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About Us

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Experienced & Professional

We’ve supported and led communications for media organizations, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, and non-profit organizations for more than 100 years combined. Our bar of excellence is high, and we pride ourselves on surpassing it every step of the way.

Skilled & Passionate

We have the talent you need, and we love what we do. Strategic Planning. Media & PR. Crisis Communications. Brand Awareness. Social Media. Training Sessions. Communications Management. Our joy is helping you.

Client-Centered

You matter most to us, and we’re here when you need us. Your goals, best interests and objectives are always top of mind in all we do. We are here to ensure your communications are world-class. We love to see our clients smile.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Sharise Johnson was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and attended college at Hampton University in Hampton, VA, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. She has nearly 15 years of experience in communications, particularly in internal and external communications management, public relations, print, broadcast, and social media, serving Fortune 100 corporations and educational institutions.

Prior to founding SMJ, Sharise served as the Senior Director of Communications for a school district based in Texas. In this role, Sharise stewarded the district’s brand locally and nationally by spearheading an effective and innovative internal and external communications strategy. Additionally, Sharise served as the Managing Director of National Communications for Teach For America, a Communications Manager at Atlanta Public Schools and managed corporate communication strategy and implementation for major campaigns and announcements at AT&T.

Sharise currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and daughters, Faith, Grace, and Joy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, kickboxing, yoga, spending time with family and friends, and participating in community service projects as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Sharise Johnson

Founder & CEO

Our Team

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Sharise Johnson

FOUNDER & CEO

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Stephanie Butler

CHIEF CLIENT SERVICES OFFICER

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Leah Rosser

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

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Andrea Brown

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

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Krissy Posey

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

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Anisa Sullivan Jimenez

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

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Niekiha Jones

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
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Elana Dunbar

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

WE LOVE FEEDBACK

What People Say About Us

The customer service that SMJ provides is top tier.
Kimberly DukesAtlanta Thrive
SMJ Communications provided strategic communications planning and guidance for many of our most important programs and partners. Their ability to understand our audiences and tailor creative communications strategies and messaging was key in driving awareness about our mission. They were as engrained in our organization as members of our staff. I hope to work with SMJ in the future.
Tamara Grider HarrisKABOOM!
The team is highly responsive, they are service oriented, and they deliver quality work products. We appreciate their support!
Indrina KanthRocky Mountain Prep
It has been a joy to partner with SMJ Communications to produce strategic, high-quality communications for our organization. Their diligence and commitment to our organization was second to none. I highly recommend SMJ Communications to boost your organization’s reach and quality of service.
Marco CarbajalIDEA Public Schools
SMJ has provided a seamless process for us and continues to exemplify first class service.
Akeem BrownSuperintendent, Essence Prep
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Ephesians 3:20 NIV- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

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ABOUT THE FOUNDER

FOUNDER & CEO

Sharise Johnson was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and attended college at Hampton University in Hampton, VA, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. She has nearly 15 years of experience in communications, particularly in internal and external communications management, public relations, print, broadcast, and social media, serving Fortune 100 corporations and educational institutions.

Prior to founding SMJ, Sharise served as the Senior Director of Communications for a school district based in Texas. In this role, Sharise stewarded the district’s brand locally and nationally by spearheading an effective and innovative internal and external communications strategy. Additionally, Sharise served as the Managing Director of National Communications for Teach For America, a Communications Manager at Atlanta Public Schools and managed corporate communication strategy and implementation for major campaigns and announcements at AT&T.

Sharise currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and daughters, Faith, Grace, and Joy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, kickboxing, yoga, spending time with family and friends, and participating in community service projects as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Stephanie Butler

CHIEF CLIENT SERVICES OFFICER

Stephanie Butler found her niche as a Project Manager while operating under the belief, even when it’s not your fault, it is your result. As a proud HBCU alumni of Clark Atlanta University, Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio, Television, and Film. Her Find A Way or Make One mentality has afforded her a seat at the table to make professional strides in corporate retail, nonprofit sectors, the international food and beverage industry, and charter education, more specifically in school operations. No matter what hat she’s wearing, she is intentional about successfully seeing projects through to the finish line.

Through her 12+ years of experience in executive administrative support and operational leadership, she has worked alongside C-Level executives around the globe designing new systems, implementing strategic processes, and managing a variation of projects ensuring best in class service and results. Coupled with a passion for brand marketing, Stephanie has always had an increased interest in how storytelling and targeted messaging creates business changing content.

As a resident of Dallas, Texas Stephanie makes time to enjoy all that the “Everything Is Bigger” state has to offer. From reading and freelance writing to bowling and being a food critic, she tackles work/life balance with audacity. As a member of Junior League of Dallas and a mentor with Foundation for C.H.O.I.CE.,her passion for people and service always comes full circle.

Leah Rosser

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Leah is a dynamic operations and human resources professional with over a decade of experience in optimizing organizational efficiency and fostering a positive work environment. She has a proven track record of strategically setting up businesses for success, leveraging her extensive background in education and leadership.

