Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Jas N Smith - School PR Pro & Communications Strategist


I am Jas N Smith. I have a great deal of experience in media and public relations, and I am currently looking for a position in communications, public relations, or related fields.
My background includes serving as a communication director, PR coordinator, social media manager, online community manager, and working as a television journalist. 

Most recently, I have served as communication director for the Hattiesburg Public School District, where my responsibilities included handling: 
  • media relations
  • internal & external communications 
  • crisis management
  • public relation strategies
  • project management
  • community relations
  • event management
  • social media management 
  • vendor relations
  • policy development
 ...and many other duties that I feel would apply to various situations.

In 2016, the Mississippi School Public Relations Association AND the Mississippi Association of School Administrators recognized me as the State Communicator of the Year.  I've also earned recognition and awards for newsletters (print & electronic), publications, handbooks, and photography.

I have also worked in television and network newsrooms, retail environments, and small business communication support. In these positions, I developed the ability to meet strict broadcast deadlines, problem-solve in a fast-paced environment, and resolve various issues.  In my most recent position, I oversaw the operations of the HPSD Print Shop and Communication Department staff and interns.

In recent years, I have been asked to present university students about communication, public relations, social media, and community building. William Carey University has asked me to conduct an annual session for graduate students related to communication for schools. I also a regularly speak at various community events, faith-based organizations, and parent workshops.

I am proficient in office software, HTML, copy-editing, digital photography, and Photoshop. 

Here are a few news stories that I was interviewed for:





I also filmed and edited some videos to highlight different things happening around the district.





I am confident that I can offer the communication and public relations skills you are seeking for your organization. Feel free to email me at jasnsmith@gmail.com for more information. 

Thank you.

Jas N Smith

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

My Talks With Bill Minor

Bill Minor died this morning. He chronicled some of the uglier parts of Mississippi's history for the last half of the Twentieth Century.

I had the privilege of meeting him one afternoon when I lived in Jackson. It's no secret that I'm a news junkie and I've read dozens of his columns. He was in the grocery store, and I recognized him but debated whether or not to bother him. Turns out it was no bother. He was happy to talk, and talk we did.

We spoke for almost half an hour in the aisle of the Winn-Dixie. As shoppers passed around us, he told me stories of governors and politicians, Civil Rights protests, and newsroom politics. It was a joy.

A couple of years later, I saw a story about his birthday and sent him a letter wishing him a belated happy birthday and hoping he was well. About a week later he called me to thank me for the letter. This time, we had an extended conversation about his career and mother, his thoughts on our current state leadership, and education in Mississippi. It was amazing. I even jotted notes about it in my copy of Eyes on Mississippi.

Bill was not shy about sharing his opinion, which could be politely described as "progressive." He was a much-needed voice for liberal ideas and political dissent in a state where both are rare and often derided.

I am so grateful that I got to speak with such a legend. His career was a gift to all of us. His talent and tenacity were inspiring and spoke to the core of what it means to be a "newsman." There will never be another, but hopefully, many will try because of the example he set.

Rest In Peace, Bill. You will be missed.

#journalist #journalism #mississippi #clarionledger #timespicayune #mississippinews #tribute