TITLE: Media Relations Associate
BIRTHPLACE: Calhoun, Georgia (Chicago is home though)
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications (Public Relations focus)

YEARS WORKING IN TRANSIT INDUSTRY: 3 ½ years
YEARS WORKING WITH HART: 3 ½ years

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

• USF graduate – Mass Communications (Public Relations focus)
• 2012 FPTA Marketing “Best of the Best” Award
• 2012 FPTA Marketing Best in Class 2 – Online Communications/Social Media

BIGGEST SURPRISE IN MARKETING TRANSIT: The biggest surprise is a lack of direct competitors. Marketing transit is not like marketing soft drinks, electronics, etc., there is no Coke or Best Buy. Our focus is much broader, in that we are attempting to change commuting habits. We are trying to turn the “alternative”  commute into the status quo. Individuals may switch from Coke to Pepsi, but how easily will they give up soda for water?

BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MARKETING TRANSIT: Riding transit is a lifestyle. The biggest challenge in marketing transit is attempting to change someone’s lifestyle (for the better). However, that challenge also provides the biggest reward.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Animal Coalition of Tampa, National Alliance on Mental Illness

PERSONAL BACKGROUND (family, pets, hobbies, pastimes, etc):  I live in Brandon with my wife and 3 dogs. They are a handful! Outside of HART, I love music, sports (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago White Sox, and Manchester City), and playing adult kick ball!

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: Astronaut. Unfortunately, the thought of being roughly 2 million feet above the Earth squashed that dream.

INSPIRATION: My family is your typical Midwestern blue collar family, father is a truck driver, and the   majority of my family works in factories, construction, or on railroads. I was the first one in my family to graduate from college, and every day I find inspiration from what I have been able to achieve so far. I have a lot left in the tank!

FAVORITE BOOK: Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters

FAVORITE COLOR: Blue

FAVORITE CANDY: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups