Since 2016, Blake Shepherd has been the PR Marketing Specialist at James Madison University, where he oversees advertising and marketing for the award-winning nationally recognized student media organization, The Breeze. Blake began working for JMU in 2011 in the transportation department, where he had the opportunity and privilege to chauffeur presidents, celebrities, esteemed guests and to travel with university sports teams.

With a background in sales, marketing, and Virginia Press Association award-winning work, Blake brings unique insight into advertising's evolving landscape. He actively networks with local and national organizations to generate revenue streams supporting student journalism. He is passionate and delighted to work with and advise JMU students, but his most fulfilling pursuit is mentoring JMU students, who have touched his life in an especially meaningful way.

Blake's career has yielded success in corporate roles and launching his own publications, as well as earning national, regional, and state awards for sales achievements and marketing across multiple industries. He credits his success to exceptional customer service and market knowledge.

Blake spent his youth between the Midwest and Massachusetts but has called Staunton home since 1991, where he lives with his wife Carol, a native Virginian. Their daughter, a Duke, is pursuing a master's in architecture at Rhode Island School of Design. In his free time, Blake enjoys the beach, landscaping, woodworking, and being an avid basketball fan.