Brandon Magnus, AMBSE
In the right place and time, a good public relations professional can become much more than a media messenger — they can become a strategic consultant across every major business line. Heather Sautter is a good example of that.
After starting as senior director of corporate and marketing communications in 2016, she was on the ground floor of the development of Mercedez-Benz Stadium, Super Bowl LIII, the launch of Atlanta United FC, and a push to enhance the Atlanta Falcons’ brand off the field.
“[Communications] is very much a role that helps guide leaders and executives to look beyond what’s just in front of them, and look at what’s happening in the market, the state, our city, the industry,” Sautter said. “All of that is our responsibility, to help lead and guide our leaders to help make the best possible decisions, as well as to mitigate situations.”
Under then-CMO Morgan Shaw Parker (Game Changers Class of 2018), Sautter was asked to help build a Falcons brand that revolved around more than wins and losses. It required a change in culture; before Sautter and Chief Communications Officer Brett Jewkes came on board, Arthur Blank’s businesses viewed PR reactively.
But shifting to a more proactive posture paid off. Today, the Falcons and AMBSE are widely considered innovators in the business of venue and sports property management, and a leader in community impact. One prime example of that community leadership is the Falcons’ girls flag football league, a monster hit in Atlanta area high schools, for which Sautter leads the communication strategy.
Sautter has made the job so much more than it is on paper. But her favorite part is still placing a favorable article in the media.
“I know that sounds kind of crazy, but it still gives me butterflies because of the value that gives to our business and shining a light on our leaders as thought leaders,” Sautter said. — Ben Fischer
Heather Sautter
Vice President, Corporate and Marketing Communications, AMB Sports and Entertainment
Born: Birmingham, Ala.
Education: Florida State University, B.A., social work; Georgia State University, master’s, human resources management
Family: Partner, Mike Gomes; children, Alex (16) and Evan (13)
More about Heather
Something that instantly makes my day better: Making people laugh.
Biggest career risk: Moving from HR to PR.
People in sports business I’d most like to meet: The Manning Bros. because, I mean, they have all totally reinvented themselves and appeal to such a wide audience, it’s incredible. Mark Cuban, what a renaissance man he is, he’s disrupted everything he’s touched and it’s changed the world. And then there is Jeanie Buss — I would just love to have lunch with her and listen to her stories about creating one of the best franchises in the world of sports.
I wish I’d known at my career’s start: Develop a thick skin early, AND it’s not all about you; it’s about the team, the group, the organization.
