EXPERIENCE

Community Liaison for the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center (October 2024 to present)
The University of Southern Mississippi
I manage a media literacy program, along with a news 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 Howard Center executive team member, providing guidance in daily operations and offering support to full-time reporters.

Adjunct Professor for the School of Media and Communication (August 2022 to present)
The University of Southern Mississippi
I teach undergraduate classes, including Media Literacy, Multimedia Storytelling, and Digital and Social Media.

Owner-Operator (July 2017 to present)
Perch Creek Communications
I provide clients in the education and health care sectors with high-quality marketing and public relations services.

Managing Editor (July 2023 to July 2024)
Mississippi Business Journal
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 (January 2023 to October 2024)
The University of Southern Mississippi
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 (February 2022 to June 2023)
Stamats Communications
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 (May 2021 to December 2021)
Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District
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.

Adjunct Professor (August 2015 to November 2021)
William Carey University
Duties: Teaching Strategies in Learning (HUM 200).

Editor and Creative Director (February 2020 to April 2021)
Hattiesburg Publishing
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 (June 2019 to January 2020)
United Way of South Mississippi and Gulf Coast Community Foundation
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 (July 2017 to March 2019)
Munn Enterprises and Munn Outdoor Advertising
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 (April 2016 to July 2017)
Merchants Foodservice
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 (August 2015 to November 2021)
William Carey University
I taught Strategies in Learning, a freshman-level time management and study skills course.

Director of Media Relations and Marketing (December 2011 to April 2016)
William Carey University
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 (December 2005 to December 2011)
Southwest Publishers
I wrote a weekly community news column and served as a general assignment reporter for The Daily Leader.

EDUCATION

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)

HONORS

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)

CURRENT SERVICE

President of the Board of Directors, Innova Preparatory School

PAST SERVICE

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

PUBLICATIONS

Contributing Author, Memories of Lincoln County (Outskirts Press, 2020)
Primary Author, William Carey University: Celebrating 125 Years (Arcadia Publishing, 2017)

SKILLS

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

REFERENCES

Available upon request