Public Information

The Public Information Office works with the elected officials and the city department heads to provide accurate and timely information for the citizens and the news media about local government services, programs and special events. A variety of communication tools, including our Metro Valdosta Channel 17 on Mediacom, are used to distribute the city message to a wonderfully diverse and community. The office is also charged with administering the city website and monitoring the city's overall internal and external communication strategy.

Meet the Team!

Sharah' N. Denton

Community Relations & Marketing Manager

Sharah' Denton is an award-winning visionary dedicated to public relations, marketing, and community leadership who demonstrates magnetism, poise, public speaking, proficiency, and strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with target audiences. With over 15+ years of writing, she has a solid ability to establish credible and positive relationships with individuals from diverse audiences and bring to reality Public Relations campaigns and a positive media presence that displays the culture of distinction within the organization through strategic planning, messaging, and social media placement.

She has proven success in staff training and development, crisis management communication, and developing highly professional and efficient branding for organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and individual clients. She has established a solid ability to produce professional and specialized media kits, marketing packets, website design, marketing strategies, and organizing events and activities. Her expertise includes but is not limited to social media, public relations, media writing, community collaborations, speech writing/preparation, team building, campaigns, branding, staff image management, and media relations, along with magazine and print materials for businesses, individuals, schools and nonprofit organizations— she has a solid ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects and navigate complex challenges.

She is a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. degree from Northern Michigan University and an M.S. degree from Capella University. She was named the 2012 Valdosta Woman of the Year, 2013 Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber MetroOne 4 Under 40 recipient, and a 2013 Georgia Trend Magazine Outstanding Georgians 40 Under 40 in business, government, politics, nonprofits, science, conservation, and education. She is a 2012 alumni of Leadership Lowndes and a 2017 Young Game Changer through Georgia Forward. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and drawing. She is the proud mother of two children, Jalen and Laila.

Erica Thrift

Media Coordinator

Erica Thrift is the Media Coordinator for the City of Valdosta.

Specializing in photography, marketing, and media design, Thrift uses that experience to build brand awareness, develop social media relation strategies, create content for multimedia platforms, foster emotional connections between the community and City Departments, and promote audience sustainability.

Before taking this role in March 2022, Thrift was a traveling Marketing Consultant, an owner of an Anytime Fitness franchise, and an Activities Director for Pruitt Health.

By focusing on photography, graphic design, brand awareness, and audience connection, Thrift has been able to put the Master of Fine Arts in Media Design she earned at Full Sail University and the Bachelor of Arts in Art with a minor in Psychology she earned at Valdosta State University to good use. Thrift may spend her days creating social media content, but it's the photography and videography opportunities that get her up in the morning.

When she's not at the City of Valdosta, Thrift is an artist who loves creating art for art gallery submissions and murals. She also enjoys binge-watching movies and tv shows to relax.

Kasmira Smith

Community Engagement Coordinator

Kasmira Smith serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of Valdosta, bringing her dynamic background in communications and journalism to foster meaningful connections within the community. Joining the team in February 2024, Kasmira is a proud South Georgia native with a deep-rooted commitment to her hometown.

Her journey in communications began with a Bachelor of Arts in English, accompanied by a Minor in Journalism from Valdosta State University, where she immersed herself in various roles at the university's esteemed publications. Throughout her academic tenure, Kasmira honed her skills through internships with the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County and the VSU Office of Communications, laying the groundwork for her career in storytelling.

Prior to her role with the City of Valdosta, Kasmira distinguished herself as an award-winning reporter with CNHI - South Georgia Media Group, contributing her talents to The Valdosta Daily Times and The Moultrie Observer newspapers.

Driven by a passion for crafting engaging narratives across print, digital, and multimedia platforms, Kasmira brings a wealth of experience in producing compelling content tailored to diverse audiences. She prioritizes maintaining strong relationships, upholding integrity, and wholeheartedly embracing the City of Valdosta's mission for its staff and citizens.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Kasmira cherishes moments with loved ones, immersing herself in literature at local bookstores, and finding solace in the melodies of her favorite music. Her dedication to community engagement extends far beyond the confines of her role, embodying the spirit of connectivity and collaboration that defines the City of Valdosta.