Toi Thornton, Ph.D.
Communications Professional
New Orleans
Summary
Accomplished communications professional and former journalist with over 10 years of experience in storytelling, media relations, and strategic messaging. Skilled at crafting compelling narratives that captivate diverse audiences across various platforms. Demonstrated ability to research, develop, and deliver impactful content within tight deadlines, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and audience engagement. Proficient in social media content development, brand positioning, and digital engagement strategies, resulting in significant growth in audience reach and interaction. Experienced in crisis communications, press relations, and stakeholder engagement, with a talent for translating complex topics into clear and relatable messaging. Results-driven communicator excelling in fast-paced environments, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance content strategy and establish brand authority.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Professor of Communications
Purdue University Global
Remote
02.2025 - Current
- Teaches synchronous or asynchronous communication seminars (10-week units)
- Maintains virtual office hours per week to ensure student success through personal time
- Corresponds with students, administrators, and other university officials electronically
- Plans, leads, and presents weekly one hour virtual lectures relevant to course material
- Leads message board discussions and engages students in relevant discussions about communications coursework
- Maintains and submits accurate and timely reports for student grades/progress
- Measures student success based on university standards relevant to subject-matter knowledge and career preparation
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
COGIC International AIM Convention
Remote
01.2025 - Current
- Developed and executed comprehensive editorial strategies to enhance digital and print communications
- Led brand development initiatives, ensuring cohesive messaging across all media platforms
- Oversaw media relations, managing press releases, interviews, and content distribution to increase visibility
- Implemented social media campaigns and digital marketing strategies, increasing audience engagement and content reach
- Executed social media plans to create cohesive online presence.
- Collaborated with leadership to create high-impact storytelling strategies aligned with organizational goals
- Implemented content editorial calendar to plan marketing campaigns and manage content.
- Mentored junior team members to develop their skills as PR/Marketing/Production professionals while maintaining a high-performance culture within the department.
- Increased social media engagement through development of creative content and tailored messaging strategies.
- Managed crisis communications for mitigating potential damage to organizational reputation.
Director of Public Relations
COGIC International AIM Convention
Remote
01.2021 - 12.2024
- Managed editorial content creation for newsletters, social media, and press materials, ensuring brand alignment
- Developed and distributed e-newsletters and digital copy across multiple platforms
- Secured media coverage in local, regional, and national outlets, increasing organizational awareness
- Designed and implemented crisis communication plans, ensuring effective messaging during high-impact situations
- Grew Instagram following from 8,000 to 17,300+ in 3 years and Facebook audience from 26,000 to 44,000+ through targeted content strategies
- Executed social media plans to create cohesive online presence.
- Implemented content editorial calendar to plan marketing campaigns and manage content.
- Maintained proactive media relations program by distributing news releases for placement.
- Authored fresh and engaging press releases and prepared complete press kits.
- Drafted speeches and talking points for leadership.
Anchor/Reporter
NBC Connecticut
West Hartford, CT
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Spearheaded content creation and distribution across digital and broadcast platforms
- Developed and executed social media strategies to enhance audience engagement and digital reach
- Represented the station at key public events, reinforcing brand trust and audience relationships
- Presented news by researching, developing and covering field news events.
- Maintained a strong on-air presence, effectively engaging viewers and encouraging audience loyalty.
- Drafted news headlines for broadcasting to capture listeners with clear and condensed writing.
- Managed tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining professionalism both on and off camera.
- Conducted live and taped interviews with individuals from all walks of life and all cultures.
- Collaborated with producers and management to develop newscasts, promotions and teases.
- Improved ratings by consistently delivering high-quality content tailored to the preferences of the target demographic.
News Anchor/Traffic Anchor
WBRC FOX 6 News
Birmingham, AL
08.2020 - 10.2023
- Co-anchored Good Day Alabama Extra, delivering six hours of impactful news and feature stories daily
- Produced and hosted 'Undisclosed Trauma,' an award-nominated streaming series increasing awareness of mental health issues
- Built a strong personal brand as a top market influencer, increasing professional Facebook following from 5,000 to 26,000+ followers, driving significant engagement
- Led strategic audience growth efforts, enhancing station's digital footprint
- Enhanced viewer engagement by incorporating compelling storytelling techniques and dynamic on-air presentation.
- Anchored popular broadcast program with good ratings and audience engagement.
- Delivered unscripted breaking news and special event coverage to community.
