Interview with Jenna Thomas (ABJ ‘06)
After learning UGA’s very own Jenna Thomas (ABJ ’06) was a finalist in the Agency PR Professional of the Year category at the 2014 PR News PR People Awards we decided to reach out and ask Jenna how her time at UGA prepared her for a successful career at Nebo and what the future holds for the PR rockstar!
What do you feel like has been your biggest success in the last year?
In the past year, we’ve experienced a lot of growth and success on our digital public relations, social and content team at Nebo. We’ve expanded our team, enhanced our capabilities and have brought on a host of exciting new clients and projects. And, for the first time, we have secured a number of nominations and wins for local and national award recognitions from leading industry organizations. It’s been so exciting to see our team grow and evolve, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come.
How did your time at UGA help you prepare for the career you have now?
My time at UGA really helped confirm my passion for journalism, public relations and media industries. The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications first exposed me to the range of exciting career paths and opportunities available in those fields. I left UGA knowing where my passions and strengths lied. My time at Grady helped put me on a track to pursue what I really wanted to do and taught me that dedication and hard work can set you on a path for success.
What is your favorite UGA tradition?
The Arch is such an iconic symbol for UGA. I was first told during my introductory tour of campus about the long-standing tradition of only passing under the arch after you’ve earned a UGA degree. On my graduation day, it was so amazing to stand in the (very long!) line after the ceremony and get a picture taken in my cap and gown after walking under the arch for the very first time… as a UGA grad. That, and of course, game days in Athens! It’s so great to get together with other fellow Dawgs on Saturdays during football season wherever you are, but nothing beats game day in Athens.
Where do you think you will be in 5 years?
I’m hoping to further grow and expand our team and really take our PR, social and content capabilities to the next level. Atlanta has been an amazing place to work in PR and digital, and in just the past year, I’ve been really lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of two really amazing local campaigns –Choose ATL– a community driven initiative to brand Atlanta as a digital hub and Build the BeltLine – a grassroots campaign to raise funds to help support the development. I hope that over the next five years, I get the opportunity to continue to help improve my local community and to be a part of campaigns that make a real difference in other causes that I’m passionate about.
What organizations outside of work are you involved with?
I currently serve on the board of the Atlanta Ad Club as the Communications & Public Relations Lead for the 2015 American Advertising Awards – the local tier for the advertising industry’s largest competition. I am also a member of the Atlanta Press Club – comprised of media and PR executives that aims to support the journalism community as well as the American Marketing Association (AMA) Atlanta – an organization composed of public relations, creative, interactive and marketing professionals.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Three words – change the world!
