Office of Communications: Personnel
Brad Haire
When major media outlets come knocking, Brad Haire knows he has a good article.
"It's always nice when a story gets picked up from a national point of view, and you see how the buzz of one story can catch fire," he said.
Two years ago, an article he did on wasp hounds – wasps trained to detect anything from explosives to crop-munching caterpillars – landed CAES researchers on the Today Show, NBC, ABC and National Geographic and in USA Today and other newspapers through the Associated Press.
"That's kind of the most fun part too, when you have an outside media outlet call you and they want to learn about something," he said.
As a media liaison for CAES, it is Brad's job to give a quick overview of an issue. He then connects reporters to sources inside and, occasionally, outside the college.
As a writer, he knows great stories take more than a quick interview and a few well-placed words.
"The best part of the job is just talking to people, interacting and chatting," he said. "You only write about 5 percent of the conversation you have with people."
Brad started getting to know people in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in September 2000. After working at the Albany Herald, first as a reporter and then as editor of their weekly Farm and Plantation publication, he was ready to put his many skills to work in the public sector.
His title is now public relations coordinator, but his job encompasses more. He's the main editor for Georgia FACES, writer, photographer, media liaison and news videographer.
"We've got so much going on in this college with extension, research and teaching," he said. "I like the fact that it's not one particular thing. I think that's the view of most journalists… There's always something coming in the door and always something to push out."
When Brad's not pushing news out, he's chasing his 16-month-old son Brandon around the house in Albany. He also helps keep his accountant wife Teresa sane during tax season, plays guitar and writes songs and music.