Jay Rickerts

Currently create, manage and deliver a wide array of corporate communication functions and products, internal corporate communications, marketing support, media relations training, video production, speech writing, safety program training materials production and execution. 

Recent client projects:

Qorvo, Greensboro, NC

Crafted and managed press releases from the Marketing Communications department for various semiconductor product business units. Researched, wrote and edited internal communications articles, brochures and flyers for the employee audience. Managed, wrote and monitored Qorvo’s daily social media presence with posts highlighting company accomplishments, community service and employee profiles.

Advocates for Alamance Education, Burlington, NC

Organized, prepared and executed 11 issues-based interviews of Alamance County Board of Commissioners candidates. Candidate background information, photos and interview transcriptions were prepared for the AAE candidate website and published prior to the March 3, 2020 primary election.

ITG Brands, Greensboro, NC

Generated regular internal employee website articles and video material for ITG Brands’ internal employee informational website. Managed and supervised outsourced media vendors. Offered multimedia project management services for HR, safety, and training productions.

Guilford Education Alliance, Greensboro, NC

Provided supplemental advocacy work aimed at promoting personnel and financial support for Guilford County Public Schools prior to final legislative budget action.

Created daily articles and independently produced video material for internal employee informational website as well as former Lorillard internal employee magazine. Managed and supervised outsourced vendors that provided additional creative media support. Produced varied corporate communications, HR email alerts, and benefits communications. Produced and assisted presentation of video content for semi-annual offsite national leadership conferences.

• Developed, executed and delivered effective multimedia content consistently for internal company audiences on various platforms that provided stability during ITG Brands transition from Lorillard, LLC after major corporate merger.
• Produced targeted video training material for each business segment, including operations, sales and marketing, corporate compliance, and human resources by collaborating with appropriate business units.
• Researched, produced, and executed ITG Brands' annual United Way campaign video. ITG Brands led region’s participating companies in contributions, exceeding $1 million in consecutive campaign years.
• Aided Operations and Sales departments in achieving top safety ratings in industry category by producing a suite of industrial safety training videos specific to each group.

Created and launched public relations plan prior to client’s successful IPO. Called upon for public speaking, voice-over narration, and public education outreach. Strategically evaluated, recommended, and executed marketing communications strategies and tactics created specifically for discrete target audiences according to client needs.

• Ensured meeting sales goals, generated positive press, and contributed to successful client Initial Public Offering by writing, producing, directing, and narrating online / broadcast video products for various clients.
• Acted as media relations and media training professional.
• Achieved full enrollment and program expansion by developing marketing concepts and managing account for new client leadership training programs.

Assessed and met external and internal communications needs of for-profit and non-profit clients. Crafted and executed crisis communications and training programs for client media spokespeople and executives.

• Provided pro-bono crisis communications plan for local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
• Chosen as Lecturer / Adjunct Instructor in Journalism and Communication for the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and High Point University.

Co-produced and executed daily three-hour live news broadcast: “The Good Morning Show”, and half hour newscast, WFMY News 2 at Noon. Wrote, edited, and approved various news stories, articles, and interactive media projects for DigTriad.com; WFMY’s multimedia news and community website. Chosen as company spokesman for various community, educational, and charity events.

• Provided stability to station's on-air staff following a period of rapid change and turnover at Gannett Inc. station.
• Succeeded in unifying morning news team, leading to top ratings in majority of ratings periods from November 2003 – August 2008.

Crafted and executed crisis communications training programs designed to offer client spokespeople turnkey packages of strategies and skills dedicated to successful outcomes in multiple media environments. Assessed internal and external communications needs of confidential public and private clients ranging from major utilities to government entities. Prepared media crisis action plans specifically tailored to meet client needs and vulnerabilities. Provided extensive client training in media relations strategies and crisis management.

Responsible for an array of corporate communication functions, including media relations, speech writing, internal communications and acted as PR agency liaison.

• Co-developed and anchored EnergyNewsLive.com; a daily series of nine streaming video energy industry newscasts.
• Dramatically exceeded the five-year goal of 5,000 registered ENL users by achieving 40,000 new users in only two years.
• Advised Williams executives in news conferences, presentations, and public appearances.
• Recognized as a trusted public speaker and executive coach.
• Moderated the energy industry Clean Cities Forum, Oklahoma City, OK; 2001.     

Co-wrote, planned, produced and anchored all primetime 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00pm weekday newscasts, including live interviews and remote live reports for this Scripps Inc. station.

• Honored with consecutive Best Newscast awards from the Associated Press in 1997 and 1998.
• Received the RTNDA's Best Feature award in 1994; also Honorable Mention for Best Documentary from the Associated Press in 1998.
• Named as one of Ten Outstanding Young Tulsans by the Tulsa Jaycees in 1997.
• Selected as host and featured speaker at fundraisers and special events for a variety of non-profits and educational organizations.
• Provided classroom instruction as Adjunct Professor at Rogers State University, Claremore, OK; 1997-1998.

Radio Television Film/News and Public Affairs

Communication and Leadership Studies