Patrick Smith

About Patrick Smith

I am an executive communications leader and trusted advisor to CEOs and senior leadership teams, with more than 20 years of experience shaping narrative, aligning organizations, and guiding communications strategy in complex, high-stakes environments. I partner with executive leaders to translate business priorities into clear, compelling messaging that drives alignment, strengthens reputation, and supports enterprise performance. My work includes developing executive communications and thought leadership for CEOs and board-level leaders, advising on strategy during critical moments, and leading integrated communications across global corporations, large public institutions, and agency environments. In my current role as Director of Corporate Communications at Amwins, I advise the Executive Chairman, CEO, and C-suite on executive messaging, enterprise communications strategy, and reputation management across multiple business divisions. Previously, I served as chief communications officer and a member of the Superintendent’s executive cabinet for one of the largest public school systems in the United States, leading communications through periods of significant complexity and public visibility. Earlier in my career, I led global communications for a multinational advanced materials company with applications in highly technical and defense-related industries, and held leadership roles within global agencies supporting organizations such as Bank of America, FedEx, and The Home Depot. Areas of focus include: • Executive communications and leadership messaging • Strategic advisory to CEOs and senior leadership teams • Enterprise communications and organizational alignment • Crisis communications and high-stakes issues management • Corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement • Leading teams in complex, matrixed organizations I am particularly interested in opportunities where executive communications plays a central role in aligning global organizations, shaping narrative, and advancing strategic priorities in dynamic and highly regulated environments.

Experience

1. Director of Corporate Communications

   Amwins

   Apr 2022 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   Lead corporate communications for a global insurance distribution firm, overseeing internal and external communications, executive messaging, media relations, and reputation management across multiple business divisions.Partner with senior leadership to align communications with business priorities, support organizational effectiveness, and enhance corporate visibility.Key responsibilities and impact:• Direct corporate messaging across four business divisions, ensuring consistency and alignment across leadership teams, employees, and external audiences• Advise executive leadership on communications strategy, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement• Lead internal communications initiatives supporting employee engagement, change management, and business priorities• Oversee crisis communications planning and response, including preparation and execution during high-impact situations• Serve as senior relationship manager for industry trade publications and national financial media• Develop executive speeches, talking points, and leadership communications• Manage communications team responsible for internal and external corporate communications programs• Lead sponsorship and community engagement initiatives, including partnerships with professional athletes and industry organizations

Education

• University of South Carolina

  B.A., Journalism - Public Relations

  1994 — 1998

Skills

• Corporate Communications
• Strategy
• Social Media
• Social Media Marketing
• Integrated Marketing
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations
• Marketing Strategy
• Advertising
• Crisis Communications
• Press Releases
• Strategic Communications
• Marketing Communications