The way forward - 21st Century Public Relations
WCE – the way forward!
Leadership
Larry Whitley
President/CEO
Larry is an experienced public relations professional and exceptional leader and trainer. Larry provided communications and public relations leadership for The Boeing Company, a leader in the global aerospace industry. He led initial establishment of a Communications organization and strategic communications plan to support Boeing aerial tanker refueling programs for Italy and Japan, and in support of the United States Air Force program. As director of Executive and Electronic Communications, as well as the director of Communications for aerial tankers, Larry implemented team training tactics to develop a global communications networked team. He conceptualized, selected team members, and built the first-ever Global Tanker website for the next generation of aerial refueling tankers.
During an exceptional military career, he served in his last assignment as the senior sergeant major of the Department of the Army Public Affairs at the Pentagon. The retired Army veteran used public relations skills honed during that career to lead a successful communications program for Boeing’s Airlift and Tanker Programs as its director of Communications and Community Relations. His leadership led to several highly successful communications events and opportunities that helped develop opportunities for extended business for the organization’s primary product. Larry’s communications leadership help guide a successful public program in support of a special two-year project which culminated in Air Force One (27000) being put on display in the new Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
Larry has served on several community boards of directors, and also served as the Chairman of the Long Beach (CA) Chamber of Commerce—California’s fifth largest Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure the Long Beach Chamber received statewide recognition as the Business Advocate of the Year.
Larry has a Masters degree in Management, holds several certificates in executive leadership and public relations, and is pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership and development.
Leann Montague-Whitley
Vice President for Operations
As vice president of Whitley Communications Enterprises, Leann Montague-Whitley provides operational direction for the firm. Her responsibilities include leading the processes employed to support the efficient and effective application of communications tactics and techniques for our customers.
A corporate communications and public relations veteran, Leann has more than 30 years experience directing community and media relations operations, internal communications functions, and special event management processes and procedures.
A decorated retired United States Army public affairs professional, Leann has provided superior communications leadership for units and business entities in locations around the country and in several locations outside the United States.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Baltimore, and graduate level certificates in leadership, training and public affairs. She is the recipient of the Congressional Certificate of Appreciation for Community Service and the Baltimore Federal Executive Board’s Excellence in Community Relations awards. She also holds a graduate-level certificate in Event Management from the University of San Diego (CA)/George Washington University (DC), and is an active member of the International Special Events Society, Triangle (NC) Chapter.