Gary Leftwich Email & Phone Number

Douglasville, Georgia

Implemented a strategy of diverse reporting, including government, crime and trends news, as well as an increase in feature stories to increase web and social media engagement.

South Fulton, Georgia, United States

• Accomplished a 20% surge in story placements by skillfully cultivating and broadening media relationships, showcasing adeptness in networking and communication.• Executed a comprehensive digital media audit, strategically leveraging insights to drive audience growth and engagement.• Successfully initiated brand identity protocol and new city logo development, accompanied by a website refresh that led to a notable 16% surge in visitor traffic.• Orchestrated and executed internal communication initiatives, ensuring staff members are well-informed and engaged in line with organizational objectives.

Carrollton, Ga

* Created comprehensive public relations strategies aligned with the company's goals, target audience, and brand image.* Planned, coordinated, and oversaw writing and PR campaigns from inception to completion, ensuring effective messaging, content quality, and consistent branding.* Interacted with clients to understand their PR needs, provide strategic recommendations, and maintain strong client relationships.* Identified opportunities for business growth, led new client acquisitions, and fostered partnerships to expand the company's client base and enhance its market presence.

Carrollton, Ga.

* Devised and executed a comprehensive communication and media strategy catering to diverse stakeholders, which encompassed a student body of 13,700 individuals and an alumni network of 60,000 members.* Collaborated with senior leadership to formulate executive communication strategy and efficiently managed presidential communication responsibilities, encompassing tasks such as speechwriting.* Generated testimonial and alumni success articles for the advancement team while concurrently expanding media relations, yielding a notable 25% upsurge in placements.* Successfully established a robust social media program that led to achieving top-three engagement within the University System of Georgia, and actively represented UWG across multiple community boards and projects.

Carrollton, Ga.

* Developed and executed an acclaimed corporate communication program for a 7,000-employee company spanning 35 communities, resulting in enhanced organizational cohesion and visibility.* Orchestrated comprehensive communication strategies encompassing internal, external, crisis, and executive channels, utilizing mediums such as news releases, articles, speeches, presentations, newsletters, emails, and other effective tools.* Collaborated with environmental staff to craft annual sustainability reports while also formulating crisis communication directives, ensuring swift and efficient handling of potentially contentious news stories.* Led tactful communication campaigns addressing environmental concerns, workforce restructuring, plant closures, and acquisitions, while also overseeing media training with Jackson Spalding, imparting advanced media relations and interview proficiencies to senior leadership.

Atlanta, Ga.

* Cultivated and maintained relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to secure positive media coverage for the organization.* Developed compelling press releases, articles, speeches, and other communication materials that effectively conveyed key messages and enhanced the company's image.* Responded promptly and effectively to negative situations or crises, crafting strategic communication plans to manage and mitigate potential damage to the organization's reputation.* Managed and curated the organization's social media presence, creating engaging content, responding to comments, and monitoring online conversations to uphold a positive online image.

Newnan, Ga.

* Researched, wrote, and edited high-quality articles, blog posts, or other written materials in accordance with the publication's style and guidelines.* Ensured accuracy, consistency, and proper grammar in all written content through rigorous fact-checking and thorough proofreading.* Worked closely with other team members, such as senior editors, designers, and photographers, to coordinate and enhance the overall quality of published content.* Brainstormed and pitched creative and engaging story ideas that align with the publication's target audience and editorial direction.

Master'S Degree, Journalism, 3.4

Activities and Societies: Worked as a graduate research and teaching assistant, helping with class lectures, assignments and faculty.

Bachelor'S Degree, Mass Communication/Media Studies, 4.0

Activities and Societies: Edited the West Georgian student newspaper. Joined the Society of Professional Journalists. Earned the 1990.

Associate'S Degree, Journalism, 3.3