Natalie Smith, APR— Vice President/Corporate Practice

 

As a vice president in CRT/tanaka’s Corporate Practice, Natalie brings a strong background in public relations strategy and program development with a heavy emphasis on corporate social responsibility, the development of strategic partnerships, change communication and employee engagement. She leads two divisions within the Corporate Practice: EAI (Education Awareness & Influence), which works with clients to educate stakeholders about issues, increase awareness and influence changes in behaviors and opinions; and RC² (Reputation, Change and Culture), which helps clients to establish a strong corporate reputation, manage change and create a culture that attracts and retains the best and brightest employees.

 

Natalie oversees public relations strategy and program development for several Fortune 500 clients, including Performance Food Group. Additionally, she works with the Virginia Racing Commission to increase awareness of the equine industry in general – and horse racing in particular – throughout Virginia. Previously, Natalie worked with Sprint Nextel to develop its FOCUS on Driving program, an initiative that teaches teens about the dangers of distracted driving. Additionally, she worked with the International Food Information Council (IFIC) to develop an initiative to help combat childhood obesity.

 

She serves on the Universal Accreditation Board for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), is a past president of the Richmond chapter of PRSA and was named one of Richmond’s “Top 40 Under 40” by Inside Business for her community service commitment and career achievements.