Cox Enterprises today announced that Sonji Jacobs Dade has been promoted to senior director of leadership communications, effective immediately. She provides communications counsel to Cox Enterprises’ chief executive officer and senior management team and plays a critical role in the company’s strategic message development.

“Sonji has a deep understanding of Cox Enterprises and does a fantastic job communicating its business priorities to both internal and external audiences,” said Bob Jimenez, senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs. “She is a trusted advisor who works closely with the company’s executive leadership team as Cox continues to grow, innovate and diversify through bold investments.”

Prior to joining Cox in 2013, she served as director of communications for Mayor Kasim Reed and the city of Atlanta. In this role, she led communications strategy and was the chief spokesperson for Mayor Reed. She also served as a key political advisor in the Reed administration and partnered with city, state, federal and international officials on public policy initiatives. Sonji previously served as vice president of crisis, issues management and public affairs for Edelman, as well as a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Miami Herald.

Dade received a bachelor's of arts degree in history and literature from Harvard University and a master's of science degree in journalism from Columbia University. She is a current participant in the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2016 and was named to Georgia Trend and the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 lists. Her work has received awards from the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America.

Dade serves on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Outward Bound School and Sisters by Choice, a breast cancer awareness organization. She is also a member of the Leadership Council of Zoo Atlanta.