My name is Marcus Henry, and I am a passionate Public Affairs Officer with over 25 years of experience in Communications and Public Affairs, spanning both the military and private sectors. Currently, I work at Naval Hospital Pensacola, where I leverage my extensive background to enhance our communications strategies and media relations.
My Journey
Originally from Columbus, Georgia, my career began in 1999 as a Combat Photographer in the U.S. Marine Corps, taking me to diverse locations such as Australia, Vietnam, and Japan. During this period, I honed my skills in both film and digital photography and taught photography to public affairs students from 2003 to 2006. This role marked my initial foray into the world of Public Relations.
After leaving the military in 2007, I ventured into the private sector, founding a digital marketing business in Las Vegas. My company focused on enhancing the online presence of small to medium-sized businesses through web design, web marketing, and SEO strategies. Despite the success of this endeavor, I sold the business due to the frequent relocations inherent to military life.
In 2017, I decided to return to government service, securing a position as a Public Affairs Officer in Maryland. During this time, I was trained as a Public Affairs professional at the Defense Information School, gleaning knowledge and experience from the next generation of communicators.
Current Role
Since moving to Florida in 2019, I have been serving as a civilian Public Affairs Officer at Naval Hospital Pensacola. In this role, I have gained significant experience in media, social media management, and internal communications. My facility was among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, a critical period during which my training equipped our communications team with the tools necessary for effective crisis communication.
Education
I hold a B.A. in Communications from the University of West Florida and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. My academic journey has enriched my professional expertise, providing me with a solid foundation in the latest communication strategies and theories.
Personal Life
On a personal note, I am a proud father of two girls, aged 10 and 12. Our family has lived in various places, including California, Maryland, Nevada, Florida, and Virginia, due to our former military lifestyle. Now settled in Florida, I enjoy a range of outdoor activities, particularly boondocking camping, where I relish the challenge of going off-grid and being self-sufficient. I am also a keen enthusiast of electric cars and motorcycles.
When I am not outdoors, you can find me immersed in books. I am an avid reader with hundreds of titles in my Amazon and Audible libraries, favoring non-fiction genres such as motivation, self-help, meditation, and enlightenment.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my journey in public affairs and communications, I am committed to using my experience and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of media and public relations. My goal is to foster transparent, effective communication that strengthens relationships and builds trust within our community. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me.