Caryn Foster Durham

About Caryn Foster Durham

I have dedicated my career to building, reimagining, and protecting brands. My portfolio includes strategy, management, crisis communications, public relations, internal communications, mergers & acquisitions, and executive communications across large and small businesses, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as state and local governments. My expertise includes:Internal Communications | The ability to help brands define who they are and share that effectively at all levels is critical to achieving business goals and one that I take pride in facilitating. I have extensive experience helping organizations define company values and operationalize them effectively to streamline decision making, improve messaging and build engagement and trust among all stakeholders.External Communications | I’ve led communications strategy across sectors and industries, including healthcare, energy, transportation, government, and tourism. My efforts have established strategic community partnerships and leveraged public relations, crisis communications, advertising, as well as digital media to create and maintain corporate and brand reputation through growth, leadership transitions, and litigation.Leadership | I thrive when given the opportunity to create and build new systems, structures, and teams. My ability to build relationships, generate consensus among critical stakeholders, foster an environment that values diversity and promote an engaged work culture has contributed to my success in business. Additionally, I bring expertise in budget management, team building and performance management all while encouraging the development of those around me.Service | My personal brand mantra is \"Make things better.\" As such I proudly serve as a mentor and advisor while also giving time to a select number of boards and organizations.

Experience

1. Assistant Vice President Corporate Communications

   Universal Corporation

   Mar 2026 — Present · Richmond, VA, US

   Leads enterprise-wide internal and external communications strategy across Universal’s global operations, supporting both Universal Ingredients and Universal Leaf Tobacco. Oversees corporate messaging, media relations, executive communications, crisis readiness, and digital platforms. Partners at the executive level to align communications with financial reporting, strategic priorities, enterprise initiatives, and brand strategy, reinforcing stakeholder confidence and corporate reputation worldwide.

Education

• Marshall University

  Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing/Marketing Management, General

• Nitro High School

  High School Diploma

Skills

• Planning
• SEO
• Social Media Marketing
• Strategic Communications
• Strategic Planning
• Account Management
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Media Planning
• Creative Direction
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Marketing
• Budgets
• Online Marketing
• Media Buying
• Copywriting
• Creative Development
• Brand Development
• Lead Generation
• Crm
• Strategy
• Digital Marketing
• Management
• Brand Management
• Social Networking
• Marketing Strategy
• Market Research
• Event Management
• Digital Strategy
• Online Advertising
• Advertising
• Website Development
• Corporate Communications
• New Business Development
• Public Speaking
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Direct Marketing
• Email Marketing