Abby Basinger

Vice President of Corporate Communications, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

Abby is responsible for developing and managing public relations, employee communications, community outreach and more. She credits her success to her mentors and pays it forward by focusing on personally and professionally investing in others. Abby is involved with the River Region United Way, the Mayor’s Young Professionals Council, Leadership Montgomery’s Torchbearers Class XIII and the Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

When did you start your current job?

I’ve been with GMC since 2013 but began my current role in January of 2021.

What is your main role at your company?

My team’s primary focus is promoting GMC’s mission of “building communities” and showcasing the firm’s expertise, culture and community impact through storytelling and comprehensive communication strategies internally and externally. We’re responsible for developing and managing public relations, employee communications, media relations, community outreach, strategic planning, special projects and more.

What is your number one career accomplishment or highlight?

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and leaders that have poured into me throughout my career. Because of that, a major highlight for me is being able to pay that forward and mentor others, especially those just starting their professional careers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the army of people that chose to invest in me as a person, professionally and personally, so anything I can do to have that same impact on someone else is an accomplishment.

How are you involved in your community?

I believe Montgomery has a lot to offer and try to engage with people and organizations that are working to make our community better. GMC as a company is extremely involved in the community, so I’m able to give back through a lot of our efforts with various organizations and projects. In addition, I serve as a River Region United Way Loaned Executive, am a member of the Mayor’s Young Professionals Council, a graduate of Leadership Montgomery’s Torchbearers Class XIII and serve on the board for the Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

What is your key to success?

I think it’s important to be fearlessly authentic in whatever you do and to recognize that your strengths, perspectives and talents are something only you can bring to the table. Respect people enough to communicate honestly with them, even if that means having hard conversations. It’s not always easy, but it’s the best way to build trust, and trust is critical for success in anything you do.

Check out the other members of CentrAL INC’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023!