Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Jeff Lennox

Atlanta,GA

Summary

  • STRATEGIC PIVOT Seeking to leverage a deep understanding of the Chick-fil-A brand and local Operator culture to transition from protecting brand reputation to actively driving top-line sales and local market growth as a Sales & Brand Growth Consultant.
  • Strategic Consultant & Brand Advocate: 3 years of Chick-fil-A Corporate experience (CCEA) paired with a 21-year background in broadcast journalism, high-stakes media engagement, and professional storytelling.
  • Trusted Advisor to Operators: Proven track record of building high-trust relationships with independent Owner-Operators, providing the strategic counsel needed to protect their business and amplify their presence in the community.
  • Expert in Market-Level Activation: Specialized in navigating complex market dynamics to drive brand visibility, particularly during high-stakes New Restaurant Openings (NROs) in emerging markets and priority market initiatives.
  • Skilled Influencer: Expert at "leading through influence," coaching Operators and internal stakeholders to align with enterprise brand standards and long-term reputation goals.
  • Market Activation Specialist: Focused on building strong brand foundations in local markets through strategic media engagement, ensuring Chick-fil-A is well-positioned for long-term growth and community loyalty.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Lead Advisor, Field Public Relations (CCEA)

CHICK-FIL-A, INC.
Atlanta, GA
02.2023 - Current
  • Consultative Influence: Serve as a dedicated advisor to local Operators, utilizing influence without authority to provide tailored recommendations on leveraging media and community relations to enhance restaurant performance.
  • Market Growth Activation: Lead the execution of media engagement strategies for New Restaurant Openings (NROs) and other activations in complex and emerging markets; successfully landed earned media opportunities with major outlets, including The Boston Globe, ABC 7 Bay Area, FOX Miami, and FOX Detroit.
  • Operator Coaching: Prepare and coach Operators for media interviews and external communication, equipping them with the messaging frameworks and confidence needed to act as effective brand ambassadors in their communities.
  • Strategic Market Planning: Partner with regional External Affairs Advisors to identify local "reputation-driving" stories, aligning local restaurant activities with broader enterprise growth goals.
  • Crisis Mitigation & Alignment: Navigate high-stakes reputational risks by providing real-time strategic counsel to Operators and Area Support Teams (ASTs) during sensitive or high-profile incidents, ensuring brand protection in local and national media.
  • Agency Management: Direct external agency partners to implement comprehensive local media plans, ensuring every dollar invested supports the brand’s local and market-level objectives.

Main Anchor / Communications Professional

WSVN 7 NEWS
Miami, FL
09.2011 - 02.2023
  • Market Leadership: Promoted to Main Anchor for the #1 news station in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale market; utilized data-driven content strategies to drive viewership growth and capture dominant market share.
  • Strategic Problem Solving: Managed high-pressure, unscripted live broadcasts (e.g., 5+ hours of hurricane coverage), demonstrating rapid synthesis of complex data and superior analytical thinking.
  • Relationship Management: Cultivated a vast network of community leaders and public officials, serving as a trusted intermediary and expert communicator to ensure high-quality, impactful content delivery.
  • Competitive Strategy: Consistently developed and pitched innovative story angles that directly contributed to the station’s rise from #2 to #1 in market viewership.
  • Digital Brand Growth: Acted as a key contributor to social media strategies for platforms with 1M+ followers, leveraging digital channels to increase brand exposure and audience engagement.

Anchor / Reporter

WESH 2 NEWS / WKCF CW18
Orlando, FL
08.2007 - 08.2011
  • Represented the station on a national stage, delivering live reports for major networks including NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and BBC, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

Reporter / Fill-In Anchor

WATE 6 NEWS / WTNZ FOX 43
Knoxville, TN
05.2005 - 08.2007
  • Focused on investigative reporting that addressed local issues, establishing a reputation for integrity and clear, impactful communication.

Education

BA - Communication Studies, Political Science

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON

Skills

  • Operator Consultation & Coaching
  • Market-Level Strategic Planning
  • Brand Activation & Awareness
  • Influencing Without Authority
  • Relationship & Trust Building
  • New Restaurant Opening (NRO) Strategy
  • Crisis & Reputation Management
  • Executive-Level Presentation
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Community Impact Storytelling

Timeline

Senior Lead Advisor, Field Public Relations (CCEA)

CHICK-FIL-A, INC.
02.2023 - Current

Main Anchor / Communications Professional

WSVN 7 NEWS
09.2011 - 02.2023

Anchor / Reporter

WESH 2 NEWS / WKCF CW18
08.2007 - 08.2011

Reporter / Fill-In Anchor

WATE 6 NEWS / WTNZ FOX 43
05.2005 - 08.2007

BA - Communication Studies, Political Science

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON
Jeff Lennox