Government affairs, corporate public relations, nonprofit community relations… the list of public relations career tracks goes on and on…and on. Ever wonder what someone else does in their PR role? This new series will spotlight our members’ roles to give you a better idea what their “9 to 5” looks like. Interested in sharing about your job? Email us!
Name: Cathryn Lacy
Job Title: Utility Marketing Manager
Company/Organization: Lakeland Electric
City: Lakeland
Industry: Electric Utility
Age: 30
Before we jump into your current role, tell us a little about your PR background. I grew up with both parents in PR, so we spent a lot of dinners discussing the effectiveness of community relations programs and advertising campaigns. During college, I interned with U.S. Congressman Geoff Davis and later completed an internal communication internship with Citi. After I graduated from USF, I became the Communications Director for De La Dance Company, a professional ballet company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Later, I earned a graduate certificate in Global Strategic Communication from the University of Florida before moving to Florida and joining the Lakeland Electric marketing team.
What’s your morning routine? I try to get out of the door quickly. I listen to a national news network for about 15 minutes while I get ready, check my emails and calendar, then jump into my car with a cup of coffee and a banana. I listen to NPR on my way to work and get my thoughts organized for the beginning of the day.
At 9:00 a.m. I am… meeting with the marketing team, other city departments, or community partners to plan upcoming events.
At 11:00 a.m. I am… conquering my inbox. Working with team members and vendors to complete projects.
For lunch I… usually walk to a downtown restaurant. Even when things get busy and I need to eat at my desk, I try to take 15 minutes walking outside to recharge and refocus for the rest of the day.
At 3:00 p.m. I am… usually problem-solving something new that came up during the day.
I wrap up my day with… more emails! I also knock-out my to-do list.
What do you think other PR Pros would find most surprising or interesting about your PR role? Since we are a public power company, a lot of my role is increasing awareness of the benefits Lakeland Electric brings to the community, like helping keep residential taxes low, and supporting parks, roadways, recreational amenities, and community organizations. We also educate customers about resources available to help them save money and meet their personal energy goals. I love working in this industry because we connect with every single home and business in our community.
My evening routine is… I try to go to a yoga or Pilates class a few times a week. Then home to cook dinner and unwind in front of the TV. I’m currently binge-watching the new Father Brown season.