SMA-MAJ C.J. Bannister
Chief Development Officer
Sarasota Military Academy Foundation, Inc.
What was your first job in PR?
I first became involved with the PR world when I became a financial advisor in 2007. It was then that I realized how important marketing my individual business was in building relationships and creating partnerships in the community. As I moved into the non-profit sector, it was even more important to ensure that the community was aware about all of the great things happening so that they could engage and support our efforts.
What’s your #MyFPRA story?
I joined the FPRA after accepting a position as the Chief Development Officer at Sarasota Military Academy. With no marketing team, I sat with Kim Livengood for a bit of advice and she invited me to a training luncheon. I was blown away at the valuable information I took away from my first meeting, so much that I have now not only become a member, but an advocate as well.
What’s your dream job?
The only appropriate answer here is… the job I have. I love supporting Sarasota Military Academy and the difference they make in the lives of our children. It truly is a life-changing school that instills leadership qualities at young age like honor, integrity and respect. I would absolutely love to invite anyone to come and visit the school and witness first hand just how special this school is.