Robert Jeffrey Whatley
Lowell
Summary
Strategic leader in brand engagement and communication strategy, recognized with Associated Press and Emmy awards. Skilled in connecting with consumers and driving awareness through innovative approaches. Collaborates effectively to unite teams and achieve shared goals.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ArDOT)
Little Rock
2017.08 - Current
- Lead call center operations by fielding questions and delivering support services and information to internal and external stakeholders.
- Guide and lead a team of customer service representatives in a fast-paced environment.
- Deliver travel information to media and public through telephone, IDriveArkansas.com, online chat, and social media.
- Utilize ArDOT’s Social Media Management System to engage the public with real-time information to make informed decisions.
- Monitor IDriveArkansas.com and statewide network of live traffic cameras for potential delays, incidents, or closures on the Arkansas Highway System.
- Serve as primary liaison for media visits to the ArDOT Traffic Management Center (TMC).
- Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook to enhance presentations and documentation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST / PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SPECIALIST
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ArDOT)
Little Rock
2015.08 - 2017.08
- Planned and executed public meetings to engage residents on proposed highway department projects.
- Coordinated logistics for public meetings, ensuring efficient venue selection, scheduling, and equipment setup.
- Hosted public information meetings - documented attendees and public comments.
- Ensured meetings and notifications comply with all civil rights provisions and other federal guidelines.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on proposed projects and outcomes of public information meetings.
PRESENTATION AND WRITING SPECIALIST / EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ArDOT)
Little Rock
2013.01 - 2015.08
- Drafted press releases and social media advisories for Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) to enhance public engagement.
- Researched and organized materials for impactful presentations and speeches for ArDOT Director and Arkansas Highway Commission members.
- Developed presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint and/or other visual media (i.e., displays and handouts).
- Provided audio/visual support during ArDOT Director and/or Commissioners’ presentations.
- Coordinated public speaking schedules for Arkansas Highway Commission members to streamline communication and event planning.
INDEPENDENT AGENT
AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
2012.08 - 2014.01
- Promoted AFLAC insurance products to increase client engagement.
- Built and nurtured customer relationships to enhance market presence.
- Provided customer support to policyholders regarding insurance products and services.
- Assisted clients in understanding policy details and coverage options.
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR / NEWSROOM MANAGER
KARK 4
Little Rock
2004.05 - 2012.03
- Proven leadership in operations and staff supervision; oversaw a newsroom staff of fifty plus employees.
- Supported News Director in managing all aspects of News Department, ensuring smooth operations and effective team performance.
- Developed news coverage strategy for the station and its website.
- Defined strategic direction for content coverage to meet business and financial objectives.
- Managed newsroom: contributed to the editorial process and made solid decisions in breaking news situations.
- Critiqued newscasts daily to correct errors, improve coverage and provide mentoring feedback to news staff.
- Identified developmental needs of staff and provided targeted mentorship to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Proven organizational skills; ability to plan and foresee any potential problems and find solutions.
- Met deadlines, prioritized assignments, and handled multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Consulted on decisions regarding hiring, evaluations, promotion, and termination of employees to ensure the highest caliber of talent best represent the station’s image.
- Liaison with internal and external stakeholders regarding coverage questions and/or concerns.
- Evaluated equipment needs to produce quality programming.
- Led comprehensive election coverage, expanding local contacts to secure timely real-time results.
- Coordinated live news coverage and operated satellite truck for remotes during breaking news for CNN, The Weather Channel, and NBC News.
- Coordinated events promoting news team and weather coverage including weather specials and NOAA weather radio programming campaign.
- Created format and produced weekly live high school football games.
- Created Arkansas’s most comprehensive winter weather closing database, providing information on the web and on multiple television stations.
- Overcame challenges faced with a limited budget and staff to meet goals.
- Applied photography skills; shot video during breaking news including video from helicopter.
NEWS PRODUCER
KATV 7
Little Rock
1991.07 - 2004.05
- Boosted station’s viewership to become the highest rated ABC affiliate in the United States, achieving results by providing new direction in story development and delivery strategy.
- Enhanced brand/viewership engagement by managing crisis communications and delivering critical news updates, including severe weather coverage, to communities served.
- Produced severe weather coverage; tracked tornadoes during the largest outbreak in Arkansas history.
- Collected and verified news information from reputable sources, including Associated Press and CNN, ensuring accuracy for broadcast.
- Selected news stories and story order for newscasts; wrote news stories and coordinated live remotes and interviews.
- Produced Razorback Football Coach’s Show, UAMS-sponsored Healthcheck 7, and weather specials; delivered engaging content to viewers.
NEWS PRODUCER
KAIT 8
Jonesboro
1987.07 - 1991.07
- Selected news stories and arranged order for nightly and weekend newscasts; wrote articles, edited video, and coordinated live remotes and interviews to enhance viewer engagement.
- Produced 'This Week in Region 8', summarizing major news events to inform and engage northeast Arkansas audiences.
- Led newsroom operations; served as weekend assignment editor and coordinated news photography.
Education
Resident Producer license - Accident/Health Sickness Qualification
State of Arkansas, AR Insurance Department
AR2012-09
Poynter Institute Leadership Graduate - St. Petersburg, FL
Poynter Institute
St. Petersburg, FL2005-01
BS - Radio, Television Communications
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR1990-01
Skills
- Customer service
- Detail-oriented planning
- Problem-solving and interpersonal skills
- Collaboration and team building
- Hands-on leadership
- Report generation
- Media relations
- Reputation management
- Brand strategy
- Digital media operations
- Strategic messaging
- News production
- Effective communication
- Audience engagement
Timeline
SENIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ArDOT)
2017.08 - Current
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST / PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SPECIALIST
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ArDOT)
2015.08 - 2017.08
PRESENTATION AND WRITING SPECIALIST / EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (ArDOT)
2013.01 - 2015.08
INDEPENDENT AGENT
AMERICAN FAMILY LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF COLUMBUS
2012.08 - 2014.01
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR / NEWSROOM MANAGER
KARK 4
2004.05 - 2012.03
NEWS PRODUCER
KATV 7
1991.07 - 2004.05
NEWS PRODUCER
KAIT 8
1987.07 - 1991.07
Resident Producer license - Accident/Health Sickness Qualification
State of Arkansas, AR Insurance Department
Poynter Institute Leadership Graduate - St. Petersburg, FL
Poynter Institute
BS - Radio, Television Communications
Arkansas State University