PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder / CEO (The Publix Voice LLC)
2018 - Present
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The Publix Voice is a media and communications company that houses multiple community-based podcasts, programs and media projects. This includes a partnership with WQLN-NPR for Next With Marcus Atkinson and other specialized programming.
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The company has a formal partnership with All About Character Inc for their school based program entitled, Character Be About It with it's signature youth program Public Expression 101 in multiple school districts throughout NW Pennsylvania.
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The company creates and produces digital web content for clients.
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People often contract with Marcus as a public speaker and presenter under the company umbrella.
Radio, TV, Podcast Host (WQLN-NPR)
2015 - present
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Host of Next On WQLN Radio which features multi-cultural and multi-ethnic, community-based guests to discuss current event topics (both local and national) from diverse points of view.
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Host of TV program Erie Now. A comprehensive interview show that brings on key players in Erie's civic, government and media arenas to address some of the city's most pressing issues.
Executive Director (ServErie)
2016 - 2020
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A volunteer engagement ministry born from Grace Church in 2009, ServErie was spun off as its own 501C3 under my leadership. As the Executive Director, I have been charged with casting a new expanded vision for ServErie. That new vision included spearheading the creation of multiple neighborhood park spaces, beginning the process of building a brand new neighborhood office complex which includes a strategic partnership with Erie's Public Schools for w youth workforce development facility. Throughout the year, ServErie galvanizes and organizes thousands of volunteers in all of Erie County to serve local non-profits, renovate schools, and help revitalize an inner city, at-risk neighborhood that has suffered from disinvestment for several decades.
Teen Center Director (YMCA of Greater Erie)
2013 - 2016
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From 2008-2016 Marcus served as the part-time Youth program director, theater director and basketball coach of YMCA Kid's Club. It was during these years that Marcus developed the concept of media program as a companion to the theater program and it took off.
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After several years as the program director Marcus was given the opportunity to start and direct a media program for the downtown YMCA Teen Center of Greater Erie. The success of that program gave way to the YMCA expanding its community offerings for the Teen Center and elevating Marcus's role to becoming the full-time director of the entire facility.
Prevention Specialist (Preferred Systems)
2008-2016
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Conducted educational classes on positive behavior strategies for students grades k - 8 and their faculties for the Erie and Millcreek school districts.
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Created and produced digital content for Preferred Systems' various program offerings.
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Routinely conducted leadership training for various industry professionals on an as-needed basis for Preferred's founder and CEO Mike Chevalier.
EDUCATION
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Clayton State University
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree in General Business
BOARDS
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United Way of Erie County
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MLK Jr Memorial Center (Board President)
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UPMC Hamot Board of Corporators
AWARDS
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2019 Red Cross Hero Award*
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2019 Spirit of Elisha Leadership Award
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2018 Digital Media Person of The Year
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2018 Times News People of the Year
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2018 Erie Non-Profit of the Year Award*
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2018 Community Impact Award*
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2016 AKA Sorority Social Justice Award
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2016 Partnership for Education Star Award
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2015 MLK Youth Impact Award
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2013 R.B. Wiley Trailblazer Award
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2013 NAACP Community Service Award
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2009 Black Pages Entrepreneur of the Year
*Awards received as Executive Director
PUBLIC SPEAKING TESTIMONIAL
Erie County District Attorney
"Marcus is as fine a speaker I've witnessed in or outside the courtroom. Your organization will be well served in having him at the podium. Please do not hesitate to contact me..."
DOWNLOAD - Complete testimonial & reference contact
CONSULT & STRATEGY TESTIMONIALS
All About Character CEO
"Marcus has helped me in the fundraising market by utilizing his valuable rolodex of business contacts to secure investments in our character education programming."
DOWNLOAD - Complete testimonial & reference contact
Blending Inspirations Co-Owner
"His ability to strategize in the areas of business, community and youth makes Marcus Atkinson a vital resource in growing our city, bringing it from a state of surviving to thriving."
DOWNLOAD - Complete testimonial & reference contact