Hi, I’m
Chonie Sharper
Summary
Dynamic marketing and communications professional with 10+ years of experience serving as a Media Director, Spokesperson and Ambassador for high-profile civil rights law firm and national organizations. Adept at managing press relationships, shaping narratives, and communicating effectively under pressure. Proven track record in drafting press materials, coordinating with surrogates, and maintaining strategic messaging across multiple platforms. Recognized for outstanding written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate within fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Warhawk Group
VP of Communications
01.2022 - 07.2023
Job overview
- Drafted and sent press materials including statements, press releases, and detailed backgrounders
- Planned and executed effective marketing campaigns, such as radio, billboards, and magazines
- Developed media strategies and pitched stories to local and national outlets, securing broad media coverage
- Developed and maintained relationships with national media outlets, ensuring effective messaging and positive media coverage.
Morris Brown College
VP of Fiscal Affairs
01.2019 - 01.2020
Job overview
- Managed sensitive communications with discretion, ensuring confidentiality in all aspects of work
- Supported and guided university President with effective written and verbal crisis communications and rapid responses during breaking news
- Drafted and sent press materials including statements, press releases, and detailed backgrounders
- Developed and maintained relationships with national media outlets, ensuring effective messaging and positive media coverage.
iCare Financial
Media Relations Ambassador
04.2012 - 09.2015
Job overview
- Acted as the primary spokesperson, handling all press inquiries and providing on-the-record statements
- Drafted speeches, press releases, and talking points for media appearances and public events
- Developed media strategies and pitched stories to local and national outlets, securing broad media coverage
- Coordinated media appearances and briefings, ensuring consistency in messaging and maintaining relationships with key reporters
- Managed sensitive communications with discretion, ensuring confidentiality in all aspects of work.
The Women’s Trial Group
Director of Communications
05.2008 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Served as spokesperson for multiple national campaigns regarding civil rights violations and legal issues on behalf of the law firm
- Wrote and scripted several public service announcement ads
- Filmed public service announcement ads on behalf of the law firm
- Planned and executed effective marketing campaigns, such as radio, billboards, and magazines
- Developed media strategies and pitched stories to local and national outlets, securing broad media coverage
- Developed and maintained relationships with national media outlets, ensuring effective messaging and positive media coverage
- Worked with national and local media reporters, including as an on-the-record spokesperson
- Drafted and sent press materials including statements, memos, reporter notes, press releases, and background for the media, as well as managed appropriate internal clearances for press materials
- Coordinated with surrogates, media, key organizations, and other prominent voices, to manage and create compelling stories and narratives
- Provided internal guidance and updates to attorneys and staff on breaking news stories regarding our legal cases
- Proactively monitored and tracked emerging press narratives and prepared effective written and verbal communications
- Collaborated with civil rights attorneys and other team members on additional projects, as needed
- Managed sensitive communications with discretion, ensuring confidentiality in all aspects of work.
Florida Civil Rights Association
Asst. Secretary of Finance
05.2007 - 03.2011
Job overview
- Lead fundraising campaigns on behalf of the organization
- Coordinated media briefings and meetings
- Drafted, proofread & edited campaign speeches
- Helped develop compelling press releases and other written communication media materials
- Attended political campaign events and media events to record and provide detailed reports for future reference.
Education
Nova Southeastern University
MBA in Finance & Pre-Law
05-2010
Warner Southern University
BA in Organizational Change Management
12-2003
Skills
- Media Relations
- Press Management & Press Releases
- Outstanding Written & Verbal Communications
- Media Materials Development
- Public Speaking
- Spokesperson
- On-the-Record Experience
- Crisis Communication & Rapid Response
- Strategic Messaging
- Compelling Narrative Building
- Cross-Team Collaboration
- Organizational Leadership
- Discretion & Confidentiality
Accomplishments
Worked with Bishop Reginald T. Jackson to help Morris Brown College regain full accreditation after 20 years.
Timeline
VP of Communications
Warhawk Group
01.2022 - 07.2023
VP of Fiscal Affairs
Morris Brown College
01.2019 - 01.2020
Media Relations Ambassador
iCare Financial
04.2012 - 09.2015
Director of Communications
The Women’s Trial Group
05.2008 - 03.2012
Asst. Secretary of Finance
Florida Civil Rights Association
05.2007 - 03.2011
Nova Southeastern University
MBA in Finance & Pre-Law
Warner Southern University
BA in Organizational Change Management
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