For Misty Skipper, the director of strategic communications and public affairs at one of the biggest ad agencies in Florida, there is no such thing as an average work day.
One day she’s dealing with Legoland Florida. The next day it could be Colt Firearms. And on another day she could be helping the American Cancer Society. The diversity of the Dalton Agency’s clientele keeps her on her toes.
“There really is no typical day, but it makes my job really interesting,” Skipper said of her hectic schedule. “It’s never boring.”
But if the frenzied nature of her days is anything to go by, Skipper’s workspace betrays nothing. The pristine space of her corner office is arranged neatly, with precious memorabilia decorating the lone bookshelf and two small ribbon boards against the wall.
Framed pictures of her husband and two children — a 3-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter — sit on the edge of one shelf, small gifts from friends and family adorn others, and several awards and trinkets showcase Skipper’s accomplishments and former jobs.
June will make three years since Skipper started working for the Dalton Agency. Following her previous job working for Mayor John Peyton as a communications director, she accepted the challenge of transitioning to an ad agency with open arms. Before that, she worked at CSX Corp.
According to Skipper, going from the staid environment of a mayor’s office to the more relaxed atmosphere of an ad agency encouraged inventiveness and originality — something of high value in her field.
“Having less formality fosters the creativity that needs to come out of an organization like this,” Skipper said.
That creativity has come in handy for many Dalton projects, most recently including the branding of the Jacksonville Armada Football Club.
With expansion goals set, Skipper has prioritized developing businesses in other markets. She’s also made it a point to focus on working with clients through crisis management.
“When someone comes to us and they’re in the middle of a crisis, a lot of times they can’t see the forest for the trees and they’re overwhelmed by everything,” she said. “I really enjoy helping them manage through that process and getting through the other side of the issue so they can get back to a normal life.”
With an impressive skill set and years of experience under her belt, Skipper helps the younger professionals in the office with personal growth and development.
“I can serve as a mentor, both professionally and as a senior person in the company, who’s a woman, who’s gone through the challenges of being married and having children and trying to balance that with work life,” Skipper said.
Despite a workload that includes managing media relations, community outreach, government affairs and crisis management, Skipper welcomes each challenge. For her, the chance to help others, whether they’re a client or a co-worker, is rewarding.
“We have a really great group of professionals who’ve joined the team at various stages in their careers,” Skipper said. “Helping them see what they’re able to do in their own professional development and helping clients is really one of the most fulfilling parts.”