SHANNON COKER
Executive And Communications Professional
266 Arbor Trl., Brandon,MS
Summary
Versatile executive professional with 22 years of progressive career experience across both internal and external communications. Offers excellent management and organizational skills. Proficient in managing operations with exceptional team supervision, project coordination and analytical problem-solving skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Communications and Government Affairs
Mississippi Forestry Commission
06.2023 - Current
- Coordinates governmental and regulatory information and meetings. Also, tracks legislation and represents agency during legislative session.
- Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations.
- Produces internal communications and plans for projects to improve staff relations and recruitment.
- Supports MS Forestry Commission’s plans through development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies.
- Assists and participates in media interviews.
- Builds and maintains relationships with key partners and legislative officials.
- Leads team of outreach 5 professionals, offering mentoring and coaching to build knowledge and skills.
- Launched successful digital, broadcast and streaming marketing campaigns that achieved goals for fall wildfire awareness
- Devises content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
- Writes and distributes press releases to increase visibility.
- Coordinates with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.
Executive Director
Mississippi Dental Association
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Served as chief executive for 1,000+ dentist membership organization and subsidiary companies
- Oversaw organization management, recommended and participated in formulation of new policies and made decisions within existing policies as approved by Board of Trustees
- Planned, created, organized, and delivered communication plans, advocacy efforts and activities of association
- Utilized management and leadership with staff and external sources to achieve productive performance, forward-looking programming and growth of association
- Maintained frequent communication and relationships with members of state and local government, public and private service organizations and agencies
- Mississippi Dental Association was recognized as one of only ten dental associations to increase membership market share in 2021
- Served as Immediate Past Board President for Mississippi Association of Society Executives
Executive Vice President
Home Builders Association of Mississippi
01.2016 - 07.2018
- Responsible for successfully leading and managing 1,000+ building industry member association and subsidiary companies according to strategic direction set by Board of Directors
- Worked with Board of Directors to develop and implement vision and strategic plan on membership
- Served as chief lobbyist and worked with legislators and key officials to help shape policy relating to important construction issues
- Created and dispersed communication information, including: quarterly magazine, monthly newsletter and web/social media presence
- Handled human resources, policies and led staff team
- Managed all activities and fundraising associated with HBAM Build PAC (political action committee)
Director of Advocacy and Communications
Mississippi Hospital Association, MHA
01.2008 - 12.2015
- Directed advocacy and communication efforts for over 100 hospitals to help successfully enact legislative agenda items each year on state level
- Assisted American Hospital Association on state level to help communicate and advocate federal legislation impacting hospitals
- Worked to improve MHA political action committee (MHAPAC) with steady growth and increased donations by 2-5% every year and strived to reach legislative goals within MHA work plan
- Registered lobbyist who worked with legislators and key officials to help shape policy relating to important health care issues
- Responsible for motivating and empowering board members, hospital executives and other key leaders to assist in advocacy efforts
- Provided communication and information to members about advocacy issues, status of legislation and items requiring action
- Awarded Public Relations Practitioner of Year from Public Relations Association of Mississippi- Central Chapter
Government Relations Coordinator
Mississippi Hospital Association, MHA
01.2007 - 02.2008
- Developed and implemented campaigns and projects to promote advocacy and government relations initiatives
- Utilized marketing and fundraising techniques to benefit Mississippi Hospital Association's political action committee (MHAPAC), including personal and direct mail campaigns- resulting in steady increase in contributions by approximately 5% per year
- Created and coordinated information to educate members on advocacy issues
- Edited, formatted and managed MS Hospital Association's law manual, which generated non-dues revenue
- Worked with communications team to develop and disseminate information for use by members and to effectively leverage outside partnerships and available resource
Education
Master of Science - Communications
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS 01.2007 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations, English Minor
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS 08.1997 - 12.1999
General Studies
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS 08.1995 - 05.1997
Skills
Operations management
Communication planning
Advocacy
Staff Management
Marketing
Crisis Communication
Relationship building
Certification
Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
Timeline
Director of Communications and Government Affairs
Mississippi Forestry Commission
06.2023 - Current
Executive Director
Mississippi Dental Association
08.2018 - 06.2023
Executive Vice President
Home Builders Association of Mississippi
01.2016 - 07.2018
Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
02-2008
Director of Advocacy and Communications
Mississippi Hospital Association, MHA
01.2008 - 12.2015
Government Relations Coordinator
Mississippi Hospital Association, MHA
01.2007 - 02.2008
Master of Science - Communications
Mississippi College
01.2007 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Public Relations, English Minor
Mississippi College
08.1997 - 12.1999
General Studies
Hinds Community College
08.1995 - 05.1997
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