Traci
Howerton

I decided in 7th grade that I wanted to be a news anchor and all throughout high school, I never wavered on that decision. I was always fascinated with the news, not necessarily the actual stories, but rather the people who were telling them. Once I was in college, I took a couple of public relations courses as part of my broadcast journalism curriculum and I was instantly intrigued. I thought for the first time, maybe I’d like to have a career in this field instead. It seemed like a natural fit with my journalism aspirations and I liked the idea of delving deeper into the story-cultivating process versus just reading the script. I’m also a natural communicator and problem-solver, so public relations checked all the boxes.

I thoroughly enjoyed being a student. My husband says I would go to school forever if I could. As an undergrad, I spent my days outside of the classroom as the news director and a deejay at the campus radio station or running around with a camera and tripod trying to tape packages for our weekly television broadcast.

In grad school, I was often deep in the library archives doing primary research for a paper or studying at The National World War II Museum for an exam. I was also a teaching assistant and led a discussion class twice a week, which was a rewarding experience.

I would be researching and producing World War II documentaries for the History Channel.

I like to meet with a client and learn as much as I can about their industry and how their business plays a role – both within their respective industry and the communities in which they do business. I listen to what they are saying and how they say it, but also what they are not saying, so I can develop ideas that are innovative, thoughtful and organized in getting the right message to the right audience.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and our dogs, traveling, cooking and volunteering with Animal Rescue New Orleans. I’ve been a lead volunteer with the organization since 2007 and I serve as their volunteer coordinator.