Resume

  • I am an award-winning communicator with a background in journalism, marketing, and public relations. Skilled in media management, content strategy, and audience engagement, I have led projects that inform and inspire. In higher education, I have taught media literacy and digital communication, mentoring students in essential skills. Passionate about innovation, I strive to create meaningful and effective messaging.

  • Community Liaison
    Roy Howard Community Journalism Center
    The University of Southern Mississippi
    October 2024 to present

    I manage a media literacy program, along with a fact-checking hotline, across 10 counties in south Mississippi while also overseeing digital programming, public events, and student staff members. Additionally, I serve as a center executive team member, providing support in daily operations and offering guidance to full-time reporters.

    Adjunct Professor
    School of Media and Communication
    The University of Southern Mississippi
    August 2022 to present

    I teach undergraduate classes, including Media Literacy, Multimedia Storytelling, and Digital and Social Media.

    Owner-Operator
    Perch Creek Communications
    July 2017 to present

    I provide clients in the education and health care sectors with high-quality marketing and public relations services.

    Managing Editor
    Mississippi Business Journal
    July 2023 to July 2024

    I managed the daily operations of the largest business journal in the state. In addition to editing and writing content, I also served as creative director, supervised staff, and directed audience engagement efforts and digital strategies.

    Strategic Communication Advisor for Student Media
    The University of Southern Mississippi
    January 2023 to October 2024

    I advised the Strategic Communication Division of the Southern Miss Student Media Center, including student staffers on the digital, public relations, and sales teams. I also managed business operations and assisted with editorial advising.

    Senior Digital Writer
    Stamats Communications
    February 2022 to June 2023

    I wrote engaging digital content for clients in the health care and higher education sectors. Additionally, I assisted in the management of complex projects, including content audits and website redesigns.

    Regional Career Navigator
    Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District
    May 2021 to December 2021

    I managed a federally funded workforce development program across multiple counties in Mississippi. I was responsible for program outreach while also recruiting participants and serving as their educational and career mentor.

    Editor and Creative Director
    Hattiesburg Publishing
    February 2020 to April 2021

    I wrote content for and designed the pages of The Pine Belt News and Signature Magazine. I hired and supervised staff, created news budgets and edition themes, and managed social media and web channels.

    Director of Marketing and Communications
    United Way of South Mississippi
    Gulf Coast Community Foundation
    June 2019 to January 2020

    I managed fundraising and marketing initiatives for the two organizations while also serving as their spokesperson. In this role, I also served as a member of the local disaster communication and response team.

    Art and Marketing Director
    Munn Enterprises
    Munn Outdoor Advertising
    July 2017 to March 2019

    I created innovative marketing communications for the two companies while also identifying, targeting, and providing solutions to select major accounts. I also oversaw a three-person art creation team.

    Marketing Coordinator
    Merchants Foodservice
    April 2016 to July 2017

    I designed and distributed marketing communications while also managing events and media relations. Additionally, I supervised a $7 million marketing budget and planned, implemented, and evaluated sales promotions.

    Adjunct Professor
    William Carey University
    August 2015 to November 2021

    I taught Strategies in Learning, a freshman-level time management and study skills course.

    Director of Media Relations and Marketing
    William Carey University
    December 2011 to April 2016

    I wrote and distributed press releases, served as the university photographer, counseled the president on media and public relations, managed branding and social media, designed and placed advertisements, and advised The Cobbler student newspaper.

    Columnist and Staff Writer
    Southwest Publishers
    December 2005 to December 2011

    I wrote a weekly community news column and served as a general assignment reporter for The Daily Leader.

    • Graduate Certificate in Economic Development, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2022 (4.0 GPA)

    • Master of Business Administration, William Carey University, 2014 (3.5 GPA)

    • Bachelor of Science in Social Science and English, William Carey University, 2012 (3.8 GPA)

    • Associate in Arts, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, 2010 (3.8 GPA)

    • First Place Awards, Magazine Feature and Investigative Journalism, Mississippi Press Association, 2021

    • Professional Promise Award, Public Relations Association of Mississippi Pine Belt Chapter, 2015

    • “Top 20 Under 40” List, Hattiesburg American, 2015

    • Chair of the Board of Directors, Innova Preparatory School

    • Marketing Chair and Treasurer, Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Association and Walthall Foundation

    • Marketing and Events Committee, United Way of Southeast Mississippi

    • Executive Committee, NAMI Mississippi Pine Belt Chapter

    • Founder and President, William Carey University Pine Belt Alumni Chapter

    • Secretary, Public Relations Association of Mississippi

    • Secretary, Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center

    • President, Acadia Oaks Homeowners Association

    • President, Public Relations Association of Mississippi Pine Belt Chapter

    • Vice President, College Public Relations Association of Mississippi

    • Contributing Author, Memories of Lincoln County — Outskirts Press, 2020

    • Primary Author, William Carey University: Celebrating 125 Years — Arcadia Publishing, 2017

    • Community, Media, and Public Relations

    • Content Editing, Strategy, and Writing

    • Digital and Traditional Marketing

    • Graphic Design and Pagination

    • Project Management and Training

    • Social Media and Website Management

  • Professional references are available upon request.