Communications & Marketing

Jase Payne, Manager

Responsibilities:

The Office of Communications and Marketing plans, directs, organizes, and administers the Office of Communications and Marketing operations, manages City relationships with the media, and ensures quality and accurate dissemination of information. 

Among other things, principal duties include:

• Providing all City departments with communications and internal and external marketing support.
• Assisting with the development of strategies to market and foster development partnerships.
• Developing and organizing internal and external city communications.

Provides visionary, innovative leadership; develops and implements strategic plans, policies, and procedures for the Office of Communications and Marketing; assists in brand management and content distribution strategies; and creates and implements plans and policies to increase the visibility of the City’s programs, events, and initiatives to the community. 

About Jase:

An award-winning social media director, creative producer, and public relations manager with years of professional experience in communications, advertising, tourism, and government relations.

A native of South Mississippi with a B.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi, Payne previously served as Marketing Manager with the City of Gulfport from 2016 – 2019, leading marketing, business development, and public relations for Gulfport Leisure Services, including the Gulfport Sportsplex and the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival.

Before rejoining with the City, Payne recently worked for Coastal Mississippi as the Director of Communications & Engagement.

Payne serves as President of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi – Beach Chapter, Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Coast Young Professionals, Past-President of the Gulfport Gridiron Club, and is a Graduate of the Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Leadership Program.