chris, Author at Cooksey

Cooksey Communications Adds Bethany Kula as Assistant Account Executive

DALLAS – June 28, 2023 –

North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications recently added Bethany Kula to its team as an assistant account executive in the agency’s distinguished Real Estate & Development Practice Group. Kula will support various Cooksey clients with a concentration in the commercial real estate and economic development sectors.

“While still in the early stages of her career, Bethany has already established an impressive background in the PR and marketing industry, possessing a wide range of strategic communication skills that will serve her well in this role,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “We are thrilled to add Bethany to our team as a part of our Real Estate & Development Practice Group and look forward to the many contributions she will add to our company, culture and clients.”

Before joining Cooksey in this full-time position, Kula gained experience at three PR and marketing agencies in Dallas and Waco, where she honed her skills in traditional and emerging PR practices. In these various roles, she performed client services involving social media, copywriting, media relations and more.

Kula graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration.

About Cooksey Communications

Founded in 1994, Cooksey Communications is a Texas-based strategic communications firm specializing in three core focus areas: (1) Professional Services clients such as law firms, financial services firms, A/E/C (architecture/engineering/construction) firms, and other B2B and B2G service providers; (2) Public Sector clients including governmental entities and educational institutions, as well as planning and advocacy groups dealing with critical infrastructure issues such as transportation, water supply, flooding and energy; and (3) Real Estate & Development clients such as commercial and residential real estate firms and economic development agencies. Cooksey repeatedly has been named one of the top PR firms in North Texas by the Dallas Business Journal, and its team members are trusted counselors to senior executives in the industry sectors listed above. For more information, visit www.CookseyPR.com.

Cooksey Communications Promotes Owen Ramsey to Account Executive

DALLAS – June 12, 2023 –

Cooksey Communications, a leading North-Texas based strategic communications firm, recently promoted Owen Ramsey to account executive, based in the agency’s distinguished Real Estate & Development Practice Group. At Cooksey, he has worked with key clients in that industry sector, including Harrison, Walker & Harper and The Real Estate Council. Ramsey has also served several of Cooksey’s notable Professional Services and Public Sector clients such as American National Bank of Texas, Credit Union of Texas and the Trinity Regional Flood Planning Group.

“With his exceptional client and team relationship-building skills and increasingly deep understanding of the North Texas real estate and economic development market, Owen provides great value to our agency and clients,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “As he has throughout his time here so far, I’m confident he will thrive in this new, elevated role and continue to deliver confident communications counsel and meaningful, high-quality results for leading organizations across the region.”

Ramsey joined Cooksey in 2021 as an assistant account executive. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and a minor in communication studies.

About Cooksey Communications

Cooksey Communications CEO Colby Walton Named to Fort Worth Inc. Magazine’s The 400 for a Second Straight Year

DALLAS – June 3, 2023 –

For the second consecutive year, Cooksey Communications Chairman and CEO Colby Walton has been named to The 400, Fort Worth Inc. Magazine’s list of the 400 most influential figures in the Greater Fort Worth area.

Now in its sixth year, The 400 consists of business leaders around the Metroplex who wield significant influence in industry, philanthropy, nonprofits, government and public policy, economic development, professional services, education, civic affairs, arts, religion, sports and media, or within their own spheres. Walton was selected for the list’s Professional Services category alongside other top accounting, consulting, human resources, advertising, public relations, marketing and legal professionals.

The complete list was published in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine’s summer issue and is also available on the magazine’s website.

About Cooksey Communications

Two Staff Additions Bolster Cooksey’s Client Service Capabilities and Operations

https://mailchi.mp/3365286ce3bb/two-staff-additions-bolster-cookseys-client-service-capabilities-and-operations?e=%5BUNIQID%5D

You Can Lead a Horse to Water but You Can’t Make Him Think

Commensurate with the explosion of the information age, the role of communications professionals in government – the PIO function, to boil it down to basics – has seen a rapid expansion during the past 25 years. Today, the job is so much more than just writing press releases and talking to reporters.

But, for the old horses that galloped into the job on day one with a typewriter on their desk (Google it, kids), is there any gas left in the tank?

