CHARDONNAY THOMAS

COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONAL

Career Summary

318-936-1662 CHARTHOMASTV@GMAIL.COM

USA

Communications and media relations professionals with 7+ years of experience telling clear, credible stories that build trust and visibility. Former journalist with strong newsroom insight and the ability to translate complex healthcare topics into accessible, audience-focused messaging. Experienced in earned media, media inquiry response, and crisis communications, with a proven ability to support leadership, protect brand reputation, and deliver results under pressure.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

I’m a communications and marketing professional with hands-on experience in journalism and newsroom environments. I love telling stories, whether through writing, visuals, or social media, and helping brands connect with their audiences. I’m skilled in digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Final Cut Pro. I also enjoy using data and insights to plan campaigns, solve problems, and support fundraising and donor engagement initiatives.

EXPERIENCE

April 2022 - Current
Community Development Coordinator

David Raines Community Health Centers

• Develop and implement campaigns to enhance organizational visibility.

• Plan and execute events and fundraising initiatives to support community engagement.

• Maintain media relations and secure new revenue opportunities.

• Manage volunteer programs and conduct outreach to engage stakeholders.

• Increase public awareness of social and community service programs through strategic

  communication.

  United Way of Central LA February 2024 - September 2024 Contract- Remote
  Interim Communication Director

• Monitor media coverage and maintain internal communications.

• Manage newsletters and foster employee engagement.

• Supervise content creation across platforms, ensuring brand consistency.

• Develop crisis communication plans and protect organizational reputation during crises.

• Promote brand awareness through targeted campaigns and social media.

• Engage with stakeholders and host events to strengthen relationships.

• Coordinate event promotion with vendors and media outlets.

  Tracy Andrus Foundation Communication Director August 2021- March 2022

• Developed and executed communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Created project- and campaign-specific communication plans with clear objectives and

  messaging.

• Built and maintained relationships with journalists and media outlets; managed press

  releases and prepared spokespersons for interviews.

• Monitored media coverage and managed internal communications to ensure transparency.

• Oversaw content creation across platforms, maintaining brand consistency and

  messaging.

• Managed newsletters and implemented employee engagement initiatives.

• Developed crisis communication plans and safeguarded organizational reputation during

  crises.

• Promoted brand awareness through targeted campaigns, social media, and stakeholder

  events.

• Coordinated event promotion with vendors, partners, and media.

  SOAR Health Network Communication Director May 2021 - August 2021

• Developed and executed communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Created project- and campaign-specific communication plans with clear objectives and

  messaging.

• Built and maintained relationships with journalists and media outlets; managed press

  releases and prepared spokespersons for interviews.

• Monitored media coverage and managed internal communications to ensure transparency.

• Oversaw content creation across platforms, maintaining brand consistency and

  messaging.

• Managed newsletters and implemented employee engagement initiatives.

• Developed crisis communication plans and safeguarded organizational reputation during

  crises.

• Promoted brand awareness through targeted campaigns, social media, and stakeholder

  events.

• Coordinated event promotion with vendors, partners, and media.

• KLAX-TV ABC 31 NEWS Senior News Reporter

April 2017 - April 2021

Report news stories for broadcast describing the background and details of events Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story

Receive assignments and evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing Set up and perform live shots for broadcast

Write news scripts for broadcasts
Build relationships with local politicians, non-profits, activists, and public relations departments to establish a positive reputation for the station
Oversee news reporters and producer assignments.

Oversaw a team of reporters and support staff when creating shows.

Crafted well-written news stories based on facts and edited content.
Provided field reporting during major events to gather and share reactions from individuals directly impacted.

Sought out stories by pursuing other news organizations information periodically and either assigned or wrote stories according to strict timelines

EDUCATION

Wiley College
Graduated Date: December 2016 Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

LEADERSHIP

Altered – Board Member (2022–2023)

• Supported a nonprofit empowering young woman through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement.

• Collaborated with board members to guide strategic initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and expand program reach.

• Advocated for safe, inclusive spaces that amplify young women’s voices and stories.

  Girls Empowered for More Society, Inc. – Advisory Board Member (2024–2025)

• Provide strategic guidance and community insight to advance leadership, mentorship, and educational programs.

• Collaborate with board members to achieve program goals and enhance community partnerships.

  Rotarians Rising Companion Club of Shreveport – Member (2025–Present)

• Participate in community-focused service initiatives, contributing to meaningful local impact with flexible commitment options.