Sandy Springs has snagged a new communications chief, and she's someone with a hefty rolodex of media contacts and a background in putting out PR fires. Carter Long, former head honcho at Lou Hammond Group's Atlanta division, is taking over as Director of Communications and Public Relations, the city announced Thursday.

Long is poised to fully leverage her more than ten years of expertise in the public relations realm, where she has finely honed her skills in an array of high-profile sectors from tourism to lifestyle brands. Her previous gig allowed her to significantly grow the company's reach in the South, managing accounts for various destinations including Jekyll Island and Cartersville, according to a statement released by the city.

The seasoned communicator's repertoire includes steering brands through rough seas, notably leading recovery strategies during the crippling economic spiral triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Before her tenure at LHG, Long cut her teeth in the hospitality sector, where she orchestrated PR and media campaigns both domestically and on an international scale.

As Sandy Springs' new communications guru, Long's responsibilities are set to ambitiously expand upon, protecting, and managing the city's image and brand identity. She'll be the mastermind behind the city's communication approaches and the key figure fostering community bonds, as outlined by city officials. She'll be stepping into her new role on June 10 with high expectations riding on her seasoned shoulders.