Todd Felts

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Michael Todd Felts, age 54 of Reno, NV passed away November 28, 2024.

Memorial services will be held, 1:30 PM, January 25, 2025, at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn Dancy, III  officiating.  A reception will be held following the service at the Holiday Inn in Wilkesboro.

Todd is survived by his husband; Tony Avila, his mother; Betty Felts and his beloved dog; Simon.  He was preceded in death by his father; David Felts.

Todd’s passing has evoked an extraordinary outpouring of love and admiration, a testament to the impact he made on so many lives.  Known for his generosity of spirit, passion for teaching, and unwavering dedication to his community, Todd was a beacon of light and kindness.

Professionally, Todd excelled as a professor at the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he taught public relations and advertising.  He directed the graduate program in interactive journalism and was instrumental in shaping the next generation of communicators.  His excellence in academia was recognized with the 2019 Distinguished Outreach Faculty Award and the 2014 Honors Program Distinguished Faculty Award. For over 15 years, Todd served as the academic director for the North Nevada International Center’s Algerian Youth Leadership Program, fostering global connections and empowering young leaders.

His service extended to the local community as a board member for Nevada HOPES since 2016, and as the passionate chair of the Reno Philharmonic’s Pops on the River event for the past three years.  Todd’s contributions were further celebrated when he was named the Human Services Network Board Member of the Year.  He served as a speechwriter and later a press secretary for Gov. Jim Hunt in North Carolina and director of community relations for the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games.  He also oversaw the media relations for the 2000 U.S. Open Women’s Golf Championship.  Felts launched his career reporting at WGHP TV and later as the PIO for the North Carolina Zoological Park/NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources.  He produced and hosted an “At the Zoo” television segment.  Felts spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., serving as a director at Levick Strategic Communications, where he was a member of the Holmes Report’s Crisis Communications Team of the Year.  While in D.C., he also served as the director of communications for a Pew Charitable Trust program, The Trust for Early Education and was the media relations director at RMR & Associates.

Todd’s life was defined by his love for people, his drive to build community and his ability to inspire.  Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or a concert venue, Todd’s presence was transformative.  In countless tributes from his students, many shared how Todd had an extraordinary ability to see their potential not yet recognized themselves.  His heartfelt encouragement inspired each to follow their passions and build meaningful connections.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

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