John Byczek Email & Phone Number

• Lead the development and implementation of communications strategies and plans around public and media relations, organizational communications, community relations, corporate giving, and proactive and reactive crisis.
• Responsible for public relations efforts for 60+ stores across seven states and 28 media markets
• Actively monitor Academy's media coverage, as well as competitor, vendor and local/regional news stories, to quickly capitalize on positive PR opportunities and/or to defuse unfavorable press
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups, including executive committee, legal, regional colleagues and agency partners, to draft and ultimately release accurate and timely statements in response to crisis situations
• Media train company spokespeople, providing best practices and ensuring policies are understood
• Serve as company spokesperson and subject matter expert

Houston, Texas Area

• Execute earned media, public relations and community relations plans around key marketing campaigns to promote brand image, increase awareness and drive sales
• Draft, edit and distribute press releases, media advisories and story ideas to media
• Craft talking points and internal communications for Academy spokespeople and team members
• Build media lists and cultivate relationships with local, national and industry media, corporate partners, agency partners and social media influencers
• Document and report media coverage to stakeholders daily

Glendora, CA

• Planned and executed earned media efforts, including press conferences, media tours and interviews promoting 16+ national events
• Served as company spokesperson and subject matter expert
• Assisted with crisis communications and protected sensitive and confidential information
• Composed corporate and event-specific press releases, media advisories, recaps and news articles
• Worked with cross-functional groups to conduct marketing activations at events across the nation
• Fostered relationships with drivers, races teams, community leaders, and local and national media

Austin, TX

• Wrote original press releases, sidebars and feature profiles for TexasSports.com, Texas Media Guides and other University of Texas publications
• Monitored, tracked and reported critical media coverage
• Staffed press conferences and interviewed student-athletes and notable Texas alumni
• Served as a Big 12 Campus Correspondent and composed articles for Big12sports.com