David Ford
Panama City,FL
Summary
With over 20 years of experience in sports public relations, public affairs, and journalism, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. As a creative and effective communications professional, my ability to deliver impactful messages across various platforms and audiences is unparalleled. Currently, I hold positions as a public affairs specialist at Cherokee Nation Businesses and as a member of the NFL game day staff for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Beyond my communications prowess, I am also a certified life coach and a published book author and editor. My passion lies in helping others achieve their personal and professional goals, utilizing my motivational speaking and writing skills to inspire and empower them. Holding a master's degree in sport management from the United States Sports Academy, I possess a strong background in covering and coordinating media for esteemed organizations such as the NFL, NHL, and NCAA. Always eager to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and raise the bar of performance, I am committed to delivering exceptional results in any endeavor I undertake.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Podcast Host
Freelance
05.2024 - Current
- Manage social media accounts to promote new episodes and engage with the podcast community effectively.
- Craft engaging show notes to accompany each episode release, providing additional context and resources for listeners.
- Improve audience retention by consistently delivering informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking content.
- Edit episodes using professional audio software to maintain optimal sound quality throughout each recording.
Author & Editor
Freelance
08.2023 - Current
- Gathered inspiration from personal experiences or current events to create relatable and thought-provoking content.
- Wrote, edited, and published three solo book projects in 11 months in addition to writing and editing content for a separate book project.
- Built a loyal following through engaging author-reader interactions at book signings, speaking engagements or online platforms.
- Enhanced manuscript quality through meticulous editing, proofreading, and revising for clarity and readability.
NFL Game Day Communications Staff
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10.2021 - Current
- Serve all game day needs for national and local media including, but not limited to: gathering, transcribing and disseminating postgame quotes for home and opposing players and coaches, construction and dissemination of stat packs and media vest checkout.
Public Affairs Specialist
Cherokee Nation Businesses
06.2019 - Current
- Responsible for serving the print communication, social media and photographic needs of the members of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center-Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, as well as the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center-San Antonio, Texas.
Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
A Crawford Mosley High School
08.2019 - 02.2021
- With the guidance and leadership of then-head coach Mike Memmen, helped lead the program to a record-setting 17-game winning streak en route to a 21-6 record and second of three consecutive FHSAA State Playoff appearances (2019-20)
- After returning for a second straight season, helped guide the program to its second district championship in three years and an appearance in the Sweet 16 round of the FHSAA State Playoffs (2020-21).
Social Studies Teacher
North Bay Haven Charter Academy
07.2018 - 05.2019
- Readily served as a middle school Social Studies and Broadcasting teacher
- Also served as a member of the varsity football coaching staff, assistant coach of the varsity boys basketball team and head coach of the JV boys basketball team.
ELA Middle School Instructor/ESE Paraprofessional
North Bay Haven Charter Academy
07.2016 - 05.2017
- Entered the school year as the high school ESE support contact for up to 12 students in a variety of classroom subjects
- Various responsibilities also included serving as a standardized test proctor and as a substitute teacher
- Shortly thereafter, was hired as the seventh grade ELA Intensive instructor for the remainder of the school year.
Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach/Head JV Boys Basketball Coach
A Crawford Mosley High School
10.2016 - 02.2017
- Served as assistant bench coach for the varsity program's 18-11 season, which culminated in a first-round state playoff game in Tallahassee
- Also led the JV squad to a .500 record in a season that saw several members of the roster get promoted to varsity.
ESE Paraprofessional
Holley-Navarre Primary School
07.2015 - 06.2016
- Served as a first-year ESE Paraprofessional at one of the highest-rated schools in Santa Rosa County, as well as an A-Plus School that ranks inside the top three annually for overall quality of education in the state of Florida.
Social Studies Teacher; Physical Education Teacher; ELA Teacher; Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Lighthouse Private Christian Academy
01.2013 - 05.2015
- Served as a middle school education instructor specializing in Language Arts and Social Studies
- Also worked as a grant writer, physical education teacher, and head varsity boys basketball coach.
Host of "The Morning Wrap"
The Ticket Sports Network
04.2013 - 01.2014
- Served as host of "The Morning Wrap", a topical morning talk show that discussed current issues in both collegiate and professional sports, as well as pop culture.
NFL writer
Football.com
05.2013 - 07.2013
- Served as the beat writer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2013 NFL season.
Sports Editor
The Knoxville Journal
03.2007 - 01.2012
- Rebranded the sports section to compete for Knoxville's highest readership within weeks of accepting the position
- Exerted complete editorial control over 10 articles per week, overseeing every aspect of the writing, editing and photographic elements.
