Dr. Ed Wright, who was FSU PC’s Dean during her tenure, remembers Vickie as the face <strong>of</strong> the university in the community. “Vickie was an invaluable resource because <strong>of</strong> her connections with—and knowledge <strong>of</strong>—the many organizations and non-pr<strong>of</strong>its she was involved with.” Gainer also advised the leadership team on communications strategy, coordinated the University’s public message and all marketing efforts while working extensively with the enrollment management and the development <strong>of</strong>fice. “Vickie was the voice in the Dean’s council for what was best for the community,” notes Dr. Wright. Before being promoted to the communications director position, her eye for detail and creative lens helped her to execute duties as the University’s special events coordinator for three years. Gainer says some <strong>of</strong> her greatest lessons and experiences have come from working in the not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it world, and feels working with at-risk children and struggling families made her a better person. She worked as the Parent Involvement/Volunteer Coordinator for the Bay County Headstart Program, where her focus was to inspire parents, help empower their lives and assist them in meeting their career potentials. She also trained parents and staff on how to effectively communicate. “I wanted to make a difference,” she says. “To make a difference, I believe you must love people and love what you do—no matter what your pr<strong>of</strong>ession may be.” Gainer, the daughter <strong>of</strong> a Baptist Preacher and whose mother was a missionary, is the sixth <strong>of</strong> eight siblings, was born and raised in Alabama. Her parent’s <strong>of</strong> modest means, but strong faith in God, taught her to love God and be committed to the task, no matter how tough it may seem. Gainer earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University <strong>of</strong> Montevallo in 1981 and received her master’s degree from Florida State University in Corporate and Public Communication. She has completed several Public Policy Institute through the Kellogg Foundation and is a certified facilitator. Over the years, Gainer has served her community well—demonstrating a passionate commitment to the welfare and betterment <strong>of</strong> Bay County. In 2006 Gainer was recognized as a “Notable Nole” by the FSU PC University Alumni Office. She has served on the Boys and Girls Club Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, the Women <strong>of</strong> Destiny Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, United Way Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and chair <strong>of</strong> United Way Communications committee-- developing numerous United Way campaign videos and marketing campaigns. She has been an active in the community, serving as a member <strong>of</strong> the Leadership Bay Steering Committee, chair <strong>of</strong> the Bay County <strong>Chamber</strong>’s Public Relations committee, a member <strong>of</strong> the Bay County <strong>Chamber</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, and a past member <strong>of</strong> the Florida Public Relations Association <strong>of</strong> Tallahassee. Gainer’s current memberships include member and president-elect <strong>of</strong> the Northside Rotary, Early Education and Care Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, corresponding secretary and Silver Star member <strong>of</strong> the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., local chapter Xi Omicron Omega Chapter <strong>of</strong> <strong>Panama</strong> <strong>City</strong>. She is married to Harry Gainer Jr., and they have two children and four grandchildren. Gainer is very committed to her faith and her church at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator for many years. She currently teaches the Senior Women’s Sunday School Class, and is the co-coordinator <strong>of</strong> the Pastor’s Aide Ministry. Making a differ erence e in our marketplac etplace... Last year, smart consumers came to BBB|Northwest Florida for help and information an average <strong>of</strong> 1,100 times a day. 7 in 10 consumers say they’ y’d be more likely to buy from a compan ompany designated ed as a “BBB Accredited Business. s.”* *Princeton Survey Research Associates 2007 ® Call or start with bbb.org to find out how you may receive e more customer referrals by increasing your exposure with your BBB. Call 800.729.9226 ...Over a thousand times a day 46 THE CIRCUIT March/April 2012
THE CIRCUIT March/April 2012 47
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