For those of us that had the gig for more than four presidents, or longer, it is a virtual certainty that we didn’t head out from college with this career in mind. Many of us started out in journalism or public relations and, by happenstance, wound up in government. And thanks be to your deity of choice that we did because we also wound up on the front lines of the technological revolution in information and communications. That, in turn, became a tidal wave of innovation in new and different ways to reach the public that were unheard of in the days when Starbuck referred to a family name on Battlestar Galactica (the original one, with Ben Cartwright).

Some refer to it as the difference between digital natives (many of our kids never knew a time when technology wasn’t in their lives) and digital immigrants, (those of us that remember Pong as breakthrough technology) who had to learn the rest as it came rushing towards us.

It has been, and will continue to be, a daily challenge to keep up with it all, but there may never again be a more exciting time to be a government communications professional.

So, particularly if you’re a digital immigrant, on the back nine of your career, nowhere near the clubhouse and maybe in the rough, there are some dos and don’ts that may help you keep up.

DO surround yourself with the best and the brightest at every opportunity. Hire digital natives. If you’ve got a teenager, pay attention to what they do and how they do it.
DO seek out professional associations and conferences that can enhance your skill set and give you a network of like-minded colleagues to consult. However, do your research into the organization. Be sure the conference is going to be productive and not an excuse for its members to get out of town.
DO resolve that the best years of your career are still ahead of you, especially if you’re, say, within five or so years of retirement. That is a golden opportunity to determine what kind of time you have to accomplish extraordinary things, if you put your mind to it.
DO follow people on the site formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other social media du jour. There’s nothing like engagement to help you master the task at hand.
DO browse electronic stores. Yep, when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. In this case, simply looking around at emerging tech for sale at the consumer level can contribute to your knowledge base. It is what your audience will be using to receive your message.
DON’T stop learning. Get to know YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo and the like for the exponentially-growing wealth of videos that can explain anything to you. Subscribe to podcasts and online magazines and news aggregators that cater to your profession and keep you ‘in the know.’
DON’T stop trying to get better. In fact, why don’t you try to be the very best there is at what you do? Why not? It’s not so much about the goal as the journey.
DON’T stop networking. People that do what you do are out there and are going through the same growing pains that you are experiencing. Compare notes, watch each other’s backs and up each other’s game.
DON’T stop thinking about tomorrow. (Sorry).

There is absolutely no reason that old horses can’t learn new tech. And, to continue the excruciating equine metaphors, you can lead an old horse to water, but you can’t make him think.

That part is up to the horse.

By Tom Bryson, Vice President & Public Sector Practice Leader

Cooksey Adds Tenika Luke as Finance & Administration Manager

DALLAS – March 30, 2023 –

North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications added Tenika Luke to its team as the agency’s finance and administration manager. Luke will draw on nearly two decades of corporate accounting experience and more than 20 years of general business and administrative knowledge to oversee Cooksey’s finance and administrative functions.

“Tenika’s background makes her the perfect person not just to manage our finance and administrative operations but improve upon them,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “With her expertise, I’m confident we can optimize our structures and systems in ways that meaningfully enhance our ability to support clients’ needs even more efficiently and powerfully.”

Before joining Cooksey, Luke spent the first part of her career as a corporate accountant for several large entities, including Rave Motion Pictures, AutoNation and Affirmative Insurance. Years later, she expanded her corporate accounting knowledge by becoming a controller and accounts payable manager for healthcare companies Encompass Home Health and Cornerstone Healthcare Group.

“I’m thrilled to join the Cooksey team and work alongside such a close and welcoming group of people,” said Luke. “I’m eager to take on a variety of new challenges and help the team however I can.”

Most recently, Luke served as the senior finance manager and director of finance for Legends Hospitality, working directly with the Dallas Cowboys franchise ownership. In her role, she had total accounting ownership for all Legends AT&T Stadium operations and lines of business, including food and beverage, retail and tours totaling $70 million in annual revenue. During that time, she also worked as the chief operations officer and chief financial officer of Lukes’ Soul Food Café, a small family-owned and operated food services company based in Desoto, Texas.

Luke graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana State University Shreveport. She also earned her master’s degree in business administration and was selected to the school’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter in 2017. In addition to being a CPA candidate, Luke is also studying to pass the CPA exam.

