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A New Chapter Begins
Date: October 20, 2026
Today, I’m launching Coastal Magnolia Consulting + Events, bringing years of experience and lessons I've learned from many of the best in the business. The list of people who got me to this day is long– many mentors, colleagues, family and friends who have taught me more than they will ever know.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my career so far is being a catalyst in creating memories for others– it’s been that way for as long as I can remember because it gives meaning to the work. The moment the gates open for a country music show, and the crowd runs towards the stage or opening the doors to a celebration gala- bright lights and music booming, the special memento only a donor understands. The boardroom set up just so- making an atmosphere for each presenter to feel confident to get their words across just right, the kids raising funds in support of a cause they’re passionate about, the chef giving the group a behind the scenes look they could have never imagined, or the associate blown away by the care and detail taken to celebrate their achievements.
Where It Started
I started my career in the promotions and marketing department at WGAR 99.5 country music radio in Cleveland, OH and learned from some of the absolute best while supporting live broadcasts and promotional stops with the events team.
It led me to an opportunity with Great Lakes Publishing, now Studios, where the learning continued and gave me my first taste of some of my favorite events to plan where we brought the city and different communities together to celebrate their companies, leaders, and places they lived, in iconic venues like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland.
My next adventure took me to Florida and HSN – the Home Shopping Network, where I worked with on-air guests, celebrities and talent supporting live concerts and other programming during their time at the studios.
My time at HSN wrapped after I had the opportunity to join a wonderful group of people at Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation in their mission to raise funds for cancer research, a cause that will forever be dear to me. We set goals and exceeded them together.
And while I could have stayed there much longer, life brought me back to Ohio- this time to Columbus where I joined Alliance Data, now Bread Financial.
I joined the organization to manage the external event strategy and spent the following 10 years growing and building on from there to eventually lead the Events, Sponsorships & Production team. From that single external event strategy, I was able to build a comprehensive organizational strategy for events, sponsorships, and production which involved internal events- an incentive trip, Business Resource Group events, town halls, leadership events and summits, Board Meetings, and so much more. Externally we hosted investor events and focused on a multi-channel sponsorship strategy for partners, communities, sports, and conferences. And the in-house production studio was the source for all video, photography, and livestream events. I was- and remain- truly proud of the Events, Sponsorships & Production team.
Where It's Headed
Earlier this year, I decided it was time to take a leap and build something new. Coastal Magnolia Consulting + Events was born from that leap, and I am excited for all that is to come. I'm based out of Wilmington, NC and able to partner across the country.
To past partners and future, please reach out if you have a project we could discuss or just to catch up. I would love to hear from you.
Cheers!
Christia Murphy
Founder & President
Coastal Magnolia Consulting + Events
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