NEW YORK — Stephanie Smirnov, most recently an Edelman managing director, has been named Scholastic’s new executive VP and head of global corporate communications, charged with shaping and implementing the nearly century-old company’s overarching communications strategy.

Smirnov, who is based in New York, will be a key driver in using communications to promote the children’s publishing, education and media company’s mission of supporting children’s literacy.

She is charged with overseeing media relations, financial and internal communications and social media, as well as aligning Scholastic’s global message. Growing Scholastic’s reputation as a thought leader and backer of corporate initiatives such as the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and the Kids & Family Reading Report are also among her responsibilities, as is bolstering iconic brands like Clifford the Big Red Dog.

“As Scholastic looks towards its 100th anniversary, Stephanie Smirnov’s expertise will be critical in shaping our communications strategy,” said president and CEO Richard Robinson. “Her experience and stellar reputation as a branding expert place her at the forefront of today’s ever-evolving media and marketing industry. Stephanie understands the legacy of the Scholastic brand and our position as a trusted partner of educators, and I have every confidence her work will help strengthen and evolve our corporate message as we write the story of our next hundred years.”

Smirnov is replacing Kyle Good, Scholastic’s former senior VP of corporate communications, who retired in December. She brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications and brand reputation, most recently serving as managing director of Edelman’s brand practice in New York. Before that, she served as DeVries Global’s US CEO and held top communications jobs at L’Oréal USA and Donna Karan International.