Biography

Gillie Haynes

in

• ...In Waiting

Gillie Haynes is an accomplished communications expert with over 30 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism, with specific expertise as a public relations professional. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communications at American University teaching courses in Public Relations and Public Speaking. She is a Public Affairs Specialist for the Office of Communications with the Prince George’s County Council in Maryland. Her professional expertise also includes Public Relations Manager for a national program within the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., and, in Business Development with EDS. She also developed, produced, and served as host for several on-air programs in her position as Public Affairs Director, KBLX Radio in the Bay Area of California.

Gillie is passionate about helping people discover the excitement of public speaking. She is quite at ease facilitating and conducting public speaking seminars. She is gifted in sharing her knowledge on confidently presenting and articulating thoughts and ideas comfortably. As a keynote speaker, her dynamic message focuses on encouragement, confidence, and finding one’s nerve. Each presentation is accented with her lighthearted humor and wealth of personal experiences.

Gillie is also a poet and has been featured nationally to diverse audiences across the country. Her work has been published in Surviving, a magazine dedicated to Cancer survivors, published by Stanford University, and she is currently in the process of publishing several of her own books.

Gillie earned a Master of Arts in Public Communication from the American University in Washington, DC, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.

Gillie resides in Maryland, and is the mother of two young adult college students. In her leisure she enjoys sharing her culinary skills with friends and family.

Getting to know her:

What is your favorite book of all time?

Books are the absolute best! My favorite is "Women Who Run With the Wolves", by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. The author draws attention to the beauty and importance of a woman's instincts through a collection of folk tales. I have also read Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh several times. This year a friend introduced me to a book by Neale Donald Walsch titled, When Every Thing Changes, Change Every Thing". After hearing of the book I wondered if she knew something I did not, because there have been many changes in my life this year. Some tremendous trials, yet a number of triumphant moments as well.

Where have you enjoyed visiting the most?

Traveling and exploring the culture of another country or region is wonderful, yet I remember the warm and comforting feelings I had during the times I spent in the South with my Grandmother as a child. Sitting on the porch listening as she and he sisters shared stories and sometimes no words at all. Yet you still felt the energy and connection of family and their love.

If you had an extra million dollars, what would you do with it?

An extra million dollars??? Perhaps I need to revisit my bank account just in case I've overlooked the first million dollars...smile. When I receive the million and the extra million I will help my children get off to a great start, make some generous investments and create some nice surprises for some special people.

Who would you like to have dinner with and where?

I'd like to host a dinner for a number of single mothers/single parents in some breathtaking setting where they would be pampered, fussed over and made to feel real special.

Where would you love your next vacation to be?

I'd like to create a vacation centered around exploring and tasting great foods. I would choose three (my favorite number) locations somewhere in the world and arrive with an open mind and palate.

What is your favorite color and why?

Red is my favorite color because it represents for me high energy, stimulation and excitement.

What were you wearing when you felt the most glamorous? Dress gloves are a favorite accessory of mine. I have every them in every color and style. I am always looking for more and they are so hard to find now. So whenever I am dressed with a beautiful hat and gloves as my accent pieces I feel pretty glamorous.