Former Bermuda resident Patricia Pettit has been appointed chief communications officer for Redwood, the oldest library in continuous use in America.

Ms Pettit is known on the island for conducting the annual “Why I Am Thankful” school essay competition, named after her late husband Tom Pettit, and as the owner of marketing consultancy company Pembroke Atlantic.

A press release from Redwood Library, in Newport, Rhode Island, described her as a seasoned marketing professional with an impressive domestic and international career.

Her tasks will include helping expand the library’s offerings of lectures, exhibitions and other events, and telling its unique historical story.

In Bermuda, Ms Pettit served on the Bermuda Tourism Board, was a trustee of the Bermuda National Gallery and board member of Mount Saint Agnes Academy.