Jay Hamilton

About Jay

Throughout his career, Jay has been a communications leader on the front lines of change. Called a “complacency-buster” by hotel icon Bill Marriott, he won distinction as both a public relations executive and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist. He introduced "brand journalism" to PR departments by transforming them into lively newsrooms, rich in visual storytelling. Jay recently formed Hamilton Media DC to help organizations get heard. He developed communication strategies for candidates, companies and nonprofits by bringing compelling stories to life and modernizing the way PR departments operated. During his eight years at Marriott International, Jay worked closely with Bill Marriott and CEO Arne Sorenson to change the way the company communicated with its key stakeholders. He led the digital revolution by heading its new Digital Corporate Relations unit. Trailing its competitors, Jay’s strategy featured revamping social media channels, ramping up staff and forming one of the first corporate in-house content studios. Jay blurred the lines between PR and marketing to creatively woo millennials. Marriott’s digital IQ became first in its industry and most importantly the overall perception of Marriott changed from “stodgy” to “hip.” Entering the association world, Jay created an influencer strategy to raise the profile of the Council on Competitiveness. As Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, he increased the involvement of the Council’s CEO-members by writing op-eds and securing invites to testify at congressional hearings. Jay proactively made news by strengthening media relations, including negotiating with CNBC to be a media partner and covering its annual meeting live. Jay’s ability to tell a story and synthesize complex issues goes back to his days as a broadcast journalist. Forming his own production company, he produced Watch on Washington, an Emmy Award-winning PBS series featuring members of Congress that aired for 17 years. His career began with little sleep as he worked overnights on CBS News’ NightWatch program in New York City. He soon left for more normal hours reporting for WPIX-TV, and later covering national issues for ABC-7 News in Washington, DC. Jay has keynoted national PR events and guest lectured at his alma mater The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the end of each talk, Jay stresses three keys to being a successful communicator – listen, be curious and never be boring.