Cory
Tilley
President, CoreMessage, Inc.
Cory Tilley is a long-time veteran of the public relations, political communications and government arenas in Florida. Cory founded CoreMessage in Tallahassee in 2001 and is wellknown in Florida and throughout the nation for his political and communications expertise. He strives to provide clients with fully integrated, innovative and effective public relations strategies tailored to meet their individual needs.
As president of CoreMessage, Cory has taken the firm to the forefront of coalition-building in the state of Florida. From local, regional and statewide coalitions, CoreMessage is a leader in formulating and managing successful coalitions. Groups such as Altria, Wal-Mart, and Associated Industries of Florida have turned to CoreMessage in order to educate Floridians about issues related to their interests; these coalitions have been instrumental in strengthening grassroots support throughout the state. Coalitions have ranged from diverse high-level multimedia campaigns to behind-the-scenes grassroots and grasstops efforts. CoreMessage also has been successful in forming coalitions in order to inform Floridians on various statewide ballot amendments – including the successful Yes on 1 campaign that passed in Florida in early 2008.
Prior to founding CoreMessage, Cory worked as a top adviser to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush for nearly eight years, where he spent most of his time spearheading the Governor’s public relations efforts. From fall of 1999 to summer of 2001, Cory served as Governor Bush’s deputy chief of staff. In this position, Cory was responsible for the oversight of several state agencies and numerous policy units. Among other responsibilities, Cory coordinated the development and passage of the state’s major elections reform legislation that passed during the 2001 legislative session.
Before being promoted to deputy chief of staff, Cory served as director of communications for Governor Bush during his first year in office. Cory was also the director of communications for the Bush-Brogan Transition Team in the fall of 1998 and for the successful 1998 Bush-Brogan gubernatorial campaign. In these roles, Cory managed all communications and public relations efforts for the Governor’s Office and campaign, and acted as chief spokesperson for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Cory oversaw short- and long-term media strategies for the Governor’s Office and coordinated speechwriting efforts for the Governor, as well as media events and planning with the Florida Emergency Operations Center during state emergencies.
Prior to joining the 1998 Bush-Brogan campaign, Cory served as executive and deputy executive director of the Foundation for Florida’s Future. Residing in Coral Gables for two years, Cory managed the Foundation’s headquarters and oversaw a significant communications and public policy operation.
Cory also served as communications director for the Republican Party of Florida, press secretary for the Bush-Feeney 1994 gubernatorial campaign, press secretary to Maine Governor John R. McKernan and executive director of the 1992 Maine Bush-Quayle campaign.
Cory has positioned CoreMessage to be active in the state and local community through involvement with not-for-profit organizations including The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, The Tallahassee Ballet, the American Red Cross, the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and many others. CoreMessage is also a proud member of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
Cory, a native of Stamford, Connecticut, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University.
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