The City of Bristol’s Office of Community Relations is announcing the appointment of Aaron Watson as the department’s new Digital Media and Communications Manager. Watson joined the department on Thursday, October 24, 2018. He is an area native and a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Master of Arts Degree in Brand and Media Strategy with an award in Outstanding Creative Achievement. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, Cum Laude.
Watson comes to the City with experience in fields of marketing, advertising, and networking via all current social media platforms. He has previously held positions with the Barter Theater and with the ETSU School of Graduate Studies. He will work in providing complex new marketing campaigns, brand promotions, develop and implement the City’s social media strategy, including marketing plans that leverage social media outlets and oversee communication programs.
Jaima Helbert was named as the new Communications Coordinator. In this role, Helbert will perform three essential functions. She will continue her Webmaster duties, along with now overseeing all departmental budget and financial functions, as well as promotional decisions.
For the past four years Helbert had served as Webmaster, overseeing the 1,000 page City website that sees over 1,200 changes per month with almost a quarter million visits per year. She came to the City in 2014 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from King University in Behavioral Science.
Terrie Talbert, Department Director said of the changes within the department, “With some internal transitions in the City, an opportunity came about to streamline our operations and improve the way in which we address our core tasks. I am pleased with what Aaron brings to our organization and eager for Jaima to take on her new role within the department.”
The Office of Community Relations is responsible for keeping the community informed by effectively, efficiently, and creatively communicating city news. The department is responsible for news releases, public and employee newsletters, brand promotion, BTN-TV, all social media platforms, and the City website. The department acts as a support service via developing marketing strategies, design of booklets, brochures, and other publications and internal events.
