MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Meet RAYMOND JONES
Carolinas HealthCare System
What is your full name and title?
Raymond C. Jones, director of public relations, Carolinas HealthCare System
Please g ive us a a brief history of your professional career.
Education
Graduate Diploma (International Relations), Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science (Journalism), University of Illinois
Bachelor of Arts (History), Dickinson College
Career Summary
2005-2008 Director of Public Relations, Carolinas HealthCare System
2004-2005 Senior Media Relations Specialist, Carolinas HealthCare System
2000-2004 Principal, Media Ink Communications
1997-2000 Executive Director of College Relations, William Jewell College
1991-1997 Director of University Relations, Winthrop University
1989-1991 Director of University Relations, Monmouth University
1980-1989 Executive Director, Pennsylvania Newspaper Association
1976-1980 Assistant Executive Director, Pennsylvania Newspaper Assn.
1975-1976 Rotary Fellow, Bologna, Italy
1974-1975 Director of Publications, Dickinson College
1972-1974 City Editor, Carlisle Evening Sentinel
1971-1972 Bureau Chief, Hunterdon County Democrat
How long have you been a member of IABC and IABC-Charlotte (CIABC)?
I joined IABC in Kansas City in 2000, moved to Charlotte in May 2004 and transferred my membership to the Charlotte chapter.
Have you ever served on the IABC or CIABC boards of directors?
In the Kansas City Chapter, I was a board member and program chair in the Charlotte Chapter, I've had no formal leadership role.
What have been some of the most memorable CIABC sessions you have attended?
Ned Lundquist has appeared twice and is the best speaker we’ve had, in my opinion. Everyone needs to hear his message about “the law of unintended positive consequences,” by which good things ultimately happen to you if you take advantage of every possible opportunity to help others and expect nothing in return. Also, Ned likes to say that “helping others through the networking process is the dues you pay for being on the planet.” It’s a message everyone needs to hear and take to heart.
Have you attended any of IABC’s professional-development sessions (writing workshops, regional meetings, international meetings)?
In Kansas City I attended some programs with Steve Crescenzo and other national IABC speakers who move about the country speaking to chapter meetings. Steve was extraordinarily good on the topic of newsletters and internal communications. Also, Wilma Mathews from Arizona State University has spoken in both Kansas City and Charlotte on the topic of how to measure PR results. She is fabulous.
What do you think is the most valuable part of being a CIABC member?
The most valuable part of IABC is getting to know a wide variety of people who can assist in areas where I don’t have a lot of expertise. As a generalist, I can be called upon to do any type of assignment on any given day. My personal competence and experience may cover me 50 percent of the time. The rest of the time I’m going to have to go outside for help. Maybe I need help completing a project. Maybe I just have to ask someone a few questions. Maybe I need help with a referral. In any event, without a network one can easily get lost in these situations. Also, attending meetings on all topics, not just topics of personal interest, is a good way to gain exposure to subject matter you would never encounter in a pigeon-holed office setting. I depend on professional meetings to learn about all the things I don’t do on a day-to-day basis. This is vital given the rapid changes which are transforming communications.
What kind of sessions do you look forward to CIABC offering in the future?
My hot topic right now is understanding the impact of web-based media and especially social media such as Facebook. It’s important to understand all the ways people are communicating, beyond reading a paper or listening to a broadcast.
What would you say to a prospective or new member of CIABC?
- Please don’t show up at a meeting without business cards. If you want to be taken seriously, don’t show up for a networking event unprepared to network.
- Whenever circumstances permit, sit down with somebody you don’t know. That’s how you eventually get to know everybody.
- Don’t sign up for meetings based on topic or speaker. The meeting topic that you may have the least interest in may be the one that provides the knowledge you need to save your butt on an unexpected assignment. Don’t stick to what’s known and what’s safe. Stretch yourself.
How has your membership in CIABC positively affected your career, personal or professional development?
IABC has been a great way to make new friends and meet people who can help me personally or professionally in countless ways. Also, eventually most everyone has a career mishap (bad boss, downsizing, etc.) or simply wants to change gears. CIABC offers a network that is better positioned than most to step in and provide a safety net and a support system when that happens.
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