Meet a Hodger: Adrienne Band

Adrienne Band stays busy. When she’s not sampling international cuisine at Blue Atlas or sending a new route on the face of Peak Experience’s bouldering walls, you’ll find our newest Hodger right where she belongs – with us!

Adrienne was hired to be our account executive for the Virginia Spirits team. Before joining our team, she was a freelance creative consultant helping small businesses and nonprofits develop a range of brand identities and marketing collateral. She’s a Roanoke native and a graduate of JMU where she earned her degree in Media Arts and Design.

If you haven’t already, please say, “Yoooooo, Adriennnnneeeee,” to Adrienne Band.

Why did you decide on a career in PR?

It’s always been a part of me. When I was younger, I made a newsletter that I would disperse to my family. It talked about what the dog is doing, what we were eating for the week, and what was on TV. In college, I really found a love for storytelling, especially through design and social media. At the end of the day, I love telling the stories of brands.

What are the biggest misperceptions about working in public relations?

When people think of PR, they automatically go to crisis communications. They think PR is just a standby for when something goes wrong. But public relations is really about building strategies that increase awareness and build the brand.

Can you think of a PR campaign that you particularly admire?

I love anything Airbnb does. They did a video series that featured different categories of homes, mostly unique homes. There was a family, a couple and individual visiting a certain Airbnb. Then Airbnb featured a collage of images that person took while they were there. It’s a great way to connect the human experience to the Airbnb stay.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m afraid of heights, however, I rock climb. To me, rock climbing addresses that fear, but it also teaches you get over your fears. I’ve learned and grown a lot from it.

Have you ever hit Reply All by accident?

No. Thank God. That said, my biggest fear is posting something to the wrong social media account. I’ll check and go back and forth and check again.