Mike Atkinson – Director, Public Relations
As an account director, Mike works to establish Sage as a trusted advisor to clients in the government and technology verticals. He leads strategic communications planning and execution across clients and is a sought-after media relations expert and contributor to key PR publications. Mike has earned coverage for his clients in mainstream and government publications such as The Washington Post, CBS News, POLITICO, Nextgov, SC Magazine, The New York Times, The Hill, and The Wall Street Journal.
Sage Experience
Mike has been with Sage for more than four years and led public sector PR efforts for major technology and cybersecurity companies, including Splunk, Okta, Dell Technologies Federal, State and Local Government, Fortinet Federal, and National Government Services.
He was named to Business Insider’s 2022 Rising Stars in Tech PR and his work has received accolades such as the MarCom Awards, Ragan’s PR Daily Awards, and WV PRSA Crystal Awards.
Related Experience
Mike began his career interning at his alma mater, West Virginia University, writing press releases and handling other marketing and communications materials for the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Science when he was only a junior in college.
Upon graduating, he continued working as a writer and editor before leaving and ultimately leading a two-person marketing team for an international education company as his first full-time job.
Mike entered the agency realm several years later, starting as an account coordinator for a boutique cybersecurity PR agency in Northern Virginia. He helped build the agency's digital presence, leading internal and external social media efforts while earning strategic media placements for his clients.
Academic Experience
Mike graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Journalism with emphasis in Public Relations, and a minor in communication studies. He leads outside the office as an engaged mentor for future PR professionals in the West Virginia University Reed College of Media Mentorship Program and has visited colleges and universities on behalf of Sage to help support and recruit new talent and encourage aspiring PR professionals to chase their dreams.
Community Experience
Mike spearheads Sage’s pro-bono support efforts for Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), a private non-profit organization that helps families and individuals find stability and self-sufficiency – Mike leveraged strategic media relations to promote NVFS and its various initiatives in regional media outlets and helped orchestrate Sage’s participation in the organization’s food drive.
Further, he actively volunteers PR services for Homeward Trails Animal Shelter, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides pet adoption in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland, helping promote various events and causes to raise funds and assist with housing pets in need.