Renee Charles
Director of Communications at RLI Corp. | Strategic, Corporate and Internal Communications | Community Relations
- Role
- Director of Communications at RLI Insurance Company
- Location
- Peoria, IL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Renee Charles
My mission is to help leaders and organizations communicate with clarity, authenticity and purpose, strengthening trust, aligning teams around shared goals and building cultures where people feel informed, valued and connected to the mission.With more than 30 years of experience spanning corporate communications, executive communications, higher education, nonprofit leadership and broadcast journalism, I have seen how the right message at the right time can steady an organization, protect reputation and inspire people to move forward together.As Director of Communications at RLI Corp, I lead corporate, internal and executive communications in support of enterprise strategy and measurable business outcomes. Change management communications is central to my role. I work closely with senior leaders to translate strategy into clear messaging, helping employees understand the vision, the rationale for change and their role in delivering results. My focus includes employee engagement, leadership communications, crisis communications, reputation management and executive visibility.I also oversee charitable giving as part of the community relations team, aligning corporate philanthropy with business priorities and company values. Connecting purpose with performance strengthens culture, deepens community relationships and reinforces brand trust.Previously, as Spokesperson and Executive Director of Public Relations at Bradley University, I directed integrated communications across internal communications, media relations, issues management and community engagement. I served on the President’s Administrative Council and led crisis communications during the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding transparent, consistent messaging during a period of significant disruption. My work supported enrollment, advancement and institutional reputation while strengthening trust among students, faculty, staff and alumni.I began my career in broadcast journalism as a reporter, anchor, producer and host in television and radio markets in Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. That foundation shaped my leadership style and sharpened my ability to distill complex issues, think strategically under pressure and communicate with clarity and confidence.I am passionate about strategic storytelling, trusted leadership counsel and building resilient organizations prepared to navigate change and grow stronger together.
Experience
Director of Communications
Jun 2022 — Present · Peoria, IL, US
Education
Abingdon high school
Diploma, General
1988 — 1991
Western Illinois University
BS, Communications/Broadcasting/Journalism
1991 — 1996
Bradley University
Master of Arts - MA, Non Profit Leadership
Skills
- Leadership
- Copywriting
- Speech Writing
- Journalism
- News Writing
- Community Relations
- Press Releases
- Editing
- Public Speaking
- Broadcast Television
- Newsletters
- Community Development
- Nonprofits
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Video
- Interviews
- Video Production
- Spokesperson
- Broadcast Journalism
- Event Management
- Crisis Communications
- Public Relations
- Internal Communications
- Media Relations
- Public Affairs
- Storytelling
- Publicity
- Social Networking
- Interviewing
- Social Media
- Radio
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.