Specialties: Media relations, internal and external communications, two-way communication planning, crisis communications, branding, executive presentations and speeches, event planning, and campaign communications.
We are building a team that plans and implements two-way communication strategies to increase awareness of and support for efforts to improve the quality of life in Macon-Bibb County. The team consists of public & media relations, multimedia (web and video) services, and customer service.
Currently, the Public Affairs Office is expanding its digital and television content with feature stories about consolidation, recognitions and awards, Commission Meetings, community highlights, and ongoing efforts to improve our community. Through our customer service division, we are expanding the use of SeeClickFix to other departments to provide the public a way to directly submit service requests to departments with their phone, our website, and Facebook.
I work closely with administration, department heads, and community agencies to facilitate media coverage, develop communications plans and assist with implementation, manage intergovernmental communications and relations, and direct special projects.
Focus projects include the Mayor's Office Strategic Plan and communication plans for the Mayor's Office, the Macon-Bibb County Consolidation Transition Task Force, and the City's capital improvement plan funded by a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
As Director of Public Relations, I was responsible for managing the District's communication methods with internal and external stakeholders, including media relations, newsletters, Board of Education communications, public meetings, online tools, and more.
I managed the public relations and communications efforts for a school district of approximately 25,000 students in more than 40 schools. This included communication planning, media relations, crisis communications, public notifications, social media, and special projects.
I was primarily responsible for the publication of a weekly page in the local newspaper that focused on the work, success, and achievement of the students, employees, and schools in the Bibb County School District. Additionally, I coordinated events such as the New Teacher and Teacher of the Year Banquets.
Managed the operations for state organizations, including meeting set-up, event planning, and public relations.
Projects
Macon-Bibb County Strategic Plan
Starting
In September 2015, the Forward Together Strategic Plan received a Silver Circle Award from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association in the Printed Publication category. To view the plan, click here: http://www.maconbibb.us/maconbibbstrategicplan/.
As a newly consolidated government, Macon-Bibb County is the 4th largest city in Georgia and is in the process of creating a new government that can better serve the public and move the community forward. A year-long strategic planning process was undertaken to determine the Mission, Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Strategic Projects of the Commission. Each would help set budgetary and administrative priorities throughout the year so that we can move the entire county and region forward.
The Office of Public Affairs supported this process by assisting with scheduling, event setup, agenda setting, media coverage, government communications, and more. The adopted Strategic Plan will serve as the basis for a Communications Plan for Macon-Bibb County.
To complement the City’s Vision and Mission, our goal and focus are for Macon-Bibb County to be the hub city of Middle Georgia by providing educational, medical, cultural, and economic opportunities in both quantity and quality in a vibrant urban core.
This year, the Mayor's Office will be focused on three competing – but complimentary – areas: Day-to-Day Operations, Strategic Projects, and Consolidation of Macon-Bibb County. Projects have been selected and organized because of their importance and long-lasting impact to our entire community.
In order to effectively manage and guide projects and priorities in these three areas – each of which would be full-time work – the administration adopted the B.E.S.T. principles: Build a Sustainable Community; Educate our Citizens; Safety and Services in every neighborhood; and Transit and Technology throughout the region.
On July 31, 2012, the voters of Macon and Bibb County approved House Bill 1171, which would create a consolidated Macon-Bibb County government that would begin in January 2014. Between September 2012 and January 2014, a 15-member Transition Task Force will hold public meetings to take a deliberate and in-depth look at how government is currently operated, identify best practices from across the state and country, and build a new government that is truly focused on moving the community forward.
Throughout this public process, it is essential for the Transition Task Force to communicate directly with the public, both providing information and seeking feedback, in order to ensure that Macon-Bibb County is created as a new government focused on serving the public, rather than a merely merging of two governments.
This plan focuses on four primary areas with goals, objectives, and actions steps provided for each. This is intended to be a ‘living document,’ one which can be updated and improved as additional communication methods, publics, and opportunities arise.
I lead this team effort to explain our end of year finances to the general public. Working with accountants and graphic designers we were able to put together an beautiful document that allows citizens to learn more about the City in which they live.
City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA)
"In recognition of his many contributions to local government, community relations, and public affairs. Over the last decade, Chris has had an extensive career as a public, government communicator. The testimonies from his community members showcase the respect and adoration they have for him. Chris is an acknowledged leader for innovation and strategic method of communication."
Silver Circle Award
City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA)
We received the Silver Circle Award for our consolidated Macon-Bibb County's first Forward Together Strategic Plan, which was developed over 18 months after seeking feedback from Commissioners, department heads, partner organizations, and the public.
To read more and view the plan, click here: http://www.maconbibb.us/maconbibbstrategicplan/.
"The content in this guidebook will provide you with guidance on issues ranging from research tips to social media tactics to having an effective crisis plan. As crisis management is not a science, per se, you'll find many different views on best practices, but you are certain to find interesting and game-changing takeaways from all of the contributors.
Crises are a part of doing business. Handled well, they demonstrate to your publics that yours is an organization that puts people before profits, truth before denial and spin. When a crisis is handled poorly, it can escalate to a point of no return. The key to handling crises is to be ready ahead of time for the storm that is always on the horizon. Proper planning can take the panic out of the initial response to a crisis and can set the tone for the post-crisis communications, out-reach and repair efforts." (From PR News)
A preview of what LinkedIn members have to say about Chris:
I've worked with Chris on various projects promoting Macon + Bibb County. Whether it's a Christmas parade, pop-up boutique event, a music street party, or a new business opening I know I can count on Chris to do everything in his power to promote that event.
Chris is also one of the people I know I can go to in our local government with a question, even if it's not an issue he works with directly he will work to get me the answers I need both as a marketing and public relations professional but also as a citizen of Macon + Bibb.
I've known Chris for over four years both in Education and Local Government. He has excelled in both capacities. He is a leader and one of the best Public Relations Specialists I know. How Macon has managed to keep him here bewilders me. He is the epitome of world class and a hard worker.