PRAM Central: March 2023 Chapter Meeting (IN PERSON)

1200 North State Street,Jackson MS 39202

22 March, 2023

Description

Whose Crisis Is This? Issues Management For the UnexpectedNote: Registration for in-person chapter meetings closes at noon the Monday prior to the meeting to provide an attendee number to the venue - The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen with Alonda Thomas, Chief Communications Officer and Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Jackson State UniversityWhat’s worse than managing a crisis? Managing the ones that fall in your lap thanks to a third party! For over 20 years, Chief Communications Officer Alonda Thomas has witnessed, managed and survived a variety of crisis issues, including situations related to hazing incidents, student protests, hospital takeovers, unwanted attention from elected officials, and most recently, the lack of drinking water in a major city. She will present real examples and tips that you can add to your crisis communications playbook to help you expect the unexpected. Alonda Thomas is the Chief Communications Officer and Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Jackson State University. She manages a team of 12 dynamic innovators, and is responsible for university brand and reputation management, marketing, media relations and strategic communications. The division has been recognized for several awards, including finalist for the 2022 PRNews Platinum Award for Marketing Communications and a finalist for the 2022 PRSA Bronze Anvil Award for Best Use of Social Media. Thomas previously served as director of public relations and interim vice president of communications at Howard University. During her tenure, the Office of University Communications received several awards, including the Public Relations Society of America 2021 Bronze Anvil Award for Executive Communications, the 2020 Bronze Anvil Award for Twitter Engagement, and the PRWeek 2020 Best in a Crisis Award. In 2016, Thomas served as a publicity consultant for Liquid Soul, an entertainment and sports marketing company in Atlanta. She led the PR strategy for a variety of clients, including ABC Network, CNN, Walt Disney Studios and Fox Searchlight. In 2013, Thomas served as director of media relations and interim chief communications officer at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She received her master’s degree in integrated marketing and management communications from Florida State University where she served as a university fellow and taught public speaking. She was recently appointed to serve on the planning committee for the American Marketing Association. Additionally, Thomas is a sought-out speaker on the subjects of media relations, branding and crisis communications. Follow her newsletter, “Don’t Quote Me: Tips and Quips by PR Strategist Alonda Thomas” exclusively on LinkedIn. - - - - - - - - -The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen Parking Info: Please note we have a change of venue for the March 2023 chapter meeting! Join us at Manship's private dining room on the first floor of the Belhaven Building (1200 North State Street). Enter and park on the opposite side of the parking garage (Manship Street) from where you normally would for our chapter meetings at the Rickhouse. Enter the Belhaven Building from the front entrance at North State Street or the upper parking lot near JEA Optical. The private dining room is accessible from the lobby or the front desk of the Manship. If you get lost, Manship can direct you to the private dining space.