Kyle Collins has had a variety of experiences in the workforce ranging from professions in golf to reporting . One of the exceptional professionals in the industry , Kyle , rose quickly to becoming a district Communications specialist for the Georgia Department of Transportation .
“ They don ’ t come much better than Kyle Collins , I can tell you that . Kyle ’ s commitment to the work he does at GDOT is apparent … and it is palpable . He is just a stand-up guy in the first place . He really brings a certain level of communication expertise to his role at GDOT . In bringing important information that people find valuable and useful in their daily lives , but also doing it in such a way that is understandable and relatable ,” says Strategic Communications Director Scott Higley .
Collins has been exceptional with all of his work endeavors since graduating from Georgia College . His current work serves major importance to those in the middle Georgia area . One of the key components of his job is relaying crisis communication information to the public . This includes traffic , delays caused by accidents , and extreme weather in the area . This information is essential for the public to be informed of as soon as possible in order for individuals to be safe and aware of what is going on with roads and transportation .
When Collins started his role , the Georgia Department of Transportation ’ s Facebook page had roughly 300 followers . It now has more than 28,000 and the Twitter and Instagram pages have also grown . Collins says that this is one of his favorite parts of his job and where he spends the majority of his time . This impact allows more people to see important crisis , traffic and road closure information .
Collins grew up in Milledgeville and has not veered far from home throughout his life . After graduating high school from John Milledge Academy , he went to Mercer University to play on the golf team before eventually transferring to Georgia College . After graduating from Georgia College in 2009 with a degree in mass communication and a journalism focus , he began working with the Georgia College golf team as an assistant coach while also pursuing a professional golf career . Eventually , he started working for The Union-Recorder part-time and
doing freelance work for local magazines . After a few years , he joined The Union-Recorder staff as a full-time reporter .
He credits working as a reporter at The Union Recorder with helping him in his current role with the Georgia Department of Transportations . Having to produce multiple stories in a day with a quick reporting deadline helped him balance his current job ’ s challenges .
Milledgeville is special to Collins . It is where he grew up , went to school , and learned to play the game golf . His family is from the area and still resides in Milledgeville .
“ I am definitely thankful for the area and I don ’ t take it for granted ,” he says .
Collins , 35 , has been described as a leader by those that know him personally , dating back in his college golf days .
“ Kyle was always that guy that ate right , got to sleep , and worked out . He was a leader by example with his teammates and again a leader by example when he helped me coach the team ,” recalls GC head golf coach Jimmy Wilson .
He credits his former coach with supporting him and allowing him to continue to be around the game as an assistant coach of the Georgia College team .
In his free time he still enjoys playing golf . He is still around the game as a Master Club Fitter for the well-known golf company , Callaway Golf .
Great people always have great people behind them . Collins credits his parents for their support throughout his career . The Collins family still lives in Milledgeville , where his mother owns a local Milledgeville store , The Market Collective .
“ It means a lot to me to be recognized in this fashion to pay my mother and father back for all they have done for me and the sacrifices they have made whether it was golf or my professional career . They have allowed me to succeed and made things easier for me .
“ This is a great honor , and I was pretty surprised when I found out . I know there were plenty of people in the past and that are currently going to be on that list that do a lot of great work in this community , so it ’ s an honor to be recognized in this fashion and I must be making a difference somehow , which makes me feel good .”
kyle collins
BY RYAN ROBICHAUD
20 Under 40 2022 | Milledgeville Scene 31