Marsha Oliver, director of public affairs for the city of Jacksonville, is resigning to join The Players/PGA Tour as director of community outreach.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Oliver said of her new job. “I started my career in the private sector and I expect to end it there.”
Oliver, 49, was appointed to the city position in September 2015 by Mayor Lenny Curry after he was elected to his first term.
“It has been an incredible experience,” Oliver said of her time with the city. “We launched some innovative campaigns.”
Oliver led the communications strategies for the city, including oversight and execution of mayoral events and correspondence; citizen and media relations efforts; website and employee communications; crisis management support; videography, photography and social media services; and marketing and promotional activities.
“While I am leaving to pursue an incredible opportunity in the private sector, I maintain my enthusiasm for the tremendous service and dedication Mayor Curry and his administration commit to the city of Jacksonville,” Oliver said in a news release about her departure.
“It has been my professional honor to share and support the mayor’s mission in meeting the communications needs of all citizens.”
Curry said in the release that from the first days of his administration, Oliver has been one of his most-trusted advisers.
“Marsha helped define and communicate our work on public safety, kids’ educational programs, and rebuilding infrastructure,” he said.
Curry said Oliver also has been a personal and family friend.
“She is and will remain a person I work with in the future,” he said.
While Oliver submitted her resignation letter Feb. 20, the city announcement of her departure Monday comes less than a week after Curry was elected to a second four-year term.
Before joining the city, Oliver spent 16 years with Duval County Public Schools where she served as assistant superintendent, communications,
She also worked at Hershey Foods in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and at the William Cook Agency in Jacksonville.
“I spent 20 years in government and it has been a wonderful way to serve,” Oliver said. “And I look forward to helping them (The Players) meet their goals.”