Media Coordinator
The First Tee
02.2003 - 05.2003
- Formulated and disseminated media collateral for the World Golf Foundation initiative, articulating its mission of impacting the lives of young people by promoting character-development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
Communications Intern
Jacksonville Jaguars
07.2002 - 01.2003
- Revitalized and polished Jaguars Game Day magazine with top-notch feature coverage
- Wrote and distributed press releases and media content for local and national media outlets.
Sports Information Director/Intern
University of South Florida
01.2001 - 05.2002
- Under the mentorship of NFL Hall of Fame member and then-USF Director of Athletics, the late Lee Roy Selmon, streamlined communication efforts for the women's volleyball, men's basketball and football teams.
Assistant Sports Editor
The Oracle, USF daily newspaper
08.1999 - 01.2001
- Delivered 5-8 stories per week for the USF daily newspaper
- Led authoritative sports coverage with careful attention to game facts, stats and predictions.
Communications Intern
Tampa Bay Lightning
01.2000 - 02.2000
- Provided administrative support to senior team members during one-month holiday internship
- Wrote and distributed press releases and media content for clients and the organization.
Sports Stringer/Correspondent
The Tampa Tribune
06.1996 - 08.1999
Sports Correspondent
Tampa Bay Times
05.1995 - 08.1995
Education
Master of Science - Sports Management
United States Sports Academy
Daphne, AL01.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Public and Cultural Communication
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL01.2002
Skills
- Editorial Process
- Digital Publishing
- Content Management
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Editorial
- Journalism
- Digital Media
- Digital Signage
Certification
- Life Coach
- Athlete Marketing Essentials: NIL Certification
Publications
- Show Up For YOU: Daily Motivation for the Grind Called Life
- Anthills in the Outfield: A Big Dreamer in a Small Town
- What's Next?
- Sole Searching
- Jaguars Game Day Magazine
Additional Information
Media Coordinator, The First Tee
St. Augustine, Florida, United States
February 2003 - May 2003
- Formulated and disseminated media collateral for the World Golf Foundation initiative, articulating its mission of impacting the lives of young people by promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
Communications Intern, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
July 2002 - January 2003
- Revitalized and polished Jaguars Game Day magazine with top-notch feature coverage.
- Wrote and distributed press releases and media content for local and national media outlets.
Sports Information Director/Intern, University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
January 2001 - May 2002
- Under the mentorship of NFL Hall of Fame member and then-USF Director of Athletics, the late Lee Roy Selmon, streamlined communication efforts for the women's volleyball, men's basketball, and football teams.
Assistant Sports Editor, The Oracle
Tampa, Florida, United States
August 1999 - January 2001
- Delivered 5-8 stories per week for the USF daily newspaper.
- Led authoritative sports coverage with careful attention to game facts, statistics, and predictions.
Communications Intern, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa, Florida, United States
January 2000 - February 2000
- Provided administrative support to senior team members during a one-month holiday internship.
- Wrote and distributed press releases and media content for clients and the organization.
Timeline
Podcast Host
Freelance
05.2024 - Current
Author & Editor
Freelance
08.2023 - Current
NFL Game Day Communications Staff
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10.2021 - Current
Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
A Crawford Mosley High School
08.2019 - 02.2021
Public Affairs Specialist
Cherokee Nation Businesses
06.2019 - Current
Social Studies Teacher
North Bay Haven Charter Academy
07.2018 - 05.2019
Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach/Head JV Boys Basketball Coach
A Crawford Mosley High School
10.2016 - 02.2017
ELA Middle School Instructor/ESE Paraprofessional
North Bay Haven Charter Academy
07.2016 - 05.2017
ESE Paraprofessional
Holley-Navarre Primary School
07.2015 - 06.2016
NFL writer
Football.com
05.2013 - 07.2013
Host of "The Morning Wrap"
The Ticket Sports Network
04.2013 - 01.2014
Social Studies Teacher; Physical Education Teacher; ELA Teacher; Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Lighthouse Private Christian Academy
01.2013 - 05.2015
Sports Editor
The Knoxville Journal
03.2007 - 01.2012
Media Coordinator
The First Tee
02.2003 - 05.2003
Communications Intern
Jacksonville Jaguars
07.2002 - 01.2003
Sports Information Director/Intern
University of South Florida
01.2001 - 05.2002
Communications Intern
Tampa Bay Lightning
01.2000 - 02.2000
Assistant Sports Editor
The Oracle, USF daily newspaper
08.1999 - 01.2001
Sports Stringer/Correspondent
The Tampa Tribune
06.1996 - 08.1999
Sports Correspondent
Tampa Bay Times
05.1995 - 08.1995
Master of Science - Sports Management
United States Sports Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Public and Cultural Communication
University of South Florida
- Life Coach
- Athlete Marketing Essentials: NIL Certification
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