David Schmit
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Seasoned communications expert skilled in driving business growth and client satisfaction. Strategic thinker with a client-focused approach, adept at crafting customized solutions to diverse challenges. Strong leadership and innovative strategies result in impactful communication solutions and enduring client partnerships
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
DMS Communications
06.2010 - Current
- Successfully founded and expanded DMS Communications, a leading full-service communications firm in New Orleans, serving diverse nonprofits
- Developed and executed tailored communication strategies, driving brand visibility, engagement, and ROI for clients
- Provided strong leadership to a skilled team, ensuring project success and client satisfaction
- Established and nurtured lasting relationships with clients, vendors, and partners, driving business growth
- Adapted strategies to evolving market trends, maintaining competitiveness and client relevance
Communications Director
LaToya Cantrell For Mayor
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Leading, creating and administering comprehensive communications campaign, including developing branding and messaging; coordinating media relations
- Serving as campaign spokesperson; organizing interviews and identifying media opportunities
- Supervising a social media team and implementing a strategic social media approach
- Writing and editing speeches, talking points, press statements; drafting policy issues and writing website copy
- Mayor-Elect Cantrell won in a landslide victory by more than 20 points
Communications Specialist
Broadmoor Improvement Association
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Created and coordinated all external and internal communications services including media relations, social media, website postings, newsletters
- Developing and instituting consistent messaging across all communication platforms
- Creating talking points for media interviews and providing media training for BIA representatives
Senior Writer
Gambit Weekly
05.2007 - 04.2010
- An award-winning journalist, Schmit served as Gambit's senior writer, covering federal, state and local politics; health care, New Orleans recovery from Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; crime; and city and state elections. Additionally, he wrote the paper's weekly commentary section.
Director of Children's Services
New Orleans Public Library
03.1995 - 09.2005
- Developed and implemented innovative literacy initiatives, including the Read Aloud program, fostering a love of reading and learning among children in New Orleans community
- Increased annual Summer Reading Program participation
- Expanded and curated children's collections to ensure diverse and engaging resources were readily available to young readers
- Provided leadership and support to dedicated team of staff, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment focused on delivering high-quality library services tailored to children's needs
- Advocated for importance of early literacy and library access, participating in public outreach and awareness campaigns to promote value of library services for children and families
Education
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
University of New York At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY07.1992
Bachelor of Arts - English
State University of New York At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05.1988
Skills
Dynamic Communications Leader
Strategic
Client-Centric
Innovative
Additional Information
For additional information, please refer to DMS Communications website (https://dmscommunications.net/)
Timeline
Communications Director
LaToya Cantrell For Mayor
01.2017 - 02.2018
Communications Specialist
Broadmoor Improvement Association
01.2011 - 01.2015
Owner
DMS Communications
06.2010 - Current
Senior Writer
Gambit Weekly
05.2007 - 04.2010
Director of Children's Services
New Orleans Public Library
03.1995 - 09.2005
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
University of New York At Buffalo
Bachelor of Arts - English
State University of New York At Buffalo