MATTHEW W. HARRIS
Charlotte, NC |- |- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwharris/
CONTENT CREATOR / COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL
Well-respected Communications and Public Relations Professional with over nine years of experience in large
corporations, non-profit organizations, and collegiate athletic departments. Extensive expertise in content
creation and writing including press releases, content marketing, thought leadership, blogs, and social media.
• Content Marketing & Brand Journalism
• Writing
• Internal Communications
Areas of Expertise:
• Public & Media Relations
• Social Media Strategies & Initiatives
• Website Content Management Systems
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MWH CREATES, LLC, Charlotte, NC
2017 – Present
Founder/Owner
Using experience gained throughout career, created and continue to own a company dedicated to helping
organizations identify, strategize and achieve their content creation business goals.
• Content creation offerings include copywriting, editing, content marketing and web copy.
• Provide clients with full public and media relations services, from press releases and publicity pitching
to crisis communications and interview preparation.
• Serve as trusted advisor for strategic communications processes. Deliver strategic guidance from
planning through production and project completion, setting the client up for success with both
specific project and developing long-term strategic direction.
ADDISON WHITNEY, Charlotte, NC
2014 – 2017
Communications Manager
Managed internal and external communications efforts for the global branding firm, including public and media
relations, social media, and corporate communications. Served as main content creator for company website
and blog site via content management system and HTML coding. Contributed writing and editing blog posts,
website maintenance, and managing content editorial calendar. Served on main team for company website
redesign.
• Designed and led public relations strategies, developed pitch content, delivered pitches to media
outlets and created necessary content to advance goals of increasing brand awareness in local and
national markets. Consistently increased media exposure in addition to increased thought leadership
article placements.
• Contributed to committee tasked with redesigning and creating content for company intranet and
SharePoint sites, resulting in successful launch of new site to company of over 10,000 employees.
• Served as content point person for Business Development teams with various material creation (RFPs,
pitches, presentations) and marketing efforts which resulted in winning new business.
RENT-A-CENTER, INC., Plano, TX
2012 – 2014
Manager of Public Relations and Communications,
Served as the key partner to CEO and Executive Team for all public relations and internal communications,
while creating, monitoring, and shaping messages to franchisees, stores, and external media outlets. Managed
franchise division ad design and media placement in print, online, video and radio outlets. Extensive
experience with a number of digital business tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, HubSpot,
HootSuite, Google Business and Salesforce.
• Created and executed strategies for corporate communications through various channels and outlets,
while serving as the point of contact for all franchisee needs related to public relations.
• Managed content, news and press section and lead website redesign for business development
website, which serves as a major communication vehicle for potential franchisees, in addition to
building website design and functionality through HTML and back-end coding work.
• Owned social media strategy and content creation. Initiated the first industry-wide LinkedIn discussion
group, with recent recognition by industry leaders for creating a channel to share best practices.
MATTHEW W. HARRIS
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ACCENT MARKETING SERVICES, Louisville, KY
2011 – 2012
Corporate Communications Specialist
Led internal communications, social media, and public relations support to enhance employee engagement,
shape and reinforce culture, and support the company’s business objectives. Benchmarked, tracked, and
measured the effectiveness of all communications initiatives to develop best practices and continuous process
improvements.
• Created and implemented a company-wide social media strategy across all major social media
platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Assisted in graphic design and
photography work. Oversaw and contributed to company’s internal social media site, Yammer, as a
mechanism for increasing employee participation and interaction.
• Managed major media event involving an appearance from the Chairman of the Federal
Communications Commission. Created media kits and coordinated interviews with national, regional
and local media outlets.
PPG INDUSTRIES, INC., Louisville, KY
2010 – 2011
Field Marketing Specialist
Served as the primary marketing contact for 150+ company-owned stores and 200+ sales representatives for
the PPG Pittsburgh and PPG Porter Paints brands, leading the development of strategic marketing plans.
Managed art direction and supply chain of promotional and marketing materials for stores, while serving as the
stores’ first line of support for all day-to-day marketing and public relations projects and activities.
• Designed and executed year-end customer-centered promotion, with over 40,000 direct mailings sent
nationally and totaling over $900,000 in sales for a one-month period.
• Selected to serve on New Market Entry Committee for all new store openings, providing marketing
strategy and direction for the committee and driving large-scale entry into new markets.
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, Louisville, KY
2010
Communications Resource Manager
Served as chief correspondent to local and regional media outlets (print, television, radio, and online forms) to
publicize activities and ensure media coverage at events.
• Managed all social media initiatives, including content creation and video development, resulting in
increased weekly viewership by 110%.
• Instituted an informational and news-directed site, while increasing traffic on Chapter and event
websites through regular maintenance and updates via Content Management Systems.
DAVIDSON COLLEGE, Davidson, NC
2008 – 2009
Assistant Sports Information Director
Led sports information and media relations efforts for 21 teams within the Davidson Athletic Department,
while organizing press coverage and conferences, and writing press releases. Created news stories, shot and
edited videos and created visual content for publishing on digital outlets. Designed and authored media
guides, game programs, and quarterly newsletters to inform and assist media, as well as alumni supporters, of
team activities.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Science, Communications & Journalism, Political Science Minor
Appalachian State University – Boone, NC
Masters of Science, Communication
Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Public Relations Society of America
• Served as Chairman of PRSA Charlotte Chapter Communications Committee
• Liaison between committee and chapter board, providing regular updates on committee plans, actions
and progress.