About Cooksey Communications

Cooksey Strengthens Public Sector Practice with Addition of Accomplished Government Communicator Dorothy White

DALLAS – March 29, 2023 –

North Texas-based strategic communications firm Cooksey Communications added longtime government communications professional Dorothy White to its team as an account supervisor in its Public Sector Practice. White will utilize her extensive background in television news and public and media relations for local government to counsel Cooksey’s public sector clients on stakeholder communications and engagement best practices.

“With her extensive experience, Dorothy will deliver meaningful insights and relevant guidance to our many public sector clients across Texas,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “Her strong crisis communication and media relations skills combined with her deep understanding of local government will also help us continue to grow and strengthen our Public Sector Practice as a whole.”

Before joining Cooksey, White spent 20 years in television news working for a variety of prominent local news stations in Texas and Alabama, including Dallas/Fort Worth’s NBC and CW affiliates and Birmingham, Alabama’s Fox affiliate. Most recently, White finished a more than two-decade career at the City of Garland, where she managed a variety of disaster and crisis communication initiatives as well as media relations for numerous citywide programs and events as the city’s public and media relations director.

“I’m both proud and excited to be a part of such a talented and dynamic Cooksey Communications team,” said White. “As I enter this new stage in my career, I can’t think of a better group of people to work alongside to continue to serve the public sector as I have for so many years.”

While working for the City of Garland, White received recognition from numerous professional organizations including the Lone Star Emmy Chapter, the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO), the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (TATOA), the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (NATOA) and the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) for excellence in communications. In 2023, TAMIO honored White with its highest individual honor, the Cheryl A. Soward Communicator of Distinction Award.

White received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University and earned a master’s degree in public administration from The University of Texas at Dallas. She recently received a public communicator certification from Texas Christian University and has also completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Advanced PIO course at Emergency Management Institute.

About Cooksey Communications

Cooksey Wins Big With Six AVA Digital Awards for Exceptional Digital, Social and Broadcast Media Productions

DALLAS – Feb. 2, 2023 –

Cooksey Communications recently received two Platinum Awards and four Gold Awards in the 2023 AVA Digital Awards, an international marketing communications competition. These six prestigious awards highlight Cooksey’s diverse, successful experience in digital marketing and creative services.

Out of the thousands of entries submitted, only 16% earned the top Platinum honors, while only about 21% received the Gold recognition. Another 8% were Honorable Mention winners.

Cooksey’s award-winning client projects were:

PLATINUM

Digital Marketing/Content Marketing (Blog) – Harrison, Walker & Harper (HWH): Cooksey helped craft a blog post titled “Why North Texas Doesn’t Need to Worry About an Industrial Space Shortage” that discusses the North Texas industrial market and its promising future. The blog appeared in D CEO’s prominent Commercial Real Estate section last summer.
Video Production/Long Form Video (Nonprofit) – Jackson-Shaw: In coordination with Jackson-Shaw and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County, Cooksey produced an appeal and call-to-action video for the Blue Door Kitchen project. The video sees leaders from both organizations talking about the importance of the project’s three pillars – workforce development, feeding program and community partners.

GOLD

Digital Marketing/Content Marketing (Blog) – Jackson-Shaw: Cooksey worked with Jackson-Shaw CEO Michele Wheeler on a blog which touches on the various reasons behind the success of the hospitality sector in the state of Texas. The blog, “Michele Wheeler: The True Meaning of Texas Hospitality,” was one of D CEO’s top commercial real estate blogs of the year.
Web-Based Production/Short Form Web Video (Corporate Image) – Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company (GRS): Cooksey helped solidify GRS’s brand identity and corporate image through a powerful video, detailing the company’s experience that has led to its status as a trusted advisor to the public sector community.
Web-Based Production/Short Form Web Video (Government) – Anna Economic Development Corporation (EDC): Cooksey project managed a compelling marketing and promotional video for Anna EDC, showcasing the opportunities and groundbreaking possibilities in the city.
Web-Based Production/Website (Business to Consumer) – Wildcatter Realty Partners: Cooksey developed the name, brand identity and website for The Greenbelt, a 325-acre master-planned, mixed-use development in Greenville, Texas. Embracing the important relationship between nature and modern amenities in new development as a strategic advantage, Cooksey created the name, logo and branding to evoke the warmth of small-town community with modern technology and amenities. Building upon that foundation, Cooksey constructed a sitemap and design utilizing the WordPress content management system for efficient updates.

