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Matt Headley

Matt Headley

Journalist · Content Strategist · Marketing Director · Founder

Jacksonville, AL  · 256-644-7334 · mpheadley@gmail.com

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Experience

Founder & Creative DirectorGather Studio
2022 — Present · Northeast Alabama
  • Direct brand strategy, content, photography, video, and multi-platform campaigns for businesses and nonprofits across Calhoun County
  • Business development: pitch, close, and retain clients; manage accounts from strategy through execution
  • Clients include Silver Run Distillery, JCOC Oxford, Jason Wright Ministries, East Side Commons, and others
Founder & Editor-in-ChiefSouthern Legends
2024 — Present · southernlegends.org
  • Founded and direct the only dedicated digital editorial platform serving East/Central Alabama — people, places, food, faith, and community life
  • Report, write, photograph, and produce all editorial content; manage web, social, and newsletter distribution
  • Contributor to Foothills Magazine; syndicated in the Calhoun County Journal
Assistant Venue ManagerSilver Run Chapel
August 2026 — Present · Silver Run Distillery, Oxford, AL
  • Support venue operations for a premier Northeast Alabama event and wedding chapel
  • Manage client communications, event coordination, and vendor relations on-site
Faith ColumnistThe Anniston Star
2025 — Present · Anniston, AL
  • Weekly faith and culture column for the region's primary daily newspaper
FounderThe Aisle Events
2022 — Present · theaisle.app
  • Produce and market the Eastern Alabama Bridal Expo — vendor recruitment, sponsor outreach, event promotion, and multi-channel marketing
  • Manage all communications, social media, and event branding from concept through execution
Associate Pastor & Worship Arts DirectorAnniston First United Methodist Church
2021 — 2025 · Anniston, AL
  • Led all external communications and brand presence for a high-profile institution with a broad community footprint
  • Managed digital channels, video, print, and event promotion; supervised staff and volunteers
  • Primary institutional voice during time-sensitive public communications
Co-FounderHeadley Flower Farm
2018 — 2025 · Oxford, AL
  • Co-founded and operated a working cut-flower farm serving florists, events, and direct-to-consumer markets across Calhoun County
  • Managed operations, marketing, and community relationships alongside full-time pastoral ministry
  • Sold November 2025
PastorWeaver First United Methodist Church
2014 — 2021 · Weaver, AL
  • Seven years leading a congregation in Northeast Alabama
  • Built institutional communications and community partnerships across Calhoun County
  • Produced weekly multi-format content on deadline; represented institution in civic contexts

Education

Master of DivinityNorthern Seminary
2012 · Lombard, IL

Theology and urban ministry. Full scholarship. Lombard and Lawndale campuses.

B.A., Music (Voice) — Minor: Drama & TheatreJacksonville State University
2009 · Jacksonville, AL

Classical voice under Dr. Patricia Corbin (A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers). Stage productions include Sweeney Todd, Pirates of Penzance, The Secret Garden. Founding Co-Director, JSU Men's Chorale (2007–2009).

Writing & Publications

Southern Legends

Long-form profiles of undersung Alabamians — farmers, preachers, artists, teachers.

The Anniston Star — Faith Column

Weekly column on faith, family, and community life for Northeast Alabama's daily newspaper.

Ecclesia Community

Teaching series and newsletter for a regional faith audience.

Skills

EditorialLong-form narrative journalism, column writing, editorial direction, newsletter publishing
MarketingBrand strategy, content production, photography, video, social media, email campaigns
Business DevPitch, close, and retain clients; account management; event promotion
WebNext.js, TypeScript, Vercel, Resend, Stripe — production sites for clients and ventures
MusicClassical voice (baritone), choral direction, musical theater

Based in Jacksonville, Alabama. Thirty years in Northeast Alabama. Available for remote and regional in-person work.