Member Highlight: Meet Steve Murray
Steve Murray, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Meet the talented professionals who make up the FPRA Capital Chapter! In our new Member Highlight series, we’re shining a spotlight on members’ unique skills, career journeys, and the expertise they bring to our community.
Steve’s PR Journey
Why did you join the FPRA Capital Chapter?
Christina Johnson, president of On 3 Public Relations, introduced me to the FPRA Capital Chapter in 2009, and I’ve been involved to one degree or another ever since. It affords me the only true professional development opportunity I have at this stage in my 38-year career. I’m living proof you can teach an old dog new tricks.
What do you enjoy most about being involved as a member?
Our younger chapter members bring a different perspective to the table that allows me to consider other options when communicating key messages to unique audiences. Our guest speakers also provide important context to everyday battles in successfully getting your message across to influential stakeholders.
What is one PR-related project you have worked on that you’re most proud of?
In partnership with Sachs Media Group, I helped develop a first-ever strategic branding of my State Veterans’ Affairs Agency, which garnered national- and state-level recognition and honors. Most of our early efforts are still in place and performing extremely well.
How did your military service influence your career goals?
Following a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, I was extremely fortunate to serve for more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a public affairs officer. My deployment to Iraq in 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom was instrumental in my desire to continue to serve Veterans and their families in a second career. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is helping me fulfill that desire to serve others.
What skills did you learn during military service that you have been able to apply to your current position?
I think Woody Allen said 80% of success is showing up. I would add 80% of success is showing up on time. There are plenty of opportunities in front of you if you are active and engaged. Put down the mobile device from time to time and be a part of the moment. The difference between a competent PR professional and a great PR professional is the ability to think and interact with people without the artificial crutch of an electronic device.
More About Steve Murray
For the past 18 years, Steve Murray has served as the principal spokesperson for veterans’ issues in Florida while serving as Communications and External Affairs Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
In his role, he provides oversight and direction of the department’s public affairs program of community outreach, media relations, social media engagement, branding and employee communications linking veterans, their families, and survivors to earned services, benefits, and support. He also serves as the department’s emergency manager.
In partnership with Sachs Media Group, he is a 2013 recipient of the Florida Public Relations Association’s Dick Pope All Florida Grand Golden Image Award. He is also a recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Steve is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, and he lives in Tallahassee.