Ben Hill
Nashville,TN
Summary
Dynamic and seasoned communications executive with a proven track record of 20 years in high-stakes communication, excelling in compelling narrative development, effective team collaboration and proven ability to build new client relationships. Renowned for delivering engaging work under tight deadlines, leveraging data-driven research approaches to produce award-winning results with high ROI. Skilled in professional networking enhancing client engagement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
Tennessee Secretary of State
Nashville, TN
12.2025 - Current
- Provide strategic insight and recommendations to Secretary of State on messaging with a strong emphasis on issues regarding elections, businesses, libraries, and other issues of state and national interest.
- Manage the Deputy Communications Director and the Creative Media Producer while setting priorities on a daily basis and following through to ensure the objectives are met.
- Write and/or delegate the writing of news releases, reports, social media posts, and other publications.
- Provide advice and counsel for internal and external publications produced within the state department.
- Serve as the primary media contact for the department of state by handling media inquiries and coordinating interviews.
- Write and distribute speeches, presentations, op-ed pieces, trade journal publications, and any other documents as needed.
- Plan news conferences and media events as needed to inform the public of the department’s activities and impact on Tennessee.
- Coordinate meetings with media outlets to communicate information about the role of the state department.
- Plan and execute small and large-scale events involving multiple stakeholders to support key office initiatives and programs.
- Assist members of the media in facilitating public records requests.
- Work with all divisions on improving internal communications.
- Oversee implementation of the departmental media strategy (traditional and new media).
Communications Executive
NewsChannel 5
Nashville, TN
10.2020 - 11.2025
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Established relationships with key partners and vendors to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Led strategic planning sessions to align news coverage with audience interests.
- Reviewed and evaluated notes on news events to extract relevant details.
- Oversaw recruitment and training of new editorial staff for optimal performance.
- Engaged in strategic editor dialogues to ensure alignment on objectives.
- Fostered collaboration between production staff and technical teams.
- Prepared comprehensive reports for use in broadcasts and online platforms.
- Delivered reliable, in-depth coverage under tight deadlines.
- Evaluated information from multiple sources for accurate dissemination.
- Participated in community events and speaking engagements to promote initiatives.
Communications Executive
WTHR
Indianapolis, IN
10.2016 - 09.2020
- As the newsroom leader, I led in-depth discussions on content strategies during pre- and post-production planning.
- Gathered information and developed perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews and observation.
- Provided feedback on colleagues' performances during post-production reviews.
- Evaluated potential stories based on relevance and timeliness before selecting those that will be covered by the station.
- Led creative brainstorming sessions with professionals to develop exciting, informative content.
- Regularly engaged with multiple media platforms to stay informed on relevant issues.
Communications Executive
Fox Carolina
Greenville, SC
09.2013 - 09.2016
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance viewer engagement initiatives.
- Served as an ambassador for the station through community outreach activities.
- Developed relationships with key contacts in order to stay up-to-date on breaking news stories.
- Cultivated relationships with sources and key figures in local area to reliably produce top-notch news coverage.
- Provided live commentary during remote broadcasts or appearances at public events.
- Assisted with promotional activities such as creating ads for radio and TV spots or writing copy for print publications.
- Conducted interviews with individuals relevant to the news story.
- Created tightly written news stories crafted from reliable sources.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY05-2010
Skills
- Compelling narrative development
- Engaging presentations
- Networking proficiency
- Award-winning communication
- Research methodologies
- Collaborative teamwork
- Effective prioritization
- Strategic planning
- Problem-solving analysis
- Fostering client relationships
Accomplishments
- 3 Time 'Emmy' Award Winner
- TN Association of Broadcasters Winner
- Indianapolis 'Best and Brightest' Award Winner
Timeline
Director of Communications
Tennessee Secretary of State
12.2025 - Current
Communications Executive
NewsChannel 5
10.2020 - 11.2025
Communications Executive
WTHR
10.2016 - 09.2020
Communications Executive
Fox Carolina
09.2013 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Western Kentucky University