Tom Martin is an educator, writer, and business counselor with thirty years of experience in the world of corporate communications. Martin has written and lectured on a variety of topics, including crisis management, ethics, brand and corporate reputation. He began his career at FedEx in 1978 only a few years after its founding and helped initiate many of its communication programs. He started the first management communication efforts, led the launch of FXTV a global satellite-based video network and was a frequent speech writer for FedEx founder, Fred Smith. In 1996 Martin left FedEx as Vice President of Corporate Communication to take a similar role at ITT Industries. For eleven years Martin served as the chief communications officer for the global engineering and manufacturing company and led the effort to rebrand ITT. While at ITT Martin traveled frequently to China, Sweden, Japan and more than 35 countries on five continents. In 2001 he was asked to head up the effort to examine the establishment of a centralized ITT office in China to oversee the company’s expansion there. The recommendation was approved by ITT’s board of directors in 2002.
Martin retired from ITT in 2007 and joined the faculty of the Department of Communication at the College of Charleston as its first Executive-in-Residence. He teaches courses in strategic communication and works with the department’s outside Advisory Council to deliver practical advice to the department’s 700 majors. He also leads student trips to New York, Washington and other markets to help the students explore career interests and develop their professional networks.
Martin learned to sail while living in Connecticut and he and his family have enjoyed sailing in Greece, Tortola, Antigua and the New England coastal waters. He now enjoys exploring the waters of Charleston harbor. An avid cook, Martin loves the Lowcountry cuisine of Charleston. He once cooked for Julia Child and for ten years was a dining critic for Memphis Magazine.
Martin has derived his greatest satisfaction from mentoring others. In both his personal and professional life, he has sought opportunities to help others through teaching, counseling and coaching. His role at the College of Charleston provides ample avenues to do so.