RON VAMPLE
Summerville
Summary
Senior communications executive and award-winning journalist with a proven record of leading enterprise-wide communications strategies that strengthen brand reputation, drive audience and stakeholder engagement, and support organizational growth. Trusted advisor to executive leadership, boards, and senior stakeholders on media relations, crisis communications, and executive messaging. Adept at building and leading high-performing teams, integrating communications across channels, and aligning narrative strategy with business and mission objectives in complex, high-visibility environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Producer, Digital Audio & Radio (Washington, DC)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Provide senior-level leadership for national digital audio and radio operations, setting strategic direction for editorial vision, audience growth, and platform expansion. Partner with AP senior leadership to align content strategy with organizational priorities, revenue objectives, and audience needs.
- Establish long-term communications and content strategies for new and existing audio products, expanding reach to diverse national audiences.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior editors and leaders on messaging, tone, and editorial positioning during major news events.
- Lead and develop a team of 20 producers, anchors, and correspondents, overseeing performance management, succession planning, DEI goals, and professional development.
- Manage budgets, staffing models, and operational workflows to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
- Champion innovation in storytelling formats and emerging platforms to maintain AP’s leadership in digital journalism.
Senior Communications Strategist
UNITED NETWORK FOR ORGAN SHARING (UNOS)
Richmond, VA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Led integrated communications strategies supporting a national nonprofit operating at the intersection of healthcare, public policy, and public trust.
- Partnered with executive leadership and department heads to align communications with strategic priorities and organizational goals.
- Developed and executed annual internal and external communications plans across multiple business units and committees.
- Directed media relations efforts, including press releases, press events, and executive messaging.
- Oversaw creation of case studies, newsletters, blogs, and patient-focused educational materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
- Managed cross-functional projects updating print and digital communications assets.
Vice President, Brand Marketing & Strategic Communications
VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY
Richmond, VA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Executive leader responsible for enterprise-wide brand strategy, marketing, media relations, and communications. Member of the university’s executive leadership council, advising the president and senior leadership.
- Led the Office of Brand Marketing and Strategic Communications, overseeing integrated functions including public relations, marketing, branding, digital communications, community relations, and public affairs.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive brand marketing and communications strategy to elevate institutional reputation and community support.
- Directed crisis communications and issues management, protecting the university’s reputation during sensitive situations.
- Oversaw production of all major communications assets, including annual reports, magazines, marketing collateral, website, and digital media.
- Supported fundraising initiatives through campaign messaging and promotional strategy.
Senior Communications Manager
BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG
Williamsburg, VA
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Senior communications leader and chief spokesperson for a high-profile consumer brand with significant media exposure and public engagement.
- Led proactive media relations and crisis preparedness efforts to protect and enhance brand reputation.
- Served as primary spokesperson, managing media inquiries and major announcements.
- Prepared executives for high-stakes interviews; developed press releases, talking points, advisories, and social content.
- Designed and executed communications strategies for more than 10 major annual campaigns, contributing to increased attendance and revenue.
- Measured media impact and audience engagement to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
South Regional Broadcast Editor (Atlanta)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York, NY
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Senior editorial and operational leader for a 24/7 regional broadcast operation serving 13 states.
- Directed a team of 20 editors, overseeing editorial standards, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Contributed to $1.8M in new revenue through development of a commercial photography initiative.
- Selected to train ~200 employees during rollout of new editing systems, driving efficiency and consistency across platforms.
- Collaborated on journalist safety and accountability initiatives, including GPS tracking implementation during major global events.
- Strengthened client relationships through tailored communications and strategic support.
Education
Master of Arts (MA) - Journalism
Ohio State University
Columbus, OHBachelor of Arts (BA) - Mass Communications
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NCSkills
- Enterprise Communications Strategy
- Executive, Board & CEO Counsel
- Brand Positioning & Reputation Management
- Media Relations & Crisis Communications
- Integrated Marketing & Communications
- Digital, Broadcast & Emerging Media
- Executive Messaging & Speechwriting
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Talent Development & Organizational Leadership
- Budget, Operations & Performance Management
- Digital media
- Content development
- Talent acquisition
- Staff supervision
- Scheduling and timelines
- Organizational development
Timeline
Executive Producer, Digital Audio & Radio (Washington, DC)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
01.2021 - Current
Senior Communications Strategist
UNITED NETWORK FOR ORGAN SHARING (UNOS)
01.2020 - 01.2021
Vice President, Brand Marketing & Strategic Communications
VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY
01.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Communications Manager
BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG
01.2016 - 01.2018
South Regional Broadcast Editor (Atlanta)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
01.2008 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Mass Communications
Winston-Salem State University
Master of Arts (MA) - Journalism
Ohio State University