Our Mission
Discover excellence in advocacy and strategy at Eighth & Whitner Group. Our mission is to empower clients, both corporate and nonprofit, with dynamic solutions for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of media, government affairs, and community relations.
Meet The Team
C. Landon Griggs
President
Charles Griggs started his career at PRI Productions in Jacksonville, FL. Honing his skills and laying the groundwork for a dynamic professional journey. Moving to the SF Bay Area, he played key roles at VIP Audio Visual Company, overseeing projects for notable clients, including SAP, Google, Apple Inc, and AT&T. His experience underscores his proficiency in project management and audio-visual technologies.
Since 2022, Charles has been a Technical Production Coordinator at Mayo Clinic, contributing his expertise to the intersection of technology and healthcare. Here, he focuses on optimizing technical operations to align with Mayo Clinic’s commitment to precision and innovation in delivering healthcare services.
Beyond technical skills, Charles emphasizes core values in his professional approach. Rooted in hard work and conviction, he values networking and maintains a commitment to a healthy work-life balance. These values, combined with his technical expertise, shape his professional ethos.
Demonstrating a commitment to growth, Charles holds certifications in Ai Prompting from Vanderbilt University and Project Management from Google. These certifications highlight his dedication to staying current in technology and project management practices.
Looking ahead, Charles envisions contributing further to the healthcare and technology sectors by exploring and innovating on exciting projects. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence position him for continued success in the evolving landscape of technology and marketing.
Charles L. Griggs
Founder
Charles Griggs is a communication, media and government relations professional focused on issues to improve social economic outcomes. Griggs works as an experienced media and marketing professional who takes pride in creating strategies to improve the equity of all people. His knowledge of the communications industry spans almost 40 years and involves various winning campaigns, associations and clients throughout the South.
In 2005 Griggs began his tenure with the Florida Department of Health in Duval County and served as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement, then later Director of External Affairs. In this capacity, he managed external efforts that include media relations, risk communications and legislative affairs designed to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors of Duval County. In 2010, Griggs was honored as valedictorian of the University of South Florida Public Health Leadership Institute of Florida’s 13thgraduating class.
In 2017, Griggs began serving as Minority Engagement Coordinator for the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2002, Griggs became a member of the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc., and soon served as the organization’s Chairman of Health and Wellness. In 2008, under his leadership, the organization developed an award-winning men’s cancer education and prevention initiative called Men Tackling the Big C. The initial focus of the program was to educate African American men on the risk factors of prostate cancer and to provide resources for screening and treatment. The program was later expanded to include colorectal cancer education and awareness. In 2016, Griggs was honored by the 100 Black Men of America with the James T. Black Health and Wellness Award. Currently, Griggs serves on the board of directors of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. as Southeast District Representative.
Also, as a community resource, Griggs is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville Class of ‘98 and a former board member of the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. He was also appointed by three different City of Jacksonville Mayors to serve on the Jacksonville Human Rights and Arts in Public Places Commissions and the Jacksonville Journey Oversight Committee. He currently serves on the boards of directors of the Jacksonville Housing Authority and WJCT Media. In 2015, he received the Mayor’s Lifetime Journey Award (8 years of service on the Jacksonville Journey Oversight Committee).
In 2004, Griggs was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the North Florida Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year.
Griggs holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from Florida International University, as well as an Associate of Science Degree in Advertising and Design from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Griggs was honored as Mentor of the Year with the Take Stock in Children Jim and Anne Kufeldt Award. Griggs is a member of the National Urban League Quarter Century Club through serving the Jacksonville Urban League over the years as a board member and as chairman of the Jacksonville Urban League Auxiliary. He is also a past president of the Jacksonville Association of Black Journalists, Inc.
On the other side of the media table, Griggs has contributed as an editorial writer through his column titled BlacKoffee, syndicated and published in the Jacksonville Free Press. He previously hosted and produced The Next Page and First Coast Focus, radio talk shows that focused on community and social issues. Currently, Griggs is a regular contributor on WJCT’s First Coast Connect Media Roundtable news broadcast, which airs weekly on 89.9 FM (an NPR affiliate), and hosts a podcast called Blackoffee with Charles Griggs.