Jennifer Sewell Fields

With more than 23 years experience in the communications field, I am currently a Communications Coordinator in the Office of the Chancellor at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. My strengths are establishing relationships that help a business or cause, creating by writing, editing and designing.

My work

I was hired in November 2024 as a communications coordinator at the WVHEPC. During my time, I served on a committee selecting a new agency of record, worked with various departments with multiple projects including webpage design / updates, maintaining social media channels, promoting the Commission and Council by writing news releases, maintaining media relationships, and following the legislative session from gavel to gavel.

From 2018-2024, I worked for The Manahan Group, the agency of record for West Virginia Lottery and West Virginia Department of Health. Beginning in 2021, I was given the opportunity to write scripts for the West Virginia Lottery Proceeds campaign, which highlights funds that support Tourism, Seniors & Education. I wanted to do something different and appeal to not only older audiences but also gain the attention of a younger audience who tend to love supporting a cause. Writing from a game show perspective, I was able to show how when you play the Lottery, West Virginia wins.

Proceeds Overall 2022: Truth Be Told     I     Proceeds Education 2022: Truth Be Told

In 2022, I decided to write a Proceeds campaign highlighting a young male professional in Morgantown, a who had received a Promise Scholarship and started a small coffee business. I also wanted to write a heartfelt campaign to show that When You Play the West Virginia Lottery, You Say Yes! to West Virginia. This campaign earned a Bronze Telly Award.

Proceeds Overall 2023: Say Yes to West Virginia    I    Proceeds Education 2023: Say Yes to West Virginia

In 2023, I interviewed a young woman who had started her own construction and roofing company in Charleston. She was perfect for the next Promise Scholarship recipient to highlight. This spot could appeal to a young audience, while the overall spot script featured a loving grandmother who takes her grandchildren to school, enjoys state parks and stays fit. It shows what is possible if those in West Virginia played the Lottery.

Proceeds Overall 2024: What If You Played?    I    Proceeds Education 2024: What If You Played?

I am a communications professional working at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Our mission: To strengthen West Virginia and its economy through a higher education system that creates the most successful graduates in the nation.

My Education

After graduating with a degree Communications with an emphasis in Journalism, I spent several years writing and designing at newspapers. Over time, I broadened my skills in marketing at a hospital and full-service advertising agency.

As a content creator, graphic designer and eventually promoted to Art Director, I have been most fortunate to work with West Virginia clients including the West Virginia Lottery, West Virginia Department of Health including Women, Infants & Children (WIC), State Office of Rural Health, Bureau for Public Health; West Virginia Department of Human Services including State Opioid Response, Adult Protective Services; Kanawha County Public Library and SMART529.

From digital, social media to video productions, a client has a need and we meet that need. Most recently, I lead a rebranding effort for the agency, leading to the launch of a new website.

In 2023, my supervisor George Manahan received an award in New York City. I wrote the press release and emailed the release to West Virginia media outlets including newspaper, tv and radio.

The Manahan Group has received multiple awards. Here’s a link to our 2024 Telly Award winners, including a WV Lottery Christmas spot. As a Gen Xer, I wrote a very nostalgic script promoting Pac-Man tickets.

I am proficient in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

Wearing several hats as a healthcare marketing coordinator, I gained knowledge in public relations, social media, tv and video production and graphic design. Specifically, I lead the marketing coordination of transitioning KDMC’s oncology service line to the University of Kentucky. Also, I most proud of increasing awareness of the Orthopedics & Sports Medicine service line, with a new website and digital campaign. This effort increased orthopedic patients for the service line.

Newspapers

I pride myself on my dedication to my work. My passion for news and truth began at my college newspaper where I wrote stories, photographed, designed and delivered the newspaper across town and campus. I worked my way up to covering crime in Pikeville, Ky., and served as a copy writer and designer for all sections from news to sports in Portsmouth, Ohio, Ashland, Ky. and Huntington, W.Va. I am proud of my newspaper foundation. It teaches thoroughness and speed, which serves me well in every job.

Today, if you don’t find me in front of my computer brainstorming new concepts for clients, I will most likely be at the ice rink with my husband Ben. Our son Alex plays youth hockey for the West Virginia Wild in South Charleston.

You do not find a happy life, you make it.