Cox Enterprises Announces Expanded Leadership Role for Sonji Jacobs Dade

Dade to oversee company’s corporate social responsibility, external affairs and executive communications teams

Cox Enterprises today announced an expanded leadership role for Sonji Jacobs Dade, who has led the executive communications team for more than two years. In her new position as senior director of corporate affairs, Dade now also manages the company’s corporate social responsibility and external affairs teams.

Cox Enterprises’ CSR efforts focus primarily on sustainability initiatives through Cox Conserves, the company’s program dedicated to water conservation, waste reduction and energy efficiency. The program includes national partnerships with the Trust for Public Land, American Rivers and Ocean Conservancy and recognizes outstanding community-based conservation through Cox Conserves Heroes. Cox’s CSR program also includes employee volunteerism.

Dade also will oversee external affairs, which includes corporate giving, community relations, diversity partnerships, media relations and public affairs. The public affairs team works closely with the company’s Washington D.C. office and its political action committee. She also has oversight of the Cox Employee Relief Fund, which has provided more than $5 million in assistance since its creation in 2005.

“Cox Enterprises is committed to providing new opportunities for our employees,” said Bob Jimenez, senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs. “In addition to being a trusted advisor for our executive leadership, Sonji has a deep understanding of external affairs, from media relations to public affairs. With these new responsibilities, she will play a key role in ensuring Cox remains an employer of choice, innovative industry leader and responsible corporate citizen.”

Dade continues to provide communications counsel to Cox’s chief executive officer and senior management team and plays a critical role in the company’s strategic message development.

Prior to joining Cox in 2013, Dade served as director of communications for Mayor Kasim Reed and the city of Atlanta. She previously was 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. She 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.

Dade is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Atlanta and was named to Georgia Trend and the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 lists. She serves on the board of directors of the North Carolina Outward Bound School and Sisters by Choice, a breast cancer awareness organization. She is a member of the Leadership Council of Zoo Atlanta.

About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms).

The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. Through Cox Automotive, the company’s international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

For further information: Elizabeth Olmstead, 678-645-0762, elizabeth.olmstead@coxinc.com