Tommy Morgan won a Silver Award in the “PR Up and Comer” category in the 2017 Stars of PR Awards.
Length of PR career (so far): One year and six months
Your most memorable campaign: I had the opportunity to coordinate a media day on Capitol Hill for a client. This campaign was the first major campaign when the client was new and the results were incredible. We were able to secure seven reporters last minute and garner more than ten pieces of coverage.
Best thing about working at your agency: The opportunity to learn about new industries and hone new skills.
Last time you didn’t do any work all weekend: Last weekend. Separating personal time and professional time is something I am adamant about. I believe a solid work-life balance allows you to do a better job for your employer and your clients.
Most misunderstood thing about PR: The value. Many people underestimate the value of PR, especially when they are focused strictly on the numbers. PR provides organizations and individuals with the ability to reach a large audience and builds credibility among the public.
What got you interested in a PR career? I was initially interested in journalism (I wanted to be the next Matt Lauer). Once I started my communications courses at Radford University, I found that a career in PR would allow me to make the type of impact I wanted to make. Through a career in PR I can make a direct impact in people’s lives and that is something I would never give up.
Most interesting thing about your job: The diversity. I have the opportunity to work with a variety of companies, organizations and individuals every day. There aren’t many people who get to work with so many influential people and incredible organizations daily. I would say that it keeps things interesting (and sometimes stressful).
Number of meetings you were in last week: 21.
Rate your math skills from 1-10: A solid 4—I’m terrible at math and sometimes struggle to calculate a tip while eating out. I may actually be more of a 2 than a 4.
Best advice to a PR student: Write a lot, and then write some more. The ability to write is absolutely critical to your success as a PR professional.
What do you read daily?: My devotional
Favorite way to de-stress: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
The moment you realized PR is more fun than you thought it would be: Working in PR became a lot more fun when I was able to secure a feature story for a client in a major national publication. This was a request from the client in passing, so needless to say they were over the moon to see results from an ad hoc request. Being able to position a client and garner that exposure for them is incredible.
Brand that does the best PR: I’m constantly impressed by fast-food brands and their use of social media. If I had to choose the brand I admire the most at this given time, I would have to say Wendy’s and their social media strategy.
Favorite non-work hobby: Kayaking or hiking – basically anything that you can do outdoors.
Cocktail of choice: Vodka and sours
Your first “real” job: My current one!
Childhood “dream job”: Being like Jim Cantore. I loved (and still love) learning about the weather and always wanted to become a meteorologist. The only thing that stood in my way was physics.
Three people you’d love to invite to dinner: Carrie Underwood, Matt Lauer, Adam Levine
