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Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated two communications professionals whose work helps guide schools through crises and captures everyday moments across the division.

Director of Communications Beth Visioli and photographic specialist Karen Bolt were recognized at the 2024 FCPS Honors ceremony as outstanding nonschool-based employees. Their work was highlighted for School Communicators Day on May 9, 2025.

Visioli, named Outstanding Nonschool-Based Leader, joined FCPS in 2015 after 12 years with Inova Health System. Drawn to mission-focused organizations, she works to promote the purpose of public education and support the employees who carry it out.

Her leadership centers on listening, helping staff develop their skills and building trusted relationships across the school division. Those relationships become especially important when a school faces a crisis.

Senior communications manager Tracey Wynne said Visioli is often among the first people principals call in difficult situations. She responds calmly, gathers the necessary information, prepares messages and recommends next steps with care, Wynne said.

In one instance, Visioli left a meeting and drove 30 minutes to assist a principal at a school. Days later, she followed up with a handwritten note.

A principal described her as “a calm voice in a storm” and a trusted partner who helps schools communicate with families while continuing their daily operations.

Bolt, the 2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee, was recognized for photography that has become part of FCPS’ public identity.

Her images document students learning and enjoying school, educators connecting with their classes and staff members taking pride in their work. Fairfax Academy administrator Andrea Cook said Bolt makes participants comfortable during shoots, joking that they “always feel like Beyoncé.”

Employee programs specialist Shelli Wayland said Bolt’s photographs show people throughout the school community finding a place to belong, from a reserved student gaining confidence with a teacher’s support to chorus members performing together and a custodian taking pride in an essential job.

Bolt also looks beyond the requested photograph to identify the larger message a scene can convey. Her assignments frequently produce additional ideas for positive stories about FCPS.

Wayland described her as a flexible and passionate storyteller who looks past staged poses and forced expressions. By focusing on authentic relationships, personal victories and candid moments, Bolt portrays the experiences and connections that shape the FCPS community.