Star Connor
Gastonia,NC
Summary
Passionate communications pro with 15 years of hands-on experience in journalism, PR, media relations, sports, entertainment, digital content, marketing, event planning, and crisis communications. Built a career enterprising storytelling, creating engaging content, and promoting brands in ways that truly connect with people. Skilled in leading campaigns, executing events, developing and maintaining strong relationships with the media, clients, and stakeholders.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications, PR & Marketing Director
Independent Contractor
09.2024 - Current
- Develop and execute public relations strategic communication plans for clients, and companies to enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
- Storyteller, developing and managing internal and external messaging, media relations, and content creation across multiple channels, digital and traditional platforms, including print, podcasts, and social media.
- Serve as a spokesperson and provide media training to clients to improve their public speaking and interview skills.
- Manage internal & external communications, stakeholder engagement, and event planning.
- Write press releases, media pitches, speeches, blog posts, marketing materials, and thought leadership articles for brand positioning.
- Manage crisis communications strategies to protect and enhance clients’ reputations.
- Plan and execute events, including press conferences, product launches, and industry networking sessions.
Morning Anchor & Reporter
WXII 12 News
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Developed and implemented communication strategies, increasing audience engagement by 40K+ viewers daily.
- Served as on-camera spokesperson and lead communicator for breaking news, live events, and special reports, reaching wide and diverse audiences.
- Built lasting connections with local leaders, nonprofits, and community organizations through community-focused stories and initiatives.
- Maintained a #1 engaging view with households and adults, 25-54, and coveted women 25-54 demographics.
- Managed media relations and crisis communication efforts, ensuring clear, transparent messaging.
- Created digital and broadcast content, enhancing brand presence and community engagement.
- Launched a successful weekly series highlighting local businesses and culture.
- Organized events for causes like Breast Cancer Walks, Alzheimer’s Awareness, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and more, raising over $100,00. Demonstrated strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Anchor & Reporter
WCTI News Channel 12
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Produced compelling news content, achieving national recognition on CNN Newsource and ABC.
- Led internal and external communication strategies, strengthening public relations efforts.
- Supervised, and managed junior reporters, and mentored interns, shaping strategic storytelling and media engagement.
Reporter & Bureau Chief
WVVA NBC 6 News
02.2019 - 03.2021
- Managed media relations and community outreach, storytelling for key corporate, high-profile clients including Honor Flight, Mercer County.
- Developed engaging content, earning national coverage on NBC News Channel.
- Covered state and local politics, strengthening government media relations.
Anchor & Reporter
WBKB News
08.2016 - 02.2019
- Delivered up to 5 hours of newscasts and 10 or more stories daily across morning, evening, and weekend shifts.
- Led the development of two 30-minute morning show segments, boosting viewer engagement.
- Managed breaking news and high-profile events, providing accurate updates in real time.
- Created compelling short- and long-form content for broadcast and digital platforms.
- Organized events like the Polar Plunge, the Alzheimer's Association, Tunnels to Towers, and Breast Cancer walks raise awareness and over $50,000, demonstrating strong storytelling and audience engagement skills.
Director of Communications, Public Affairs
Radio One Charlotte
06.2010 - 08.2016
- Developed and hosted community affairs show, as on-air talent, engaging 50K+ digital viewers.
- Produced for top-rated nationally syndicated radio shows, including the Yolanda Adams Morning Show.
- Executed and developed 2-page articles in a national magazine with over 300 subscribers a month.
- Represented the company at key public events, media briefings, and partnership meetings.
- Managed live events, securing sponsorships and raising $75k+ for community initiatives like 'Praise in the Park,' and St. Jude Radio One, and Reach Media, Radiothon.
Education
B.S. - Journalism & Mass Communications
North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University
Greensboro, NC05.2009
Skills
- Media Relations
- Press Outreach
- Crisis Communications
- Reputation Management
- Public Speaking
- On-Camera & Media Training
- Social Media Strategy
- Content Creation
- Event Planning
- Brand Activation
- Corporate Communications and Messaging
- Storytelling
- Press Releases
- Media Kits
- Copywriting
- Speechwriting
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
- Canva
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Final Cut Pro
- CapCut
- Edius
- Avid
- Hootsuite
- Mailchimp
- Salesforce
- Google Analytics
- Wordpress
- Slack
- Trello
- Microsoft Office Suite
- ENPS
- INews
- Canon T3i
- Sony
- Panasonic AVCHD
- DJI Osmo
- Social Media Platforms: Facebook
- Twitter (X)
- Snapchat
- Tiktok
- Threads
- YouTube
Awards
- Virginias AP Broadcasters Award Nominee: Reporter, Feature, Breaking News, MMJ 2019 & 2020
- West Virginia Broadcasters Association Award Nominee: Reporter, Feature, Breaking News, MMJ 2019 & 2020
- MAB Nominee: Reporter, Anchor, Community, Special Interest, Feature, Breaking News, 2016 & 2017
- MAB Award: Community Involvement 2017
- Alpena Optimists: Anchor of the Month 2016
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce: 30 Under 30 2016
- Radio One: Peer Recognition Award Recipient 2010
- Radio One: Employee Recognition Award Recipient 2012
- Radio One: Digital Ratings Recipient 2011 & 2012
Timeline
Communications, PR & Marketing Director
Independent Contractor
09.2024 - Current
Morning Anchor & Reporter
WXII 12 News
09.2023 - 09.2024
Anchor & Reporter
WCTI News Channel 12
08.2021 - 07.2023
Reporter & Bureau Chief
WVVA NBC 6 News
02.2019 - 03.2021
Anchor & Reporter
WBKB News
08.2016 - 02.2019
Director of Communications, Public Affairs
Radio One Charlotte
06.2010 - 08.2016
B.S. - Journalism & Mass Communications
North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University
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