About Kyle
Kyle McCurry is a higher education media and public relations professional and marketer. He shoots and edits videos, manages brand social media accounts, and writes for the web, print and the screen. These storytelling skills were honed over a nearly 19-year career that includes time as a television journalist, classic rock radio program director and air talent, and publicist for musicians. McCurry holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and an MBA from Western Carolina University (WCU).
The backstory
Growing up near Asheville, North Carolina, McCurry’s interest in the media started in high school. One day, something clicked, and he realized he could interview well-known professionals as primary sources for class projects. During his junior year, he connected with Ann Compton, former White House correspondent for ABC News; Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe;” Richard Petty, 7-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion; and Junior Johnson, who was dubbed “The Last American Hero” by Esquire’s Tom Wolfe. The joy of interviewing led McCurry to pursue a degree in broadcasting at WCU.
Radio
His passion for connecting with people kicked into overdrive at WCU, and McCurry managed the university’s radio station for more than three years. He launched “The Interview Series,” an hourlong radio program featuring conversations with rock and roll legends. The show moved with McCurry from WCU’s station to upstate New York’s WNGZ-FM, where he was program director. Guests included Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Ace Frehley of KISS, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, Robby Krieger of The Doors, Alice Cooper, Charlie Daniels, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Huey Lewis, Tommy James of Tommy James and the Shondells, and Ian Gillian of Deep Purple, among others.
Music
Following their initial meeting over the air, Tommy James asked McCurry to represent him to college radio stations. James’ manager, legendary publicist Carol Ross, became McCurry’s mentor as his work for the rocker transitioned to publicity, media relations and social media management. By 2011, he finished his MBA and added Americana top 20 act Underhill Rose and the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp to his roster of clients. McCurry also began working with The Porter Agency and spearheaded public relations for Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Television
A news director with Fox Television noticed McCurry’s work on behalf of the hospital. As a result, Fox offered and he accepted a reporter position, which was a chance to improve his public relations skill set. McCurry was responsible for the station’s largest bureau – eight counties north of Charlotte – where he covered breaking news and developed feature stories. Within months, his duties expanded to include coverage of auto racing. During that time, he reported from 15 states and the White House.
Higher education
In 2015, he returned to Asheville. Warren Wilson College needed a media relations director, and McCurry was asked to join the team. He was the college's spokesman, primary media liaison and co-managing editor of the alumni magazine. His role included working as a risk manager, emergency response team member, internal communication strategist, videographer and photographer.
He left in 2018 to assume his duties at Florida Gulf Coast University. There, McCurry served as assistant vice president of marketing & communications. At FGCU, his efforts focused on building a robust content strategy. McCurry's work elevated the university's reputation in its service area while simultaneously creating opportunities in other markets throughout Florida and across the nation.