Jessica Catlett

Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives @Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority

Valdosta, GA, US
EMAILS
j•••••••@vlpra.com
MOBILE NUMBERS
+15•••••••12

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WORK HISTORY

Jan 2013 — Present

Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives @Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority

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Valdosta, GA, US

Direct all public relations and marketing strategy and execution for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority. Responsible for brand management, media placement, content creation, social media, website construction/management, and all outbound messaging including press releases, publications, flyers, and digital delivery. Manage advertising and marketing budgets while effectively reaching target audiences and increasing participation more than 200% in select programs. Rebranded the agency and created a new B2B tourism brand. Instrumental in launching online registration while migrating all systems into new online software. Work with community stakeholders and elected officials to bring vibrant programs and user-friendly facilities to the residents of Valdosta and Lowndes County.

EDUCATION

2001 — 2004

The University of Georgia

Bachelor of Journalism, Broadcast News

N/A

The University of Georgia

Master of Education - MEd, Adult Learning, Leadership, & Organization Development

SKILLS

JournalismVideo ProductionStorytellingNews WritingProducingFacebookWritingPublic RelationsMarketingMedia RelationsBloggingTwitterContent StrategyEditingPress ReleasesEvent PlanningRadioTelevisionWeb Content WritingFinal Cut ProBroadcast JournalismVideoPublicationsBreaking NewsAp StyleBroadcast TelevisionPublic SpeakingCrisis ManagementNew MediaSportsBroadcastLeadershipAvidSocial MediaSports MarketingEditorialNon-Linear EditingSocial Media Marketing

ABOUT JESSICA CATLETT

As the Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority (VLPRA), I lead high-level communications while driving cross-functional projects that shape the future of our community.Over the past 12+ years, I’ve built a legacy of results-driven storytelling, brand development, and strategic execution. I spearheaded VLPRA’s award-winning rebrand, launched transformative digital tools like online registration, and grew program participation by more than 200%. Now, my role goes even further: overseeing initiatives that align operations with long-term community needs and goals.I take an active lead in sports tourism recruitment through the “Compete Valdosta-Lowndes” brand I created, working directly with event rights holders and tournament directors to bring impactful sports events to our area. This work has contributed to more than $70 million in local economic impact, supporting not just tournaments but the restaurants, hotels, and businesses that benefit from visitors and athletes alike.Beyond communications and tourism, I serve as the community liaison and lead coordinator for consultants across a wide range of projects including master plans, market feasibility studies, and infrastructure analysis. I also manage property leases and acquisition research, ensuring operational alignment with legal, financial, and community objectives.With additional expertise in leadership instruction, group facilitation, strategic planning, program evaluation, and change management, I’m often tapped to lead collaborative initiatives that require both strategic vision and strong interpersonal dynamics. I help groups navigate complexity, build consensus, and move toward meaningful outcomes.I’m currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Adult Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development to deepen my understanding of how individuals and organizations grow, adapt, and lead through change.My background in major-market media (CNN, HLN, WSB-TV) gave me the foundation to lead under pressure, from managing crisis communications to producing high-profile national campaigns. Whether I’m launching a brand, facilitating stakeholder meetings, or evaluating community-wide initiatives, I bring strategic clarity, creative energy, and organizational precision to every project.I\'m passionate about building strong teams, driving sustainable growth, and empowering organizations through clear messaging, collaborative planning, strategic branding, and lifelong learning.

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