SCOM alumna Kelly Corder serves as the Director of Media Relations at Sachs Media, where her experiences at Florida State University have prepared her to raise awareness of stories about victims like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tyre Nichols, as well as causes that promote addiction recovery, public safety, and other important issues.
“What I love most about my role is that every day is different. I’m constantly challenged to think creatively and strategically about how to elevate important conversations and move the needle through public relations,” she said.
During her time at FSU, Corder studied Media and Communications, where she learned about the important role that communication experts play in every field. “It opened my eyes to the many ways communicators can make an impact, whether in business, government, advocacy, or media,” she said.
One thing that Corder learned at FSU that she didn’t fully appreciate until after graduation was the history and evolution of journalism. “I remember studying the history of news media, which I didn’t realize would become so valuable,” she said. “Today, that understanding helps me navigate the ever-changing media landscape and effectively pitch important stories.”
After graduating from FSU, her career began at the Communications Office at the Florida Department of Education before becoming Director of Communications at the Florida Commission on Offender Review, where she worked on issues involving parole and probation, victim advocacy, and clemency.
Eventually, Corder joined the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), which inspired her to pursue her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a credential that certifies her professionalism and ethical standards. Through FPRA, she was introduced to the team at Sachs Media, where she has aligned her passion for public service with her career, which she encourages every student to do.
Corder is grateful that her time at SCOM built a solid foundation for her career, and for students who are looking for ways to further themselves, “Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from those already in the field.” she said. “Those connections can shape your career in unexpected and meaningful ways.”