Pima Community College just announced that C.J. Karamargin, communications director for U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, was selected Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations. Karamargin was one of four candidates interviewed last month for this new position.

From PCC's press release:

Pima Community College Chancellor Dr. Roy Flores has named veteran journalist and communications professional C.J. Karamargin to be Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations, pending approval by the PCC Board of Governors.

The Board approves the hiring of all PCC employees. The Board’s next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Community/Board Room at PCC’s District Office, 4905 E. Broadway.

Since 2007, Karamargin has served as communications director for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. In that role, he served as chief spokesman for the congresswoman and her office.

Karamargin has nearly 15 years of experience in print journalism. From 2000-2006, he worked as a reporter, political columnist and editor for the Arizona Daily Star and the Tucson Citizen.

“C.J. has done a brilliant job throughout his career,” Dr. Flores said. “He brings to the College a rare combination of sensitivity to community needs, excellent communication skills, and deep knowledge of the political processes of Pima County, Arizona and Washington, D.C.”

In addition to working at newspapers in Tucson, Karamargin served as an editor and reporter at the States News Service in Washington, D.C., and was a reporter at newspapers in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Idaho.

Karamargin received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and history from the University of Connecticut. He earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Mitchell College in New London, Conn.