Wanda A. Heard
Summary
Senior Public and Media Relations Professional with over 20 years of experience in developing effective communication strategies. Expertise in crisis management and brand enhancement, resulting in improved organizational reputation. Skilled in building strong media relationships and creating narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager
GRID Alternatives
09.2023 - Current
- Defines and leads PR/media strategy: Executes a comprehensive and strategic PR/media relations strategy to enhance GRID’s brand awareness, reputation, and positioning in the marketplace. Involves identifying key messages, crafting timely and compelling news releases and pitches, and managing the editorial calendar. Also includes shaping and sharing key news GRID events and updates with media and influencers on a regular basis to nurture relationships and keep them informed and engaged in the GRID story.
- Leads and mentors a team: Coaches, supports, and develops PR team members, agency, and contract resources to achieve goals.
- Provides counsel and coaching: Help prepare GRID executives and subject matter experts for interviews, speaking engagements, and other media interactions.
- Collaborates cross-organizationally: Engages and interacts with internal departments to identify, package, and promotes customer success stories that showcase GRID’s impact, innovation, and leadership.
- Supports executive speakers’ bureau: Collaborates with Communications, Content, and Events leadership to drive and support executive speaking engagements.
- Leverages and supports events: Lead planning and execution for proactive media engagement at industry conferences and events.
- Supports crisis communication: Collaborates with Communications and Marketing leadership to plan for and respond to manage potential crisis situations to protect the company's reputation.
- Collaborates across functions: Works closely with internal stakeholders, including executives, product marketing, and subject matter experts, to identify and pitch compelling story angles and timely news.
- Monitors industry news and trends: Keeps executives and GRID staff informed about emerging trends, news, competitor activity, and cultural moments to enhance media, communications, and marketing strategy.
- Nurtures relationships: Proactively cultivates strong relationships with media
Public Relations Manager
Jefferson County Department of Health
05.2012 - 06.2025
- Lead JCDH PR efforts, including media relations, internal and external communications, crisis communications, graphic design, and social media endeavors.
- Lead a team to deliver a regular queue of newsworthy content, including press releases, media pitches, blog posts, and public health videos.
- Researched and gathered various public health information to assist with department communications strategies to provide support to SMEs and executive management team.
- Coordinated and managed all JCDH and county-wide public health crisis communications efforts; serves as JCDH liaison during various public health county crisis.
- Collaborated with county and statewide stakeholders and constituents during public health crises, often serving as the lead person during Incident Command structures.
- Advised Senior Management in various media-related public health crises matters and serves as spokesperson/representative during certain phases of these matters.
- Partnered with internal and external stakeholders to manage media relations activities and track media mentions.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to determine business priorities and create integrated public relations and social media campaigns.
- Developed and implemented PR and Social Media campaigns and strategies for notable product releases, services, and events.
- Identified and created opportunities with key publications that garner regular media coverage (print, online, broadcast, radio).
- Collaborated with various departments to develop pitches and coordinate media outreach with stories and/or responses and interviews with our subject matter experts.
- Analyzed PR coverage and creates a regular cadence of data-driven reports to deliver and communicate the effectiveness and outcomes of various PR campaigns.
- Provided timely reporting on all PR and social media-related activities on a regular basis and communicates results and new assets to the marketing and sales team.
- Performed researched, campaign & content creation, execution, monitoring, and reporting to meet essential PR, social media, and company performance objectives.
- Lead PR activities that identify target audiences; implements optimal strategies and messages; and collaborates with Communications and Marketing team(s) to post content, generate online traffic, and increase followers and subscribers on various channels such as blogs, social media platforms, and podcasts.
- Coordinated and promoted news, events, surveys, and JCDH solutions via multiple channels, including website and social media platforms.
- Monitored the public health landscape by staying abreast and incorporating new, traditional, online, content marketing, social media, and PR communication trends.
Senior Media Relations Coordinator
Jefferson County Department of Health
01.2001 - 05.2012
- Developed and managed the media relations program at the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH); Informs the public of health issues, agency or departmental programs, accomplishments, and events by coordinating and maintaining media contact through interviews, press releases, news stories, articles.
- Served as primary spokesperson for all media contact (via live and taped camera, broadcast, and print interviews) for Department matters; Established and maintained positive rapport with local, state, and national media agencies and personnel; Practiced continuous proactive position to promote health information to the public as it relates to protecting the health of Jefferson County residents.
- Implemented and managed the company’s advertising strategy, both from a business, sales, and technical perspective; Directed overall advertising, promotions, marketing, and strategies as it relates to promoting the Department’s programs, services, health messages, and events.
- Worked collaboratively with senior leadership to develop and implement public information strategies to broaden the impact of the Jefferson County Department of Health’s programs and oversee organizational messaging and constituent services.
- Served as the Department Manager in the absence of the Supervisor. Duties include assigning and reviewing the work of the Public Relations Coordinator, the Graphic Designer, and the Administrative Assistant.
- Managed social media campaigns and day-to-day activities. Duties include online advocacy, writing editorials, community outreach efforts, and promotions.
- Trained, directed, and instructed the Health Officer, Executive Management Team members, and other staff members on all interfacings with the media; Developed all official talking points and briefings for JCDH leadership.
- Established and maintained a consistent corporate image throughout all services, promotional materials, and events; Served as coordinator with other departments to plan and create public relations strategies, tactics, activities, and materials to convey the most positive marketing message to target markets.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Marketing, Human Resources Management
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AlabamaSkills
- Writing and editing
- Leadership/Managerial skills
- Presentation skills
- Crisis communication management
- Marketing and promotions
- Event planning management
- PR/media strategy
- Social media management
- Brand-building strategies and awareness
- Media buying
- Advertising management
- Organizational skills
- Team-building skills
Executive Profile
- GRID Alternatives, Remote, Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager, 09/01/23, present, Defines and leads PR/media strategy., Leads and mentors a team., Provides counsel and coaching., Collaborates cross-organizationally., Supports executive speakers’ bureau., Leverages and supports events., Supports crisis communication., Collaborates across functions., Monitors industry news and trends., Nurtures relationships.
- Jefferson County Department of Health, AL, Public Relations Manager, 05/01/12, 06/30/25, Lead JCDH PR efforts., Lead a team to deliver a regular queue of newsworthy content., Researched and gathered various public health information., Coordinated and managed all JCDH and county-wide public health crisis communications efforts., Collaborated with county and statewide stakeholders.
- Jefferson County Department of Health, AL, Senior Media Relations Coordinator, 01/01/01, 05/01/12, Developed and managed the media relations program., Served as primary spokesperson for all media contact., Implemented and managed the company’s advertising strategy., Worked collaboratively with senior leadership., Managed social media campaigns and day-to-day activities.
Timeline
Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager
GRID Alternatives
09.2023 - Current
Public Relations Manager
Jefferson County Department of Health
05.2012 - 06.2025
Senior Media Relations Coordinator
Jefferson County Department of Health
01.2001 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science Degree - Marketing, Human Resources Management
Jacksonville State University