Lines fromLinda LINDAAYERSTURNERKNORR Getting toknowAKC’s VicePresident of PublicRelations &Communications Brandi Hunter When Brandi Hunter started as the Director of Public Relations at the American Kennel Club, two years ago, little was known about her. She was not an exhibitor or a breeder and while her background in public relations was clear, she was not a dog sport or show per- son. Fast forward two years she is now the Vice President of Public Relations and Communications and is fully engrossed in the mission and the advancement of the AKC, working on ways to expand the
brand’s reference and relevance to the average dog owner.
Brandi is a southern girl at heart. Born in Boston and spending the majority of her life in Georgia, she has always been a learner. “I grew up with a schoolteacher mother,” she says. “The values of education and man- ners were always instilled in me, but my mother and father also encouraged me to challenge myself and learn things for myself.” A graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Journalism, she cut her teeth and honed her skills at large companies, namely CNBC, Sony and IAC before she took some time to strike out on her own and be a contractor. “I have worked at some amazing companies and had great experiences, but I needed to experiment and find new challenges. I also wanted to venture into digital communications and social media and I did exactly that for four years, until the right challenge came along and the AKC was it.”
"Hollywood" and Brandi at the AKC Madison Avenue headquarters. Dogs are welcome at AKC! The American Kennel Club is a challenge that she is glad she has taken on. She and her team of seven ser- vice the AKC, its affiliates and consult on the LLCs. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment and that is fine with her. Brandi fully believes in the work that the AKC does and how it is relative to dog owners every- where. She also knows that sometimes it may involve her doing things that are considered a bit unconvention- al, “My goal is to make sure our communication and messaging keep up with the world, which is not always easy,” she says. “We are a historic organization and we have to maintain that legacy and also stay connected to the world.” To work towards that goal she has taken press requests that may seem a bit treacherous, been unafraid to correct or educate an outlet or reporter and focused a portion of the communication on AKC being a lifestyle brand, finding new media outlets that can allow the AKC to show their relevance. >
Looks like Brandi and AKC Senior Public Relations Manager Jessica D'Amato are working on a good news announcement for AKC!
50 • S how S ight M agazine , J uly 2017
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