Cherise M. Newsome, MBA

Cherise is an innovative communicator and public relations pro who is passionate about community service.

As a former newspaper journalist, Cherise believes stories have the power to raise visibility, forge deeper connections, and make a strong impact.

She blends business acumen with modern PR techniques like social and digital media to share compelling messages, to engage influential stakeholders, and to achieve dynamic results.

Cherise is a hands-on leader who believes in service and putting people first.

And she is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Community is important, and she is committed to giving back.

Work + Volunteer Experience

Education & Journalism

Cherise earned a Master of Business Administration from The College of William and Mary and a Bachelor of Theology with an English minor from Georgetown University. For more than a decade,  Cherise worked as a journalist  for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, Va. She covered government and schools as well as landed exclusive  interviews with state leaders. She earned two awards from the Virginia Press Association for her reporting as well as a media award from the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education. 

Public Relations Work

Cherise currently serves as a regional media spokesperson for Dominion Energy. She began her career in PR in 2016, first as Public Information Officer for Portsmouth Public Schools in Virginia.  Later, as the Communications Director for that school division, Cherise served on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, managed strategic and crisis communications, and handled media relations. She also  managed  school websites, a TV station, and digital media. She launched and led the division’s customer service initiative and  wrote a column for the local newspaper. After her time in Portsmouth, Cherise served in various communications roles at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the largest grant and scholarship provider in Southeastern Virginia, for more than three years. Before joining Dominion Energy, Cherise ran her own marketing company, serving small  service-based business owners, nonprofits, and independent authors.

In 2022, the Public Relations Society of America (Hampton Roads chapter) honored Cherise with its Diversity Champion Award.

Nonprofit Communications Leader

Cherise recently served as vice president for communications and marketing at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation in Norfolk, Va. She joined the Foundation in 2019 as multimedia director and was promoted a year later. She managed a team of staff and vendors as well as led strategic communications, donor and nonprofit marketing, media relations and advertising as well as print, digital, and social media.

In 2022, her work earned a Pinnacle Award  from the Public Relations Society of America (Hampton Roads chapter) for a print and digital campaign called What is racial equity? 

More Work Samples

Cherise has directed, hosted, and produced television shows and commercials. She also writes speeches, scripts and strategic talking points.

Talk Show Host

Commercial Talent

Voice-Over

Social Media

A social media presence amplifies the message and reputation of any organization. By using pictures, videos, and graphics, Cherise helps organizations connect with clients and the community.

  • Check out her work here.

Publications

Sleek, sophisticated periodicals help your brand to shine. Cherise elevates engagement and brand awareness through compelling stories. Check out these samples:

Stay connected to Cherise on LinkedIn & Twitter.