Seaside Has New Director of PR and Marketing

Seaside Community Development Corporation (SCDC), has announced the hire of Lori Leath Smith as director of public relations and marketing. Lori is well known to the SoWal staff and we're so happy for her and know what a great person Seaside has on board.

Lori will focus on the planning, development and implementation of SCDC’s destination marketing strategies and public relations activities, both external and internal.

“I am honored to become a member of a creative and dedicated team of professionals in serving the acclaimed Seaside community,” says Lori. “I'm looking forward to telling the story of this authentic, diverse and charming town, while helping to create a vibrant, unique experience for visitors and residents.”

Lori joins SCDC from Florida’s Great Northwest where she built, managed and maintained comprehensive, cost-effective internal and external public relations and marketing communications strategies which further developed the economic development organization’s brand. These strategies, utilizing combined traditional and social/digital media outlets, included advocating Northwest Florida’s regional community assets and quality of life and promoting Northwest Florida as a viable region for new or expanding businesses.

Lori initially moved to the area from Birmingham, Ala., where she was a marketing communications and graphics business owner, to direct multi-media public relations/communications initiatives at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Smith’s tenure at Time Inc. (Southern Living) laid the foundation for her experience in promoting destinations.

Lori is a graduate of Auburn University and is actively involved in the community through serving on the board for the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, participation in Emerald Coast Women in Business, AAF Emerald Coast and area chambers.

Welcome to Seaside Lori!