The AVA Digital Awards, administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, honor outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that are part of the evolution of digital communication. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

About Cooksey Communications

Cooksey Practice Leader Mary Kate Jeffries Elected to Public Relations Society of America Dallas Board of Directors

DALLAS – Jan. 20, 2023 –

Cooksey Communications Vice President and Real Estate & Development Practice Leader Mary Kate Jeffries was recently elected to the Public Relations Society of America’s Dallas chapter (PRSA Dallas) board of directors. Jeffries, who has been involved in PRSA Dallas throughout her more than two-decade career, will serve as the board’s director at large for a two-year term set to expire in 2024.

“I’m both thankful and excited for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and experienced group of public relations professionals,” said Jeffries. “Together, I’m confident we will continue to carry out the organization’s mission of promoting diversity and best practices among public relations professionals and companies in the Dallas area to help move the industry forward.”

In her new role, Jeffries will oversee different initiatives for the board and PRSA Dallas’ membership of more than 400 dedicated public relations professionals in and around the Dallas area, making it one of the nation’s largest and most active chapters.

“Mary Kate’s continued involvement with PRSA Dallas throughout her career exemplifies her unique commitment to not only advancing her public relations knowledge but also strengthening the public relations industry as a whole,” said Colby Walton, chairman and CEO of Cooksey Communications. “It’s that type of commitment that makes Mary Kate such a valued member of our team, and it’s why I’m certain she’ll thrive in this new role.”

PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of professional development, networking and leadership opportunities. The organization is collectively represented by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, as well as on nearly 375 college and university campuses in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). PRSA’s signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students

About Cooksey Communications

Cooksey Wins Seven MarCom Awards in Recognition of Outstanding Marketing and Communication Efforts

DALLAS – Dec. 21, 2022 –

Cooksey Communications recently received three Platinum and four Gold awards in the 2022 MarCom Creative Awards, a prestigious international marketing and communication competition. The seven awards highlight Cooksey’s impressive strategic communication work across numerous categories, including creative design, media relations, and video and film production. Platinum honors, the top award, are reserved for only about 18% of entries worldwide.

PLATINUM

Print Media (Design) – DFW International Airport: Cooksey was engaged by DFW International Airport to design a comprehensive strategic plan document for 2021-2024. The plan outlines the airport’s goals for 2024 in several key areas, including customer experience, employee engagement, business performance, operational excellence, community impact, safety and security.
Media Relations/Publicity (Online Placement) – HistoryMaker Homes/ONM Living: Cooksey placed a prominent feature article in the Residential Real Estate section of the Dallas Business Journal detailing the 2,300 build-for-rent units ONM Living is developing in Fort Worth.
Media Relations/Publicity (Media Response) – Tarrant County College: Cooksey was recognized for the media coverage it generated for Tarrant County College’s aviation and nursing programs training future, skilled workers to help address the severe pilot and nursing shortages in the U.S. Several key regional media outlets covered the school’s aviation and nursing programs, including Fort Worth Inc., Fort Worth Business Press, Fort Worth Report and WFAA-ABC 8.

GOLD

Video/Film (Government) – Anna Economic Development Corporation (EDC): Cooksey produced a dynamic marketing and promotional video for Anna EDC, highlighting the opportunities and groundbreaking possibilities in the city.
Media Relations/Publicity (Magazine Placement) – Harrison, Walker & Harper (HWH): Cooksey developed and placed a bylined article, “Women in Construction Are Built for Success,” in the publication Construction Executive during Women in Construction Week in early March. The article discusses the ways women are helping move the male-dominated construction industry forward.
Print Media (Design/Innovation) – The Real Estate Council (TREC): Cooksey designed the TREC FightNight 2022 “Breaking Ground”-themed invitation and the accompanying creative suite of collateral materials. Started in 1989, FightNight has become one of North Texas’ largest philanthropic events, supporting more than 250 nonprofit organizations and featuring Vegas-style entertainment, professional boxing and casino gaming.
Media Relations/Publicity (Television Placement) – Trinity Regional Flood Planning Group (Trinity RFPG): Cooksey secured coverage on the local news station, KTRE-TV/ABC 9, of the Trinity RFPG’s open house meeting in Crockett, Texas, intended to raise awareness about the important, new regional flood planning process and the opportunity to provide public feedback on the Draft Plan.

MarCom entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its kind in the world. The MarCom Awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP).

About Cooksey Communications