Haley Gingles

Biography

Haley N. Gingles, APR

Haley Gingles is an experienced communications professional with a lifelong dedication to the field. She currently holds the position of Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Winston-Salem State University. In this role, she leads the Integrated Marketing and Communications Department, which is responsible for managing all internal and external communications as well as branding initiatives for the university. 

Haley launched her career in the North Carolina state government, where she held various roles within the North Carolina Department of Commerce - Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development. During her tenure, she excelled in public relations, served as the department's public information officer, and contributed as a travel writer covering tourist destinations spanning from the North Carolina coast to the mountains. Her work garnered recognition in esteemed publications including Condé Nast, Travel, Budget, and Southern Living magazines. 

In 2005, Gingles relocated to Winston-Salem to embark on a career in municipal government with the City of Winston-Salem. She assumed a role in marketing for the Recreation and Parks department, where she spearheaded the production of WePLAY Magazine and hosted WePLAY TV. During her tenure, alongside a dedicated team, she was honored with the Program of the Year Award for the seamless organization of WePLAY Family Field Day. This event united hundreds of community members for a day focused on promoting health and physical activity. 

After her time at the City of Winston-Salem, Haley transitioned to the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, where she assumed the role of Director of Marketing and Communications. Throughout her tenure, she effectively promoted Chamber services and provided guidance to small businesses on branding their products and services.

 After six years of dedicated service at the Chamber, Haley transitioned into a new communication role within the health and law enforcement sectors as the Communications and Government Affairs Director for The FMRT Group. In this capacity, she traveled extensively throughout North and South Carolina, providing education on mental health services to public safety organizations. Additionally, Haley served as a lobbyist in North Carolina, championing for more stringent mental health protocols for first responders. 

Haley is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her bachelor's degree in communication studies. In addition to her academic achievements, she holds a national accreditation in public relations.

Over the past eight years, Haley has dedicated her time and expertise as a Corporate Volunteer for the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System, focusing on improving reading proficiency among kindergartners. Her commitment to community service extends to her role as chairwoman of the city's Public Assembly Facilities Commission, a position to which she was appointed by the mayor. Additionally, she serves as a board member of Trellis Supportive Care and the Piedmont Opera. Haley is also a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she has been actively involved for many years.