Public Relations Specialist/Clerk of the Board, 05-2019-Present

New Horizons Regional Education Centers, Hampton, VA

​

• Writes, designs, and produces all internal and external publications and content, including digital and print communications.

• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with news media at local, state, and national levels; maintains a media contact list and media coverage; answers news media queries and coordinates appropriate method/timing of responses; writes and edits public statements, media releases, and public reports involving the organization’s activities, including sensitive/confidential issues

• Produces speeches/key messages for the Executive Director and schedules interviews with media outlets and public speaking engagements.

• Produces videos promoting the organization’s services and announcements

• Manages the office's social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

• Provides information to the media and public regarding New Horizons’ programs, policies, procedures, or other issues in accordance with public records laws.

• Researches and identifies opportunities to promote organizational messaging, services, and achievements using news outlets, key constituencies, and other communications channels.

• Coordinates Annual Golf Classic to include promoting the event, securing sponsorships, and coordinating volunteers.

• Provides support to Leadership Team on internal/external communications, outreach and public affairs.

• Handles all correspondence for the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Advanced Technical Careers Council and Executive Committee.

• Serves as official recorder for all board meetings and prepares official minutes for all board meetings.

​

​

Public Relations Consultant, 10-2017 to Present

Bracy Consulting, Portsmouth, VA

​

• Develop key messages to showcase organizations as well as individual key messages for specific services for media opportunities and internal/external events.

• Advise and assist with distribution and of news releases.

• Manage social media content across platforms

• Create and manage Google Ads for clients. 

• Schedule radio and tv appearances.

• Manage speaker’s bureau for community on various services.

• Explore and develop partnerships with community organizations to increase exposure and grow business.

• Develop and foster relationship with local media

​

​

Community Liaison/Marketing Specialist (part-time), 12-2016 to 4-2018

APM Spine and Sports Physicians, Norfolk, VA

​

• Promoted APM to the community and primary care physicians with a focus on regenerative medicine.

• Developed brochures, advertisements, and other marketing materials to highlight the staff and services.

• Monitored and updated social media content to include advertisements and weekly posts.

• Developed surveys and analyzeed results for overall customer satisfaction.

• Led efforts to build referral resources for all physicians.

​

 

Corporate Communications Manager, 02-2005 to 07-2015

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. (formerly International Paper), Roanoke Rapids, NC

​

• Served as primary media spokesperson.

• Developed annual Mill Strategic Communication Planned as well as developed quarterly employee communications meetings.

• Updated and coordinated programming of internal television broadcasting system.

• Worked with regional Public Affairs Manager to foster relationship with elected officials.

• Oversaw KapStone’s corporate giving efforts in local community.

• Designed and produced correspondence reports, spreadsheets, brochures, proposals, flyers, forms, presentations, and advertisements.

• Coordinated mentoring program for high school and college students for Public Relations and/or Human Resources Careers.

• Assisted with personnel recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and placement procedures.

 

 

Community Relations Manager, 04-1998 to 01-2005

Halifax Regional Medical Center, Roanoke Rapids, NC

​

• Functioned as primary media spokesperson and provided media training for hospital administration and management team.

• Served as liaison between hospital and community, assessing community’s need for health education and support services, coordinating appropriate programs.

• Acted as Customer Service Manager, responding to and addressing customer comments, suggestions, and complaints.

• Published and edited weekly newsletter and bi-monthly community publication in addition to researching and identifying grant opportunities.

• Wrote speeches and prepped management team for public presentations.

 

 

Public Relations Coordinator, 05-1995 to 03-1998

GTE Wireless, aka Cellular One, Cary, NC

​

• Acted as key media spokesperson for Southeast area. 

• Supervised relationship with local advertising agency, including conceptual planning, layout, and design process for various advertising campaigns.

 

 

Customer Care Representative, 01-1993 to 05-1995

GTE Wireless, aka Cellular One, Cary, NC

​

• Served as liaison between the company and customers in responding to customer inquiries, educating regarding billing, and troubleshooting equipment difficulties.

• Conducted rate plan analyses.