Results-driven public relations and communications professional, experienced in leading corporate communication strategies, enhanced sales activities, and directing branding initiatives. Talented writer, editor and speaker with exceptional interpersonal abilities with both internal and external stakeholders. Determined, tireless and enterprising in stressful, fast-paced settings.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Communications
The James Barry-Robinson Institute
10.2023 - Current
Supported CEO and leadership team members in administrative functions and systems.
Oversaw social media presence and aligned posts to include branding and trending ideas.
Developed and promoted corporate brand, images, and identity to media and the public.
Cultivated a strong corporate image and identity with clear branding.
Collaborated with other departments to develop integrated branding and public relations strategies.
Reviewed marketing materials and documents for brand accuracy and trending design.
Designed the creative for the organization's 90th anniversary.
Build a grassroots campaign to encourage greater public awareness of the need for foster parents.
Designed and launched commercials for JBRI Foster Care Services.
Launched fundraising strategies for new JBRI program,
Wrote an advertorial piece representing the organization in USA Today.
Director of Communications
The James Barry-Robinson Institute
05.2023 - 10.2023
Supported business development plans through the development and implementation of internal and external communication strategies.
Evaluated program effectiveness to determine return on investment.
Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations.
Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement. Social media engagement increased by more than 300%.
Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
Public Relations and Communications Director
SLP Accountants
11.2016 - 05.2023
Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
Drove business-to-business marketing initiatives to expand client base.
Communicated with media to build relationships and optimize press coverage.
Monitored marketing content for quality, accuracy, and impact.
Supported business development teams with strategic programs that encouraged client communication and referrals.
Coordinated press releases and handled press inquiries.
Cultivated a strong corporate image and identity with clear branding.
Organized company events, such as professional sports days, client appreciation days, and evenings with professional guest speakers.
Created and implemented internal and external communication plans to establish consistent and timely messaging.
Creative Director
Elizabeth Stuart Bridal Group
03.2010 - 10.2016
Designed line for each new season and worked closely with leading European textile manufacturers and pattern makers to present an exceptional product in a very competitive industry.
Worked with leading media partners such as Conde Nast and Martha Stewart Weddings to build brand recognition, in record time.
Developed strategic communication and marketing plans.
Collaborated with market leaders and charities such as Cancer Research UK to design successful fundraising campaigns linked to the wedding industry.
Expanded brand into UK, European, American, and Middle Eastern bridal markets.
Structured print, online, and in-person media campaigns and events including runway shows in London and New York to market the brand to international bridal buyers.
The business was sold in 2016 as a successful brand.
Executive Director
GDS International
02.2005 - 07.2009
Managed only business-to-consumer magazine (The 100 Thousand Club) firm presented.
Established lasting and successful relationships with clients such as Aston Martin, Maserati, and The Four Seasons.
Worked with international real estate developers with a focus on marketing their newest luxury developments to high-net-worth consumers globally.
Collaborated with the editorial team to ensure publication truly reflected not only our readers but also our advertising partners. Beautiful photography, and exclusive interviews that included but were not limited to Philippe Starck and Anthony Bourdain.
Managed a team of seven exceptional sales executives. Our sales team consistently surpassed sales goals and won company incentives,
Identified, hired, and trained highly qualified staff by teaching best practices, procedures, and sales strategies.
Media Sales Executive
The Walt Disney Company
03.2001 - 11.2004
Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships for Norfolk-based Disney radio station.
Worked with local clients to design onsite radio remotes that allowed those companies to partner with the very successful Disney brand.
Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
Analyzed past sales data and performance to develop realistic sales goals.
Education
High School Diploma -
Floyd Kellam High School
Virginia Beach, VA
Bachelor of Arts - International Communications
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
Master of Arts - Law
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, UK
Skills
Articulate and Persuasive
Market and Competitive Analysis
Contract Preparation
Market Tracking and Research
Client Needs Assessment
Negotiation Management
Client Representation
Timeline
Vice President of Communications
The James Barry-Robinson Institute
10.2023 - Current
Director of Communications
The James Barry-Robinson Institute
05.2023 - 10.2023
Public Relations and Communications Director
SLP Accountants
11.2016 - 05.2023
Creative Director
Elizabeth Stuart Bridal Group
03.2010 - 10.2016
Executive Director
GDS International
02.2005 - 07.2009
Media Sales Executive
The Walt Disney Company
03.2001 - 11.2004
High School Diploma -
Floyd Kellam High School
Bachelor of Arts - International Communications
Old Dominion University
Master of Arts - Law
University of Nottingham
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