Spencer Turney

Strategic Communications Leader | Media Relations Expert
Chicago, US.

About

Highly accomplished strategic communicator with over a decade of experience in media relations, thought leadership, and brand storytelling. Expertly translates complex research and policy into compelling, relevant press coverage, consistently securing high-profile placements in top-tier national and international media outlets. Proven ability to lead earned media strategy, enhance public profiles, and drive significant brand visibility for organizations in education, health, and workforce development.

Work

edc.org
|

Media Relations Manager

Chicago, Illinois, US

Summary

Leads earned media strategy for a global non-profit, positioning work in education, health, and workforce development within major news narratives.

Highlights

Directed strategic media relations, securing high-profile placements in top-tier outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, amplifying impact for education, health, and workforce development initiatives.

Developed and delivered comprehensive daily media reports and critical crisis communication reports, including specific COVID-19 insights, to inform executive leadership and board members.

Designed and led hands-on media training programs for faculty and subject matter experts, enhancing their public speaking readiness and media engagement effectiveness.

Vanderbilt University
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Media Relations Specialist

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Summary

Managed media relations for a leading university, enhancing public profiles of faculty and leadership and securing high-impact press coverage.

Highlights

Spearheaded the establishment of an in-house earned media function, significantly enhancing the university's capacity for proactive media engagement and outreach.

Elevated the public profiles of over 200 faculty and leadership through proactive media outreach, securing expert commentary and thought leadership opportunities.

Consistently exceeded annual media relations goals, achieving a significant increase in media mentions and brand visibility year-over-year.

Secured over 50 high-profile press opportunities, including placements in national and international media, for university research and expert commentary.

Developed and maintained a comprehensive internal media relations database, encompassing nearly 200 media-ready sources, streamlining outreach and enhancing reporting efficiency.

Vanderbilt University
|

Communications Specialist, Research and Innovation

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Summary

Managed school-level external communications for Engineering and Arts & Sciences, translating complex research into accessible content.

Highlights

Assumed a critical stop-gap role, managing external communications for faculty within the Schools of Engineering and Arts & Sciences, ensuring seamless outreach during a transitional period.

Conducted over 50 1:1 interviews with faculty and researchers, identifying press-worthy expertise and translating complex research into compelling content for video and print publications.

Authored and published more than 30 impactful news features, showcasing the groundbreaking work of numerous scholars and researchers to a broader audience.

Revive Health
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Senior Account Executive

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Summary

Directed strategic communication initiatives for healthcare clients, enhancing brand visibility and media engagement.

Highlights

Managed client relationships and executed strategic communication plans for healthcare sector clients, contributing to enhanced brand reputation and market presence.

Secured targeted media placements and developed compelling content to support client objectives, achieving measurable increases in public awareness for key initiatives.

Provided expert counsel on communication strategies, ensuring alignment with client business goals and industry trends to optimize campaign effectiveness.

the Bradford Group | Public Relations and Marketing
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Account Executive

Nashville, Tennessee, US

L.C. Williams & Associates
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Assistant Account Executive

Chicago, Illinois, US

Skills

Communications

Communications Planning, External Relations, Public Speaking, Media Relations, Thought Leadership, Brand Storytelling, Crisis Communications, Content Creation, Strategic Communications, Media Training, Public Relations.

Data & Reporting

Media Monitoring, Metrics Tracking, Reporting, Database Management.

Project Management

Project Launch, Cross-functional Collaboration, Client Management.

Education

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America

Master of Arts (MA)

Medicine, Health, and Society

University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Journalism and Public Relations

Awards

Jim White Gridiron Award

Awarded By

Unspecified

Recognized for outstanding achievement in a professional or academic capacity.

Silver Trumpet Award

Awarded By

Unspecified

Awarded for excellence in public relations and communications.

Award of Excellence

Awarded By

Unspecified

Acknowledged for exceptional performance and contributions in the field.

Qwoted Top 100

Awarded By

Qwoted

Named among the top 100 experts on the Qwoted platform, recognized for media influence and thought leadership.