Jay Shepherd

Dynamic communication professional with a love for design, creativity, sharing concepts, and breathing life into ideas.

University of Pikeville – Adjunct Instructor University of Pikeville

(Spring) 2021

• Provided dynamic instruction for "Mass Media in Society" course, engaging students through innovative teaching methods.
• Offered personalized feedback and monitored student progress to ensure academic success.
• Leveraged academic software, including Canvas LMS, to enhance the learning experience and facilitate student interaction.

Pikeville-Pike County Tourism CVB – Marketing Director

2010 – Present

• Mentored and trained new team members, imparting essential skills in software utilization, hospitality, and tourism principles.

BSCTC Workforce Solutions – Trainer

2010

• Delivered comprehensive training sessions on the Microsoft software suite and effective communication techniques, fostering skill development and professional growth among participants.

National College of Business – Adjunct Instructor

2010

• Designed and delivered courses on the Microsoft software suite, equipping students with essential technical skills to excel in the modern workplace.
• Developed a writing-centric communication course focusing on the fundamentals of written communication.

Southeast Telephone – Web Designer

2005 – 2008

• Offered tailored training sessions to customers, empowering them with the knowledge to effectively manage their CMS-based websites.

• Kentucky Travel Industry Association, Certified Kentucky Tourism Professional, Nov. 14, 2018.
• KCTCS Workforce Solutions, Customer Service Training, 2009.
• BSCTC, A+ Certification, IT Fundamentals Certification, Information Technology, 2004.

• Kentucky Museum & Heritage Alliance, Board Member, 2019-2021.
• Big Sandy Heritage Center, Proxy Board Member, 2019-2021.
• American Bus Association, Advisory Committee Member, 2017-2021.
• Mayo Technical School Graphic Design Department, Advisory Committee Member, 2017-Current.
• Eastern Highlands North, Member, 2016-2021.
• Kentucky Travel Industry Association, Member, 2012-2021.
• Hillbilly Days Committee, Advisory Member, 2010-Current.

• Contributed to author Dean King’s book, The Feud: The Hatfields & McCoys: The True Story. Listed by name in acknowledgments.
• Contributed to author and McCoy descendant Ron McCoy’s book, Hatfields & McCoys: Reunion. Listed by name within the book.
• Worked with the State of Kentucky Tourism Department to secure Pike County, Kentucky for the 2015 cover of the Kentucky Visitor’s Guide and State Map. A first for Pike County, Kentucky.
• Assisted in organizing the on-location production of National Geographic’s Diggers television program. Connected production crew with resources needed to complete the Hatfields & McCoys 2015 episode.
• Presented graduate research at the 2010 Kentucky Communication Assoc. Conference.

• Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) Traverse Awards - Kentucky Travel Industry Association, 2012-2022, | As Marketing Director for Pikeville-Pike County Tourism CVB, my work contributed to over 60 Traverse Awards from 2012 to 2022, acknowledging excellence in print, digital, campaigns, and novelty items. We received the prestigious "Judges Choice" twice (2014, 2018), a recognition given to only 3 CVBs in Kentucky annually. In 2019, we earned an award of distinction for print marketing and consistently achieved multiple gold awards each year, a remarkable accomplishment for our organization. The tourism industry had not recognized Pikeville-Pike County Tourism CVB with marketing awards before my tenure.
• Shriners Community Service Award - Pike County Government, (Pike County, Kentucky), April 2013 | Awarded Shriners Community Service award by Pike County government.
• Intern of the Year Award Nominee & Community Service Award - Morehead State University, December 2010 | Nominated for an Intern of the Year Award with Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road (Morehead State University, 2010). Received a service award from the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road.

• Chandra K. Massner, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, 41501, ChandraMassner@upike.edu, (606) 218-5004, Professor of Communication
• Dwayne Stevens, Vice President of Information Security, WestCare Foundation, Pikeville, KY, 41501, (702) 385-2090, dwayne.stevens@westcare.com, Director (Southeast Telephone)
• Corey Ison, Programmer, University of Pikeville, (606) 262-4521, Colleague.