible for all marketing and communications for the City of Killeen, especially in the digital and social media arena by integrating a multimedia skillset. Her job entails managing the City of Killeen’s website (www.KilleenTexas.gov), all social media platforms, advertising/promotion, and she acts as a Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Killeen.

Janell is married to Maj. Gregory Ford, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army, and has three children. Her parents also both served in the military.