Director Of Public Information

• May 2019 - Present

Director of External Affairs/Public Information

• May 2008 - Jan 2019

• Developed State of Mississippi communications strategies, messaging, and plans for executive leadership.• Served as spokesperson for the state of Mississippi and Government Affairs liaison to local, state and federal officials. • Directed and produced all aspects of media/public relations products to include news releases, talking points, public service announcements, congressional testimony and other internal/external publications. o Supervised Agency staff and coordinated/managed joint information with communications staff of all state agencies Evaluated and analyzed Agency and state communications and implemented improved best practices.o Supervised, developed and assigned tasks to produce diverse Agency materials and products.o Developed communication and correspondence policies with regards to public inquiries, freedom of information requests, and message distribution.o Managed budgetary resources of state and federal funds.o Managed social media platforms and website. Expanded social media channels to more than 130,000 followers. Redesigned Agency Website, launched first agency mobile app.o Developed brand marketing of the agency in both public and private sectors.o Developed plans to inform, educate, and orient staff, elected officials, government officials, interested groups, and the public about the value of the Agency’s mission and operations.o Developed statewide campaign for children. o Developed and maintained contact lists for external stakeholders to include the media, state, federal and private sector contacts.o Served as primary liaison between external partners and emergency management. o Conference coordinator and planner for 500+ attendees.• Recognized for work in 27 presidentially declared disasters, including the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii volcano eruption, and events in Florida, Iowa, Kentucky and New Jersey.

Senior News Reporter

• Jan 2002 - May 2008

Sports Anchor/Reporter

• Dec 1994 - Jan 2002