Former journalist. Veteran corporate communicator. Crisis manager. Aviation buff. World traveler. Hiker. Kayaker. Hockey fan. German speaker.

Once you get to know Thomas Becher’s strong writing skills, intimate knowledge of the media and years of experience communicating to external and internal audiences for publicly traded companies, you’ll want him working for you.
Thomas began his career as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press, where he learned to love deadlines and understand how the media really work. His first step into public relations was at the University of Connecticut, where, as University Editor, he put the finishing touches on all external and internal communications.

Next, he followed his passion for aviation, first at jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney, where he served as its senior writer in employee communications. He then moved on to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings as director of corporate communications for one of the world’s leading air-cargo companies.

During his tenure, he supervised communications for a number of crises, from the untimely death of the company’s founder to a corporate stock delisting, acquisition of another carrier, and even preparation for a Chapter 11 filing.

Most recently he was manager of media relations for global airline Northwest Airlines, where he communicated daily with reporters around the world.

In between, he’s written two aviation books, “Boeing 757/767” and “Douglas Twinjets” for Crowood Press of Great Britain.

When he’s not spotting aircraft in the sky or visiting airports around the world, Thomas keeps busy with his sons, Phillip and Andrew. He enjoys travel, hiking, kayaking and ice-skating.

Thomas is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in newspaper administration.

He has earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) certificate from the Public Relations Society of America, a distinction demonstrating competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena. He has won more than 20 Summit Awards for excellence in regional public relations.

Thomas is active in the community, serving as president of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and as secretary of the board of Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia.