John Chambliss
About
John Chambliss is an experienced and accomplished communications professional. He spent the first 20 years of his career as a reporter and editor for publications across the Eastern Seaboard, including the Chattanooga Free Press, Taunton Daily Gazette, Charleston Post & Courier, and New York Times Regional Newspaper Group.
His news sense and storytelling abilities earned him multiple awards from the Florida Society of News Editors and New York Times Co.
In 2019, he left journalism to become the communications coordinator for the State Attorney’s Office in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit. In this highly responsible role, he oversaw internal, external and executive communications, produced content for web and social media, and responded to media inquiries. He completed numerous professional trainings in reporting, writing, social media, photography, and Google Analytics.
In 2021, he returned to journalism as managing editor at The Times in Gainesville. At The Times, he oversees 11 employees, is responsible for the website and social media and determines the content.
Skills
- Reporting,
- Writing,
- Editing,
- Media Relations,
- Internal and external communications,
- Executive communications,
- Website and social media management,
- Photography
Education, Professional Trainings, Certifications, and Memberships
| 2021 | Google Analytics certification |
| 2019-2021 | Member of the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers |
| 2019 | Photography for DSLR |
| 2019 | PowerPoint training |
| 2017-2020 | Reaching coach volunteer, Polk County Public Schools |
| 2016 | Making the Most of Snapchat, Poynter Institute |
| 2016 | Tools for Mobile Journalism, Poynter Institute |
| 2016 | Using Facebook as a Reporting Tool, Poynter Institute |
| 2016 | Digital Newsgathering, Poynter Institute |
| 1995 | Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in English, University of Mississippi |
Experience
| 2021-Present |
Gainesville Times Managing editor who oversees a staff of 11 reporters and is responsible for the website and social media |
| 2019-2021 |
State Attorney’s Office, 10th Judicial Circuit Oversee internal, external, and executive communications, manage website and social media accounts, respond to media inquiries, secure positive earned media |
| 2007-2019 |
The (Lakeland) Ledger, reporter Political, education, city, and investigative reporter, covering beats including the local legislative delegation and such high-profile issues as standardized testing and scandals at the Lakeland Police Department |
| 2006-2007 |
Charleston Post & Courier, reporter Crime and courts reporter covering the City of Charleston and surrounding areas |
Awards and Accolades
| 2017 | Investigative Reporting, Second Place, Florida Society of News Editors |
| 2015 | Reporting, Second Place, Florida Society of News Editorss |
| 2013 | Outstanding Reporting Award, New York Times |