Courtney Liebenrood

Obsidian is led by Courtney Liebenrood, a professional public relations practitioner with more than 10 years’ experience developing and implementing strategic PR plans, campaigns and programs.

Formerly the director of public relations for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, Courtney was largely responsible for the public image of one of the nation’s largest health care organizations (and one of Memphis’ largest businesses). While at Baptist, Courtney supervised all aspects of public relations, including campaign planning, media relations, crisis communications, event planning, research, issue management, writing and staff training.

Courtney also has invaluable first-hand experience as a journalist, having begun her career as a reporter for The Commercial Appeal.

Courtney’s numerous professional achievements include:

• PR Director of the Year (Memphis Advertising Federation)
• Top 40 Under 40 (Memphis Business Journal)
• 50 Women Who Make a Difference (Memphis Woman)

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Jessica Neal

Account executive Jessica Neal brings three years of experience to Obsidian. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Communication and Information, she began her public relations career in 2004. Most recently, Jessica served as public relations specialist at Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, where she managed PR activities and strategies of several internal accounts, including Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville, Baptist’s Tennessee regional hospitals and the Baptist College of Health Sciences. Jessica is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.

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Cristy Racy

Cristy Racy brings six years of PR experience to Obsidian Public Relations in her role as account manager. A graduate of Kansas State University, she received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations and earned a minor in leadership studies.

Prior to joining Obsidian, Cristy worked as development manager for the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she was responsible for fundraising events such as the MS 150 Bike Tour and the MS Walk. She also led marketing and public relations efforts for the organization and helped increase fundraising by 33 percent in 2006 alone.

Cristy previously served as public relations coordinator for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, where she participated in activities across the PR spectrum, including media relations, strategic communication planning, writing, research, and crisis and issue management. Cristy is a member of Public Relations Society of America.

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Daniel Wade

Daniel Wade brings a refreshing young perspective to the table in his role as account specialist. A native Memphian, Daniel is a graduate of Harding Academy in Memphis and received a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Harding University in Searcy, Ark.

Daniel served as an intern at Obsidian before beginning his public relations career with the firm in 2007. He has provided extensive client support and aid to the firm’s many clients. His diverse experience in communication has molded his perception of what constitutes true public relations and formed in him a desire to practice public relations with a purpose.

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Chad Gilbert

Account executive Chad Gilbert joins Obsidian with three years of public relations experience. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he majored in advertising and public relations with a minor in business administration.

Most recently, Gilbert worked as an associate account executive at Nashville-based McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations. During his time at MP&F, he worked for numerous clients including a national transportation company, a major electric utility, a community bank and a regional insurance company. He has experience in media relations, technical and feature writing, event planning and grassroots campaigns.

Prior to joining MP&F, Gilbert worked as a student communication specialist in the University of Alabama’s Office of Media Relations. He is a native of Birmingham, Ala.

E-mail: chad@obsidianpr.com

Crissy Smith

Crissy Smith joins the Obsidian team as account executive after five years in the not-for-profit realm. A native of Laurel, Miss., she graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to joining Obsidian, Crissy was the community relations manager for Memphis-based Youth Villages, where she managed various fundraising and community awareness projects, corporate relations and public speaking engagements.

Crissy serves on the advisory board for Mississippi State University’s Department of Communication, as well as the board of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Memphis Chapter and Bravo Memphis, a program of ArtsMemphis.

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