Sunshine in the News

A bridesmaid of mine made the news and got a nice award--and I wanted to include it here. It talks about what an awesome gal she is! We love ya, Bri!

There’s sunshine in Puleo's smile
by WILLIAM P. CANNON / Observer-Dispatch by COURTNEY POTTS Observer-Dispatch

Brianne Puleo, Director of Community Relations for Sitrin Health Care Center, directs the filming of a commercial Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, at the facility in New Hartford. Puleo is one of the 2008 Accent on Excellence Award winners.

Brianne Puleo may take her job in public relations very seriously, but don’t let that fool you. She also has a silly side.In addition to her job as director of community relations for the Sitrin Health Care Center, Puleo, 29, also is a professional clown.

And she uses those skills in her volunteer work as well. Performing as “Sunshine the Clown,” she has donated her time to everything from cancer benefits to school events. Most recently, she appeared at a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Association.“It’s very fulfilling,” said Puleo, who has attended clown-training programs throughout the country. “If I can get someone to smile, if even for just a moment, I have done my job. It will always be a part of my life in some way.”

Another constant in Puleo’s life is her attachment to the Mohawk Valley and Central New York. A Utica native, she received her bachelor’s degree in communication arts and elementary education from Utica College, then went on to earn a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

She began her career at WKTV as a news reporter, and eventually worked as a producer and anchor. But, she said, staying in broadcast journalism eventually would have meant leaving behind her friends and family. So she decided to change careers.“It was very difficult at first because I was used to crazy hours and deadline pressure,” she said. “I also wasn’t sure what to expect when I transitioned to a nonprofit, but Sitrin has been the best of all worlds.”

In her letter of nomination, Rosemary Bonacci, Sitrin’s vice president of development and communications, praised Puleo’s work in developing the “Inside Sitrin” commercial series, and pointed out that Puleo is one of the youngest department heads in the company.“Even though she has been in position for approximately 18 months, she has managed to accomplish so much – due, in great part, to her strong work ethic,” Bonacci wrote.

When she’s not at work, clowning around or serving as an adjunct faculty member at local colleges, Puleo likes to be outdoors and spend time with her boyfriend, friends and family, she said.“I love seeing my niece and nephew grow up,” she said. “I’m also very close to my parents and sisters. They mean the world to me.”

Age: 29

HOME: Utica

FAMILY: Single

EDUCATION: Master’s in broadcast journalism from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, B.A. in communication arts/elementary education from Utica College of Syracuse University

Work: Director of community relations for Sitrin Health Care CenterExamples of community involvement: Adjunct faculty member at Utica College and SUNYIT, mentor for college students, clown

Favorite place in the Mohawk Valley: My home

Favorite local restaurant: Red Lobster

Favorite movie: “White Christmas”

Favorite TV watching: News, movies

Favorite quotation: “Everyone smiles in the same language.”

What would you do to help improve the Mohawk Valley? “Encourage young people to stay here and take advantage of the many opportunities in this area.”