Profile

Results-driven, savvy and experienced marketing communications professional providing cost-effective strategic marketing prospectives, expertise and business acumen in support of sales,  fundraising, new business development and organizational growth.

Skills & Abilities

Politics/Public Affairs

Recently completed the management of all media relations functions in support of L.J. Bryant’s successful campaign for the Democratic nomination for Arkansas Land Commissioner.  As such, also assisted in the day-to-day strategic planning, speechwriting, fundraising and scheduling in support of the Bryant campaign.  Previous public affairs experience also includes work on behalf of the Arkansas Cable Telecommunications Association and community relations activities in support of two Central Arkansas financial institutions.

Marketing and Public Relations

Experienced in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic initiatives to promote firms, products and people to the Central Arkansas business community.  More than 8 years promoting firms and their products to the national business community including helping Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment to grow from a Conway, Arkansas-only sale in to a franchise operation with sales in 11 states and Acxiom Corporation’s launch of numerous data products including Personicx.  

Leadership, Administrative and Management

Ability to develop relationships on multiple levels of an organization.  Ability, experience and practical knowledge in offering well-rounded, researched and strategic business recommendations to C-Suite executives - recommendations that can and have resulted in business growth, sales and solid ROI.

Experienced user of QuickBooks Pro, Microsoft Office products (including Access and Excel) and a wide-variety of desktop publishing and photo editing software products.

Public Speaking

Frequently make public appearances at conferences, for small groups and on television in support of client needs and strategies.  Topics range from community relations initiatives to customer relations and media relations training programs developed at the request of various organizations and businesses.

Results, Budget Experience

Fifteen years experience in the research, planning and successful management of strategic and cost-effective marketing communications initiatives that have increased sales, expanded business footprints, built customer loyalty and influenced public opinion and public action - regardless of budget size or limitations. 

Business Development

Strategic leadership on the business development teams for clients in a variety of sectors including financial services institutions, web design firms, advertising agencies and not for profit organizations.  Tactics utilized included, but were not limited to, the development, growth and maintenance of client and target databases; preparation, implementation and evaluation of client surveys; and identification of opportunities to recognize clients and potential clients through the development of seminars, receptions and speaking opportunities, participation in trade shows and the identification and presentation of gifts recognizing holidays.

Media Relations

Outstanding knowledge of the traditional media (broadcast, radio and print) as well as social media publishing channels (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, widgets and blogs).  Clear understanding of what media is best used for your marketing needs and budget, and the uses and appeals of each.  Solid understanding of what writers, editors and assignment desks need in order to build a story, communicate your messages and impact their audiences - your customers and prospects.   

Successfully placed stories in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal, Time to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Business and the Arkansas Times.  

Project Management

More than ten years experience as a proven project manager.  Outstanding track record for delivering results while managing multiple projects on time and on budget.  Ablity to interface and communicate with project stakeholders, team members and clients at all organizational levels.  Currently pursuing PMP certification.  List maker, i-dotter and t-crosser.  Great, creative problem solver.   Outstanding at listening and anticipating potential needs and issues.  Experienced at juggling multiple details while not losing site of client/employer objectives.  

Writing

Published writer who can craft an engaging and relevant story.  Ability to translate complex technologies and business ideas in to bite-sized pieces that your employees, your customers and your media contacts can understand and re-distribute.   Written articles with both my byline and the bylines of my customers in publications ranging from Arkansas Business to DM News. 

Education

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas

M.A., English and American Literature, 1993

B.A., English, 1991