Collaborated with senior leadership to develop strategies for media relations and issues management applying authentic messaging reflecting university’s brand; developed and managed robust content strategy building brand awareness across channels including development of communication campaigns for major events, milestones and significant marketing initiatives; fostered relationships with news reporters and editors garnering interest in university stories.Key university liaison, spokesperson and leader for matters related to public image of institution; monitored national news trends and proactively pitched faculty experts to reporters. Managed targeted outreach to national, regional and local press including faculty research and positioned key thought leaders for WSSU. Participated in disaster and other crisis communication training drills; counseled administration, trustees, faculty and staff on media-related and crisis-management issues.Managed $300,000+ advertising and marketing campaigns; supervised writers and photographers and other creative and advertising vendors. Directed press conferences for administration and nation’s top visiting newsmakers.AchievementsEstablished institutional brand and marketing campaign, increasing enrollment from 2,600 to 6,000 students.Served on Executive Committee and top leadership roles on professional and local boards.Liaison with White House staff and party campaigns in coordinating press coverage for one U. S Presidential visit and two Presidential candidates.Remained calm under pressure while successfully managing local, regional, national and international press inquiries regarding on-campus shooting.Managed design and production of five award-winning Chancellor’s annual reports.Placed stories in most popular print, digital and broadcast news networks in U. S. including USA Today, CBS Evening News, BuzzFeed and US News and World Reports.

Spearheaded development and execution of all functions related to internal / external communications, crisis communications, public relations, publications, advertising and community engagement. Managed one direct report and five contractors and vendors.Served as university liaison, spokesperson and leader for all matters related to public image of institution.Planned and coordinated press conferences including preparing speakers and developing materials. Leveraged metrics and measurement – subscribed to clipping service that tracked news coverage and listed circulation, viewers or listeners for each clip and estimated cost if advertised; assigned exclusive phone number to accurately determine response rate of specific ad.AchievementsDeveloped, implemented, launched and managed student recruitment marketing campaign in Philadelphia metropolitan area leading to 50% enrollment increase.Dramatically increased positive media coverage in Philadelphia area (200%).

Wrote press releases that led to positive news coverage by some of the nation's top news organizations, including: USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News and more.