# Marquel Coaxum — Professional Portfolio

> Marquel Coaxum is a **External Communications & Reputation Management Leader** based in **Charleston, United States**.
> Portfolio: https://marquelcoaxum.linkedportfolio.com

## Identity & Contact
- **Full Name**: Marquel Coaxum
- **Professional Title**: External Communications & Reputation Management Leader
- **Location**: Charleston, United States
- **City**: Charleston
- **Country**: United States
- **Portfolio URL**: https://marquelcoaxum.linkedportfolio.com
- **Business Email**: mc@marquelcoaxum.com

## About
I’ve spent my career helping organizations communicate during moments that matter. Sometimes that has meant standing in front of a camera as a spokesperson. Other times it’s meant sitting with senior leaders to shape messaging before it ever reaches the public. I’ve worked in public affairs, corporate communications, public relations, healthcare, local government, and creative production, but the work has always come back to the same thing: helping people understand what matters and why. I enjoy finding the story beneath the information. Whether it’s documenting a military operation, highlighting a breakthrough in cancer research, launching a new healthcare product, or helping an executive prepare for an interview, my job has never been to create content for the sake of creating content. It’s to communicate in a way that builds trust. Over the years I’ve written news releases, produced campaigns, managed media relationships, advised leaders during high-profile situations, directed production teams, and spent countless hours behind a camera and in an edit suite. Those experiences have given me an appreciation for both strategy and execution. I enjoy thinking through the message just as much as I enjoy bringing it to life. The work in this portfolio reflects that approach. You’ll find examples of media engagement, public affairs, corporate communications, documentary storytelling, branded content, photography, writing, and video production. Different organizations. Different audiences. The goal has always been the same: tell honest stories that connect with people and leave them with a clearer understanding than when they started.

## Skills & Areas of Expertise
communications, External Communications, Media Relations, Reputation Management, Executive Communications, Crisis Communications, Strategic Storytelling, Video Production, Photography

## Work Experience
- **Chief of Media Operations** at United States Air Force (2011-01–Present)
  Lead communications strategy, media relations and public engagement for a 2,500-member mobility wing supporting global airliftoperations. Reached more than 100 million people worldwide through integrated communications campaigns, earned media coverage and digital storytelling initiatives. Serve as the organization's lead spokesperson, managing media inquiries and coordinating interviews with local, national and international outlets. Advise senior leaders on communications strategy, reputation risk and public engagement during high-visibility operations and sensitive events. Direct crisis communications efforts, developing holding statements, key messages, executive talking points and response strategies under compressed timelines. Lead a team of public affairs professionals responsible for media relations, executive communications, photography, video production and community engagement. Deliver strategic communications products to senior Department of Defense, Air Force and combatant command leadership supporting operational and public affairs objectives. Monitor media coverage, audience sentiment and engagement trends to refine messaging and strengthen public trust.
- **Director, Content and Visual Communications** at Signos Health (2023-03–Present)
  Led content and communications initiatives supporting a fast-growing digital health company focused on consumer engagement,brand visibility, and executive messaging. Generated more than 4.5 million views through strategic content initiatives supporting brand awareness and audience growth. Partnered with executive leadership to shape messaging across marketing, product, and corporate communications efforts. Developed content supporting investor communications, enterprise storytelling, and product positioning initiatives. Converted technical expertise into messaging that resonated with consumers and media audiences. Directed visual communications initiatives for product launches and integrated communications campaigns across multiple digital channels. Ensured content aligned with regulatory requirements while maintaining a consistent brand voice.
- **Senior Manager, Corporate Communications** at Kaplan North America (2021-11–2023-03)
  Supported executive communications and enterprise messaging across a global education company. Increased employee engagement 250% through targeted communications strategies and leadership messaging. Developed executive communications, presentations, and leadership messaging frameworks. Aligned communications with business priorities and transformation initiatives. Produced content supporting corporate announcements and leadership visibility.
- **Director, Photography and Social Media** at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center (2020-11–2021-11)
  Led visual storytelling and digital communications efforts for South Carolina's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Produced stories highlighting patient outcomes, research breakthroughs, and clinical innovation. Managed social media strategy and content supporting physicians, researchers, and institutional initiatives. Partnered with healthcare leaders to communicate cancer research and patient care to patients, families, and donors. Led content creation for LOWVELO, a cycling fundraiser engaging 1,600+ riders annually and raising $4.6M+ for cancer research.
- **Public Relations Manager** at Rawle Murdy Associates (2019-03–2020-11)
  Led media relations and communications strategy for public-sector, transportation, workforce development, and economicdevelopment clients. Served as primary media contact for the tri-county regional government organization, supporting regional transportation and workforce development initiatives. Secured earned media coverage through strategic pitching and media outreach. Developed press releases, executive talking points, media advisories, and public statements. Advised clients on messaging, media strategy, and reputation management. Managed communications for multiple client accounts and stakeholder groups.
- **Assistant Communications Manager** at Town of Mount Pleasant (2014-07–2019-03)
  Led communications and community engagement efforts for a municipality serving more than 90,000 residents. Produced award-winning communications recognized with multiple Hermes Creative Awards. Managed and developed a team of five content creators supporting public information initiatives. Developed campaigns supporting municipal projects, public services, and community programs.

## Education
- **Baccalaureate in Communications Studies** — College of Charleston (2004-08–2008-05)
- **Associates in Mass Communications** — Community College of the Air Force (2012-08–2014-05)

## Online Profiles & Links
- LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcoaxum/
- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marquelcoaxum/
- YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@MarquelCoaxum

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