With a strong foundation in education, Leah has spent years both inside and outside the classroom, honing her skills in communicating effectively with educational stakeholders and professionals. Most recently, she demonstrated her expertise at a prominent public charter school in Georgia, where she excelled in developing and implementing efficient systems and processes. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and backgrounds was instrumental in creating an inclusive learning environment.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Leah is a dedicated mother to two little girls, adding depth to her understanding of work-life balance and family dynamics. She and her husband, along with their precious daughters and spirited dog, Winston, call Atlanta, GA, their home.

Leah is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and holds degrees from Winston-Salem State University, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education, and Georgia Southern University, where she obtained an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Her passion for education, combined with her expertise in operations and human resources, uniquely positions her to drive organizational success and create thriving, inclusive work environments.

Andrea Brown

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Andrea Brown is a lifelong storyteller with a passion for effective, clear, and inclusive communication. With over 14 years of experience in the world of communications, specifically with a focus on social media, broadcast, and communications management, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

Prior to joining SMJ, Andrea served as the director of one of the oldest high school communications magnet programs in the state of Texas. This role afforded her the opportunity to expand the school’s brand recognition through a multi-faceted and in-depth communications strategy, while spearheading innovation in the communications curriculum. Andrea also served as an editor for an international lifestyle magazine, and as a digital communications strategist for several firms in her hometown of Houston, Texas.

In her free time, Andrea loves to travel, try new restaurants, and record her podcast. She is an alumna of Hampton University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, and Texas Southern University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Professional Communications and Digital Media.

Krissy Posey

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Krissy has held a variety of communications, education, leadership and entrepreneurial roles in her 17 year professional career. Prior to joining SMJ, Krissy ran a one-person public relations consulting company where she partnered with growing and large businesses to build and execute go-to-market strategies.

Prior to consulting, Krissy managed communications for leading utility and insurance companies, as well as start-up companies in the utility sector. Her expertise encompasses media relations, employee communications, crisis communications, and national public relations campaigns all within the realm of establishing, building and protecting brand reputation. In addition to communications, Krissy is also a certified educator and has taught second and third grades within the charter school system.

Anisa Sullivan Jimenez

STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Anisa is a dedicated professional with nearly two decades of communications experience and expertise in strategic communications leadership in education. Her track record demonstrates a commitment to reaching measurable outcomes and outputs that transform and elevate organizational reputation.

Prior to joining SMJ, Anisa most recently served as the Director of Communications for Oconee County Schools. Before that, she was the Director of Public Relations and Communications for the Clarke County School District, worked in public relations at the University of Georgia, and was a columnist for the Athens Banner-Herald.

A native of Starkville, Miss., she is a “Bulldog” twice over with a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. She earned her APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) in 2020.

Jimenez is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Athens, a graduate of the LEAD Athens Class of 2010, and a graduate of the Leadership Oconee Class of 2019. In addition, she was selected as one of the University of Georgia’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015. She served as president of the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) from 2020-21. Under her leadership, GSPRA was named an Exemplary Chapter by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). She was also named an NSPRA Front-Runner 2021-22 for leadership and outstanding work in Oconee County Schools, as well as at the state and national levels.

She and her husband, Dr. Albert Jimenez, are the proud parents of Ariana and Van.

Niekiha Jones

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Niekiha, a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in the creative field, is a versatile and innovative force known for her strategic acumen and artistic finesse. Her journey is underscored by a deep passion for education, inspired by her pivotal role as a devoted mother to three.

As a Social Media Manager + Creative Director, Niekiha orchestrates a symphony of creativity and strategy, infusing brands with revitalized messaging, marketing, content creation, community engagement, and seamless system integration. Her native roots in San Francisco fuel her love for connecting with people through wellness-focused activities, providing a unique lens through which she approaches brand representation in the digital sphere.

 

What truly distinguishes Niekiha is her hands-on, partner-centric approach. Rather than delegating from the sidelines, she immerses herself in her clients’ worlds, working side by side to extract the very essence that sets them apart. This collaborative ethos is a testament to her commitment to creating experiences that not only capture attention but also resonate deeply with target audiences.

As a mother of three, Niekiha brings a profound understanding of the importance of education and relatability to her work. This role informs her ability to stay attuned to trends and shifts in digital culture, ensuring that her clients’ social networks remain dynamic canvases that evolve in step with the pulse of their brand.

Elana Dunbar

ASSITANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Elana Dunbar is a dedicated educator and professional with a background in a variety of sectors including real estate, biotechnology, education, and communications. Throughout her career and educational journey she has been an unwavering champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. 

She has served on numerous DEI committees and working groups, facilitated workshops and classes, and remained relentless in her commitment to promoting equity, empathy, wellness, and a sense of belonging. Prior to joining SMJ Communications she served as the Director of Communications for the largest charter network in Los Angeles, and before that taught middle school math and science for nearly 4 years. 

Her experience in the charter sector includes teaching, project management, management and implementation of strategic initiatives, as well as communications and marketing. Elana is a southern California native, where she received both her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in Urban Education. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA and in her free time enjoys spending time at the beach, baking, and traveling.