The Atlanta Dream has announced the appointment of Traci Messier as its new Vice President of Communications and External Affairs. Messier brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism, media relations, and communications strategy to the WNBA franchise.
Morgan Shaw Parker, President and COO of the Atlanta Dream, said, “As the Atlanta Dream continue this unprecedented growth trajectory and positive momentum in the city of Atlanta, I’m thrilled to be able to bring on such a talented storyteller and communications strategist to ensure our athlete, partner and brand stories come to life on both a local and national scale. Traci is a skilled leader who understands how to align sport, culture and entertainment to deliver a product that fans embrace and we are thrilled to have her as a part of our team.”
Messier most recently worked as Director of Corporate Communications for the U.S. Soccer Federation. In that role, she led public relations efforts related to major projects such as the construction of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center and contributed planning support for events leading up to the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Her previous experience includes 12 years at Jackson Spalding, where she co-led the agency’s sports practice—the largest independent public relations firm in the Southeast—and provided strategic communications guidance for clients across several sectors including sports, real estate, hospitality, and non-profit organizations.
Messier expressed her enthusiasm about joining the organization: “The Atlanta Dream are leaders in the community, trendsetters in the industry and fierce competitors on the court, and I’m grateful to be able to join such an incredible team. I’ve long been passionate about growing women’s sports, and there’s no better place to make that happen than with this franchise and the WNBA. I’m ready to get to work, building on the Dream’s existing momentum and helping tell the stories of this team and its remarkable players.”
A native of Rochester, New York, Messier graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications with a major in Broadcast Journalism. She began her career at CBS Sports before working as a sports anchor at various television stations in New York State where she earned recognition including a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
The Atlanta Dream was established in 2008 as Georgia’s only WNBA franchise. The team plays home games at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park.