- Worked closely with producers to create visually appealing segments with appropriate graphics and visuals.
- Balanced objectivity with empathy when covering sensitive events, ensuring ethical reporting while maintaining the human element in news coverage.
Reporter/MMJ
WALA FOX 10 News
Mobile, AL
10.2017 - 08.2020
- Created compelling multimedia content, significantly increasing digital audience engagement
- Implemented SEO-optimized content strategies, boosting web traffic and user interaction
- Researched and produced daily news reports.
- Edited stories for accuracy and clarity.
- Enhanced news coverage by conducting thorough research and fact-checking for accuracy.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, providing comprehensive perspectives on relevant issues.
- Presented developments in stories in live broadcasts and recordings.
- Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
- Drafted news headlines for broadcasting to capture listeners with clear and condensed writing.
- Disseminated news content through social media for better engagement with audiences and faster reporting.
- Deployed to news events locales to provide on-the-ground broadcast solutions and news coverage.
- Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
- Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
- Fact-checked breaking news headlines by performing background research.
- Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
Adjunct Professor, Communications
Spring Hill College
Mobile, AL
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Taught Student Media Production (CMM 473), mentoring students in journalism, digital storytelling, and media strategy
- Supervised student-run TV, newspaper, and digital media platforms, aligning content with industry standards
- Managed student performance using automated reporting system, leveraging data to identify student learning needs and create action plans to overcome learning deficiencies.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
Anchor/Multi-Media Journalist
KADN FOX 15 News
Lafayette, LA
02.2016 - 09.2017
- Spearheaded content creation and distribution across digital and broadcast platforms
- Presented news by researching, developing and covering field news events.
- Maintained a strong on-air presence, effectively engaging viewers and encouraging audience loyalty.
- Drafted news headlines for broadcasting to capture listeners with clear and condensed writing.
- Managed tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining professionalism both on and off camera.
- Conducted live and taped interviews with individuals from all walks of life and all cultures.
- Improved ratings by consistently delivering high-quality content tailored to the preferences of the target demographic.
- Effectively captured emotional moments within communities during times of crisis or celebration, providing meaningful context to viewers.
- Excelled in a fast-paced newsroom environment by prioritizing assignments effectively and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Development & Events/Social Media Coordinator
Odyssey House Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
02.2015 - 11.2015
- Managed fundraising initiatives and donor relations, increasing contributions and engagement
- Designed and executed social media campaigns, enhancing brand visibility and outreach
- Coordinated large-scale events, handling sponsorship acquisition and logistics
- Created social media content with consistent content and tone.
- Developed a strong online presence for clients through targeted social media strategies tailored to their unique needs.
- Established strong relationships with vendors and partners, ensuring timely delivery of services and materials for events.
Education
Ph.D. - Strategic Media
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 07.2021 - 11.2025
Master of Arts - New Media Journalism
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL 01.2016 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Dillard University
New Orleans, LA 08.2010 - 05.2014
Skills
- Strategic Messaging Expertise
- Media Relations
- Media Engagement Strategy
- Crisis Response Communication
- Brand Reputation Management
- Digital Content Planning
- Team Leadership
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Project management
Affiliations
- National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Board Membership Community Involvement
- Board Member, IGNITE Foundation, 01/01/20, Present
- Board Member, New Awakening Recovery Services, 01/01/21, 12/31/23
Certification
FEMA Public Information Officer Awarness Certification
Timeline
Adjunct Professor of Communications
Purdue University Global
02.2025 - Current
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
COGIC International AIM Convention
01.2025 - Current
FEMA Public Information Officer Awarness Certification
12-2024
Anchor/Reporter
NBC Connecticut
10.2023 - 11.2024
Ph.D. - Strategic Media
Liberty University
07.2021 - 11.2025
Director of Public Relations
COGIC International AIM Convention
01.2021 - 12.2024
News Anchor/Traffic Anchor
WBRC FOX 6 News
08.2020 - 10.2023
Adjunct Professor, Communications
Spring Hill College
01.2019 - 12.2019
Reporter/MMJ
WALA FOX 10 News
10.2017 - 08.2020
Anchor/Multi-Media Journalist
KADN FOX 15 News
02.2016 - 09.2017
Master of Arts - New Media Journalism
Full Sail University
01.2016 - 12.2016
Development & Events/Social Media Coordinator
Odyssey House Louisiana
02.2015 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Dillard University
08.2010 - 05.2014
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