FSC Director Michelle L. Freridge told XBiz that Hymes' position was newly created and is part of the organization's strategic plan for 2005 to initiate large-scale public relations campaigns.
Hymes' primary duties for the FSC will be to focus on organizational infrastructure for the communications plan with Freridge. He will also have oversight over FSC's publication and website and will be responsible for generating public relations materials and advertising outreach. Hymes also will oversee the formation and advancement of all FSC public education and media advocacy campaigns and materials.
"Tom has many years of experience in the industry and is very well connected, especially on the Internet side," Freridge said. "He also has a very good reputation. We were presented with an opportunity to bring someone in from the industry who knows it well and to bring in a very dynamic communicator who can help us shape our communication and help bring FSC to the next level."
Hymes tendered his resignation from AVN on April 1, concluding a six-year career with the Chatsworth-based company, the last three years of which he served as AVN Online's chief editor.
“I feel as if I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Hymes said “[FSC] is a big job and a challenging work load, to say the least, but I’m already chomping at the bit to get started. I’m a natural-born advocate, and I look forward to helping the FSC articulate the needs and positions of the adult industry. A thousand thanks to Executive Director Michelle Freridge and the Board for trusting me with this awesome responsibility.”
Hymes will begin work with the FSC on June 1.
"I've got a great person who is going to take the ball and run with it," Freridge said. "It's all about developing relationships and opening the lines of communication."