Josh Talkington, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Vistra, an integrated marketing, communications and consulting firm, is a seasoned communications expert with a passion for helping those in need, serving the underserved and using his journalistic skills to give a voice to those who often feel unheard.

As a former journalist and business owner, Josh’s experience includes leading multi-cultural communications efforts across the country for large, multi-state organizations, nonprofit groups and minority-owned businesses focusing on underserved populations.

A relationship builder and listener who values the lives and experiences of others, Josh utilizes his communications knowledge to truly make a difference. Drawing on his deep media roots and vast experience as a storyteller, he effectively positions Vistra’s partners to secure the exposure they deserve. Josh is also experienced in crisis communications and has handled media crises for organizations on both the local and national level.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Josh spent the first 15 years of his career working in television and radio. He has been a news reporter, anchor and radio host throughout the Tampa, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Jacksonville media markets covering some of the biggest stories in the country including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, presidential elections, and numerous hurricanes. He also helped launch video production companies, SnapShot Interactive in Nashville, Tennessee and Blue Dog Video in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In 2012, with a desire to make a positive impact on underprivileged youth, Josh began working as an after-school program director and youth and college minister in Georgia. He served in that role for four years before moving back to Tampa to effect change and manage external relations with a national nonprofit involved in child welfare, juvenile justice, and workforce development.

Josh serves on the Board of Directors for BAYS Florida, a Tampa-based nonprofit focused on improving the quality of life for youth and families. He also serves on workforce development committees for the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tampa Bay Partnership.