Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Hayley Thrift

Summary

Public relations professional with expertise in government relations and crisis communication. Proven record of developing strategic communication plans and building media relationships that enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills applied to forming key alliances and improving public perception.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Public Relations

The Spinx Company
01.2023 - Current
  • Serve as the official spokesperson for the convenience retailer with 93 locations across the Carolinas.
  • Managed crisis communication efforts to protect company reputation.
  • Led the successful grand opening of the Spinx Market & Eatery in October 2024, a brand-new concept in downtown Greenville. Secured local, national and trade media coverage. Partnered with local influencers for maximum exposure. Coordinated with the local station WSPA to air the grand opening live on TV.
  • Responsible for the annual Spinx Charity Classic Golf Tournament. The 2024 tournament was the most profitable tournament in company history, raising $150,000 for local charities.
  • Responsible for managing a $500,000 annual sponsorship budget. Serve as the primary contact and decision-maker for community partnerships and sponsorships.
  • Serve as the point person for Spinx' annual in-store campaigns supporting the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. In 2024, the campaigns raised more than $300,000 each.
  • Collaborate with the Spinks Family Foundation to balance philanthropic giving and other community initiatives. Implemented the Spinks Family Foundation's first press conference, announcing $1.3 million in annual giving in November 2024.
  • Secured several accolades for Spinx' founder to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Included the Order of the Palmetto (presented by SC Governor Henry McMaster), and a road named in his honor through the SC General Assembly and SCDOT.
  • Responsible for the company's government relations and managing relationships with outside lobbyists and trade associations.

Director of Marketing & Advertising

The Spinx Company
01.2019 - 01.2023
  • Led the development of Spinx' first-ever mobile app in 2021, which served as an extension of the Spinx loyalty program. Partnered with an external developer and the internal IT team to ideate, wireframe and launch the app. The app has reached more than 300,000 downloads.
  • I was invited to speak at the 2022 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show to discuss the app development process and how other convenience stores can replicate it.
  • Launched Spinx' first-ever food truck, the Cluk Truck, in 2021. Developed branding, design, go-to-market strategy, menu and pricing. Truck is currently hosting one to two events daily, seven days per week, and has a months-long waitlist.
  • Managed and allocated a $2 million marketing budget.
  • Oversaw creative campaigns from concept to execution, and managed outside agencies.
  • Responsible for planning and executing store grand openings and other community events, such as Spinx Night at the Greenville Drive, Spinx Run Fest, Spinks Family Foundation Grant Award Reception, and others as necessary.
  • Managed four direct reports across marketing functions. Meet with team members weekly to chart progress on professional goals, uncover opportunities for improvement, and match skill sets to open business needs.

Senior Account Executive

The Hughes Agency
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Throughout a two-year tenure, I partnered with clients across industries to secure major media placements and create high-impact multimedia marketing plans.
  • Created and implemented a crisis communication plan for an engineering firm. Presented the plan to the management team; conducted role-play exercises to guide execution.
  • Led public relations activities and served as the chief media contact for a regional law firm with eight offices and over 300 employees.
  • Managed public relations strategy for a luxury condominium development in Clemson, SC; efforts entailed event planning, media relations, and social media strategy.
  • Planned and executed high-visibility events, including the development's groundbreaking and grand opening.
  • Developed and led media training for senior executives, and provided ongoing support.
  • Partnered with the agency media buyer to develop media plans for various clients, which spanned print, digital PR, and content strategy across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Communications Director

South Carolina Office of the Attorney General
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Served as the official spokesperson for the Office and the Attorney General.
  • I wrote news releases, media advisories, and op-eds; in 2015 alone, I authored 16 published op-eds.
  • Prepared briefing materials for speaking engagements and appearances; this entailed talking points and key background information.
  • Established and fostered relationships with TV and print outlets to promote the accomplishments of the Attorney General and his broader office.
  • Coordinated and executed all press conferences, media interviews, speaking engagements, and special appearances by the Attorney General and key staff.
  • Developed and led media training for attorneys and other legislative staff members before media interviews and public appearances.
  • Crafted a social media strategy for the office, as well as the Attorney General's personal accounts.
  • Created engaging, multimedia content that adhered to governmental standards and enhanced the Attorney General's personal brand.

Public Relations Coordinator

South Carolina Office of the Attorney General
01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Dynamic, multi-disciplinary role that entailed a deep understanding of government relations, strategic communications, and social media marketing.
  • Wrote news releases, media advisories and op-eds; in 2015 alone, authored 16 published op-eds.
  • Prepared briefing materials for speaking engagements and appearances; this entailed talking points and key background information.
  • Served as official spokesperson for the Office and the Attorney General.
  • Established and fostered relationships with television and print outlets to promote the accomplishments of the Attorney General and his broader Office.
  • Crafted personalized pitches to reflect the audience of each outlet.
  • Coordinated and executed all press conferences, media interviews, speaking engagements and special appearances by the Attorney General and key staff.
  • Developed and led media training for attorneys and other legislative staff members before media interviews and public appearances.
  • Crafted social media strategy for the Office as well as the Attorney General's personal accounts.
  • Created engaging, multi-media content that adhered to governmental standards and enhanced the Attorney General's personal brand.

Account Associate

William Mills Agency
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Partnered with Fortune 500 clients to secure press in mainstream publications (NYTimes, WSJ, and more), announce major strategic initiatives, and redefine their consumer perception.
  • Managed client accounts and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Skills

  • Media relations
  • Government relations
  • Crisis communication
  • Brand development
  • Thought leadership
  • Social media strategy

Certification

Reputation Risk Management, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2025

NACS Marketing Leadership Program, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 2021

Accomplishments

Best & Brightest 35 and Under, Greenville Business Magazine 2022

40 Under 40, GSA Business Report, 2020

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Public Relations

The Spinx Company
01.2023 - Current

Director of Marketing & Advertising

The Spinx Company
01.2019 - 01.2023

Senior Account Executive

The Hughes Agency
01.2017 - 01.2019

Communications Director

South Carolina Office of the Attorney General
01.2014 - 01.2016

Public Relations Coordinator

South Carolina Office of the Attorney General
01.2012 - 01.2016

Account Associate

William Mills Agency
01.2012 - 01.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations

Auburn University

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