MONICA SMITH, President

Monica Smith oversees the media relations and content client teams, blending her commitment to details with a strategic perspective to ensure that our clients’ business development needs are met. In this role, Monica works closely with our talented team leaders to set sound PR and content goals to achieve bottom-line focused results. She serves as senior-level counsel to our clients and guides our team leaders in helping to cultivate and teach all members of our agency.

Additionally, Monica advises CEOs and company / firm management on issues related to leadership, succession planning and communications. She helps them connect with their constituents – partners, employees and clients – on matters related to change, growth and crisis. Her clients have included law and accounting firms, financial services organizations and nonprofits, among others. She welcomes the opportunity to guide organizations in a positive direction, even when the issue at hand is stressful.

During her tenure with Poston Communications, the agency has grown considerably – and has plans for rapid growth over the next three years. That success comes down to recruiting, retaining and developing talent. As a result, Monica authored a formal program, PRecision Curriculum, a bridge between school and work life. Structured lessons include the skillsets and background knowledge needed to be effective in public relations – from how to talk to clients and media sources to pitching journalists to building a professional wardrobe. The course is taught by senior employees, as well as outside experts, and has resulted in Poston being able to build a roster from the ground up where employees embrace the Poston Way, which centers on servant leadership, gratitude and laser-focused attention to detail.

Monica began her career in an Orlando-based public relations agency, working with a global law firm client. She then moved into an in-house role at that law firm, working with national industry groups, the Women’s Initiative and all of the firm’s Florida offices. She also worked in-house as marketing director of an Atlanta accounting firm before becoming a consultant.

Monica serves on the board of directors for UP Orlando, which serves those in poverty through crisis care, education and empowerment to lift themselves and their families to economic sufficiency.

In 2018, the Orlando Business Journal named Monica on its annual list of 40 Under 40, recognizing up and coming leaders in Central Florida.

In 2010, Monica had the privilege of serving as president of the Legal Marketing Association’s Southeastern Chapter (LMASE), leading an 18-member board of directors and 80 volunteer leaders throughout the region. She also has chaired LMASE’s Orlando Local Steering Committee and served on the Nominating Committee twice. In her Central Florida community, Monica has provided pro bono crisis work and contributes her communications skills to several organizations. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the PRSA Member of Counselor’s Academy, which is made up of public relations leaders around the world.

Monica earned her undergraduate degree from Stetson University in Deland, Fla. She lives in her hometown of Orlando.

Outside of the office, Monica and her husband are the proud parents of their elementary-school aged son. All three are aspiring golfers.

Download vCard

LinkedIn

@poston