Sara Potter
Kinston
Summary
Well-versed former Communications Specialist with significant experience in public relations, journalism, education, and community building. Possesses strong skills in crafting impactful writing and brand building, and educational development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Press Secretary & Digital Manager
The Office of Congressman Don Davis
Washington
01.2025 - Current
- Manages all media relations, including drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, and overseeing official social media accounts to amplify the brand and message.
- Coordinated with media outlets to schedule interviews and press conferences, strengthening relationships and visibility.
- Drafted press releases and statements, enhancing media engagement and public awareness.
- Managed social media accounts, increasing public outreach and fostering community engagement.
- Writes speeches, designs graphics in Canva, produces video content using Adobe Premiere Pro, and publishes the weekly newsletter.
- Collaborates closely with both the district and D.C. offices, and with Congressman Davis directly to meet eastern North Carolina residents where they are and amplify their voices in Washington.
Interim Communications Director
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Managed media relations to increase visibility and support for congressional initiatives.
- Developed strategic communication plans for legislative initiatives and public outreach.
- Planned and coordinated press conferences, interviews, and PR events to promote congressional activities.
- Oversaw content creation for digital platforms, including social media and websites.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align communication strategies with legislative goals.
- Monitored news coverage and public sentiment regarding congressional issues and policies.
- Established relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate effective communication of legislative messages.
- Collaborated with senior management on branding initiatives across all channels.
Teacher - British Literature Teacher
Pitt County Schools
Greenville
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Facilitated engaging classroom activities that improved student learning outcomes and participation rates.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and assessments that fostered critical thinking.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with state standards and curriculum guidelines.
- Provided individualized support to diverse learners, enhancing their academic performance and confidence.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to promote a positive classroom environment.
- Utilized technology tools for lesson delivery and student engagement tracking.
Historian, Educational Program & Communications Director
Fairfax County Park Authority
Great Falls
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed historical educational programs on northern Virginia's American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Victorian/Edwardian period, enhancing community engagement and understanding of local history.
- Produced content for newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials to effectively communicate historical narratives and promote educational initiatives.
- Curated engaging exhibits showcasing regional history and cultural heritage.
- Researched historical events relevant to local communities and park initiatives.
- Conducted oral history interviews with local residents to preserve community narratives.
Journalist
The Free Press, Sun Journal, Jacksonville Daily News
New Bern
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Wrote factually correct, concise, and engaging news stories within tight deadlines.
- Researched and wrote articles highlighting local events and community issues to inform and engage readers.
- Conducted interviews with public figures and residents for feature stories.
- Collaborated with editors to develop story ideas and content direction.
- Maintained a network of community contacts to source stories and enhance news coverage.
Education
Bachelor of Education -
East Carolina Univeristy
Greenville, NCAssocates of History -
Lenior Community College
Kinston, NCHuman Rights Certificate Program Acceptance -
Columbia University
New York, NYSkills
- Public Relations
- Media relations
- Crisis Communication
- Press Releases
- Digital Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Event planning
- Public engagement
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Producing
- Speechwriting
- Interview preparation
- Digital journalism
- AP Style
- Adobe Pro Video Editing
- Canva Graphic Design
- Time management
- Organizational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strategic comms
Extracurricular Activities
NC Field Organizer, 2008-2014 President, Congressional, State, and Local Elections Pride of Kinston Board Member, 2020
Accomplishments
Best of Bipartisan Engagement and Collaboration by the Congressional Management Foundation
Timeline
Interim Communications Director
U.S. House of Representatives
06.2025 - 12.2025
Press Secretary & Digital Manager
The Office of Congressman Don Davis
01.2025 - Current
Teacher - British Literature Teacher
Pitt County Schools
01.2023 - 01.2025
Historian, Educational Program & Communications Director
Fairfax County Park Authority
01.2021 - 01.2022
Journalist
The Free Press, Sun Journal, Jacksonville Daily News
01.2015 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Education -
East Carolina Univeristy
Assocates of History -
Lenior Community College
Human Rights Certificate Program Acceptance -
Columbia University