KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– A former Turner Broadcasting executive is joining the University of Tennessee’s public relations staff.
Gary McKillips, former Turner vice president for corporate and sports public relations, will become assistant vice president for University Relations July 1.
The announcement was made Wednesday by UT Vice President Sammie Lynn Puett at the board of trustees public service, continuing education and university relations committee meeting.
McKillips, an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, will have administrative responsibilities for UT’s publications, news, radio, photography and special occasions centers.
“There’s a new kind of excitement in our Office of University Relations because of the expertise and experience Gary will bring to the university,” Puett said. “His marketing, advertising, and counseling experience will add dimensions of professional capability not currently represented on our staff.”
McKillips handled strategic public relations planning and media and community relations for Turner Broadcasting for six years until its merger with Time-Warner last year. He had responsibilities for Turner Sports, the Goodwill Games, World Championship Wrestling and Turner Private Networks.
Prior to joining Turner in 1991, McKillips was vice president of public affairs for Contel Corp. for 11 years. He also worked in public affairs for GTE Corp. for 10 years.
McKillips is a member of the Emory University Public Relations Advisory Council and serves on Georgia Tech’s International Sports and Economics Advisory Council. He is treasurer of the Georgia Chapter of PRSA.
He is a graduate of John Carroll University and was a sportswriter for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. He also has done sports and play-by-play announcing for radio stations in Georgia and New York.
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Contact: Sammie Lynn Puett (423-974-1542)