Anna Bentson

Anna Bentson has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Anna has extensive experience in communications and public engagement. From 2014 to the present, they have served as the Director of Communications & Public Engagement at the City of Lynchburg, where they oversee marketing, branding, media relations, and digital marketing. Prior to this, they worked as the Assistant Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the same organization from 2014 to 2023. In this role, they managed entrepreneurship and economic empowerment and coordinated business development and visitation.

Before their work at the City of Lynchburg, Bentson was the Executive Director of the Downtown Lynchburg Association from 2011 to 2014. In this position, they developed a strategic vision for the organization, managed an annual budget of $500,000, and strengthened partnerships with various stakeholders.

Additionally, Bentson has experience working in the tourism industry as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest from 2007 to 2011. Anna was responsible for implementing marketing and PR strategies and executing advertising and promotional campaigns.

Earlier in their career, Bentson worked at the American Association of Museums as a Media & Communications Coordinator and a Government & Media Relations Associate. In these roles, they cultivated relationships with the media, managed press events, and represented the organization in Congressional hearings and to related organizations.

Bentson's career began in 2004 as a Legislative Correspondent for United States Senator Fritz Hollings, where they handled constituent correspondence and assisted with media inquiries and press events.

Anna Bentson's education history includes a variety of qualifications and degrees from different institutions. Anna obtained a Certificate in Economic Development Institute from the University of Oklahoma. Anna also holds a Master of Arts degree in Nonprofit Leadership Studies from the University of Lynchburg, which they completed between 2015 and 2017. In addition, they earned a Certificate in Creative Cities and Economic Development from New York University's Initiative for Creativity and Innovation in Cities program in the years 2014 to 2016. Anna's undergraduate education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a focus on Southern Studies from the University of South Carolina, where they studied from 2000 to 2004. Before starting their undergraduate studies, Anna attended St. Andrew's-Sewanee School. It is worth noting that Anna has also acquired additional certifications in various professional development courses related to creative placemaking, principles of economic development, and tools and techniques for understanding urban economies, all from New York University. The specific dates or months of obtaining these certifications are not provided.