Jennifer Whelihan, M.A.

Jennifer Whelihan, communication professional and expert with over 14 years experience, is known for her diverse work in media, public and community relations. Her exceptional background has led her to career positions as a television and print journalist, media director for the Florida House of Representatives, press secretary on political campaign work, communications director for a leading research facility and other work for non-profits and government. Her publicity and media campaign coverage has led to thousands of stories in international, national and local media to include among many USA Today, AARP Magazine, GQ Magazine, Yahoo!, FOX News O’Reilly Factor, Hannity and Colmes, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and the Associated Press.          

Ms. Whelihan is now a Communication Professor at the University of Tampa and the President of her own Communication Firm, j.whela Productions, specializing in media strategic planning, marketing communication and business communication.

Being bilingual in Spanish and English, Jennifer is greatly involved in Hispanic affairs in the community. She serves on the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council and is the President for the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association in Tampa Bay.

Ms. Whelihan’s leadership and community involvement has led her to attaining other skills and recognitions including Chairperson of the HPWA’s 20^th Anniversary, leading the way in the organization’s most successful fundraising event, with over three times the amount raised than past events. She was also nominated and selected for Leadership Hillsborough.

Jennifer is a proud Seminole and received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Communication degrees from Florida State University. She carries on her Nole tradition and serves as a board member of the Tampa Bay Seminole Club. While at Florida State she served as President of the Department of Communication Honor Society, Lambdi Pi Eta; and received various awards to include the prestigious Seminole Leadership Award; the Golden Key Honor Society, Circle of Gold Community Service Award; Hispanic Honor Society member; Torchbearers Award; Honors in the Major; FSU-LIVE TV Best Anchor and Reporter; and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Ms. Whelihan, born in Arizona, grew up an Army “brat” living in Europe, Central America, and the United States. Her culture and background carries on, not only in her professional, but personal life. Jennifer enjoys exploring other creative elements such as art, photography and film production. She is known as the event planner in her community of friends and her family brings her great joy and is her muse in her life work.