Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

GARY LEFTWICH

Summary

Communications director possessing 25 years of experience in developing communications strategies in the public and private sectors. Developed and implemented successful strategies across traditional and digital media. Trained expert in crisis communication and media relations with more than 50 contacts in the metro Atlanta area. Proven ability to work in a team environment, thriving on collaboration at all levels. Committed to professional development for myself and my team.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Staff Writer

Douglas County Sentinel
Douglasville, GA
03.2024 - Current
  • Research and write a variety of stories that have increased social media engagement by 10%.
  • Support social media strategy by evaluating and posting content.

Director of Communications

City of South Fulton GA
South Fulton, GA
11.2019 - 10.2023
  • Achieved a 20% surge in media placements by skillfully cultivating and broadening media relationships.
  • Executed a comprehensive digital media audit, strategically leveraging insights to drive audience growth and engagement.
  • Drafted brand and marketing protocol, including new logo.
  • Managed website refresh leading to a 16% increase in visitor traffic.

Director of Strategic Communication

University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA
03.2016 - 04.2018
  • Devised and executed a comprehensive communication and media strategy reaching 13,700 students and 60,000 alumni.
  • Collaborated with C-suite leaders to formulate executive messaging through thought articles and speech writing.
  • Expanded media relations, yielding a notable 25% upsurge in story placements.
  • Launched a social media program, achieving top-three engagement within the University System of Georgia.

Manager of Communication, Manager of Giving Back

Southwire Company
Carrollton, GA
10.1999 - 02.2016
  • Built an acclaimed corporate communication program for a 7,000-employee international company, resulting in enhanced organizational cohesion and visibility.
  • Orchestrated comprehensive communication strategies through internal, external, crisis, and executive channels.
  • Wrote and placed effective news releases, articles, speeches, presentations, newsletters, emails, and other effective tools.
  • Planned tactful campaigns addressing environmental concerns, workforce restructuring, plant closures, and acquisitions.
  • Developed media training program to improve senior leadership's media relations and interview skills.

Education

Master's Degree - Mass Communication/Journalism

University of Georgia
Athens, GA
03-1992

Bachelor's Degree - Mass Communication/Journalism

University of West Georgia
01.1990

Skills

  • Interpersonal Relationship Development
  • Digital Content Creation
  • News Releases
  • Scriptwriting
  • Corporate Communications
  • Brand Reputation Management
  • Strategic Communications
  • Organizational Communication Management
  • Leadership Communication Expertise
  • Crisis Management Communication
  • Media Training Expertise
  • Communication Strategy
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Strategic Public Relations
  • Collaborative Attitude
  • Media Relations

Certification

  • AdWords and Analytics: Remarketing - LinkedIn
  • Content Marketing Foundations - LinkedIn
  • Content Marketing: Blogs - LinkedIn
  • Content Marketing: Staying Relevant - LinkedIn
  • Google Ads (AdWords) Essential Training - LinkedIn
  • Mobile Marketing Foundations - LinkedIn
  • Online Marketing Foundations - LinkedIn
  • SEO Foundations - LinkedIn
  • SEO: Keyword Strategy - LinkedIn

Timeline

Staff Writer

Douglas County Sentinel
03.2024 - Current

Director of Communications

City of South Fulton GA
11.2019 - 10.2023

Director of Strategic Communication

University of West Georgia
03.2016 - 04.2018

Manager of Communication, Manager of Giving Back

Southwire Company
10.1999 - 02.2016

Master's Degree - Mass Communication/Journalism

University of Georgia

Bachelor's Degree - Mass Communication/Journalism

University of West Georgia

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
GARY LEFTWICH