Shawn Ramsey (Journalism, ‘84) has challenged herself through her work in agency public relations for more than 30 years. Ramsey worked for several companies before landing at FleishmanHillard, a global public relations firm, working with its largest client AT&T, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.
Keeping up with the constant change in agency PR is challenging, but that’s exactly what Ramsey looks for as she believes it’s a great environment that keeps her engaged.
“Our business, the PR business, has had to pivot and change and that is really exciting,” Ramsey said. “Change can really keep you reinvigorated and on your toes — and that has really appealed to me.”
Ramsey went into journalism and agency PR looking to enter a field that would challenge her and provide her with new experiences. She’s been working for the same company and client for over 25 years, but the ever-evolving communications and telecommunications industries have meant she’s constantly learning and growing.
“The change that has happened to the company, industry and marketplace is just enormous, and that’s where I like to be. It’s never a dull moment,” Ramsey said.
FleishmanHillard also allowed Ramsey to follow her childhood wanderlust dream of traveling abroad. During her time working at Fleishman's headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Ramsey’s work sent her to Europe to work with companies there.
Ramsey traveled to Russia where she introduced one of her clients, Baxter International, to the country’s health care market. Working in Europe and Egypt, she helped establish a proactive media relations campaign for Caterpillar, a global construction machine company, which was working to enhance its reputation in the European market.
After a year of client work for Southwestern Bell, the predecessor company to today’s AT&T in St. Louis, Ramsey moved to San Antonio, Texas, to open a FleishmanHillard office there. She then moved to Dallas when AT&T’s headquarters relocated there. Her role now as a communications consultant for AT&T, while still working with FleishmanHillard, today has her focusing on managing the team that supports AT&T.
Ramsey’s foray into the world of agency PR was impacted by her work at Ohio State as well. She sold advertising for The Lantern and served as a reporter, giving her a unique vantage point of the news business. After college, Ramsey’s interests eventually leaned toward PR work. She worked initially in state government and then jumped to agency life soon after. She joined a regional PR firm in Toledo before moving to California to join FleishmanHillard’s Sacramento office.
While still being deeply involved with FleishmanHillard, Ramsey also serves as the vice-chair for the Dean’s Advisory Council at the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State. She is also a member of the Advancement Board for the School of Communication.
“Journalism is my sweet spot. That’s where I’m really interested. I love the work that is coming out of the School of Communication,” said Ramsey. “It’s just such a great environment for students to learn and grow.”
Alongside her involvement at Ohio State, she also volunteers her time working with Kappa Kappa Gamma, her college sorority. She has also done communications and webmaster work for groups that her children were involved with while they were growing up.
Article by student Kobie Parrish