About:
Heather Sheppard is the Vice President at Fahlgren Mortine, where she has built her career since graduating from Ohio University in 2013 with a B.S. in Journalism, specializing in Public Relations and Strategic Communications. She was the last recipient of the “Outstanding Senior” award for the PR major before it transitioned to Strategic Communications.
During her time at Ohio University, Heather was actively involved in Scripps PRSSA, ImPRessions (also known as 1804 Communications) and Phi Sigma Pi, laying the groundwork for her success in the PR industry.
Heather was recognized for her achievements with awards such as PRWeek’s 2016 Young PR Professional of the Year and PRNews’ 2019 Rising Star under 30. Her team’s work also garnered multiple national awards for measurable results and impact.
Key Takeaways:
Fahlgren Mortine, part of the Shipyard Collective, combines data and communication to create impactful brand strategies. They handle earned media, digital marketing, analytics and creative content for diverse clients, including consumer brands, tech and nonprofits like the Parkinson’s Foundation.
The agency fosters a supportive environment with initiatives like Fahlgren Mortine University for professional growth and the You Matter program for mental health and wellness. Collaboration and empowerment are central to their culture.
Scripps Lessons That Resonate with Heather:
- Newsworthiness: Campaigns with strong proximity, timeliness and novelty stand out.
- AP Style: Understanding journalistic standards helps craft press releases that media can easily use.
- Inverted Pyramid: Start with the most important information to grab attention!
- Know Your Audience: Researching specific demographics leads to tailored, effective marketing ideas.
- Find Your Angle: Break through crowded markets by identifying unique elements. For Travel Nevada, Heather tapped into aspects Chicagoans craved but lacked locally.
- Build Relationships: Engaging with professors and mentors during college and maintaining connections with journalists and peers helps build trust and opportunities.
- Stay Informed: Consuming news allows you to make strategic, informed decisions and stay relevant in the industry.
- Focus on Relationships: Being personable and amiable strengthens client and team relationships. People want to work with who they like!
Connect with Heather on LinkedIn here.
Henry Gorsuch is a Journalism Strategic Communications major with a minor in Marketing and can be found on LinkedIn here.