A retail company located in Columbus, OH consisting of two brands, Urban Sundry and Equestrian Sundry. We have a large selection of gift items, home decor, apparel, jewelry, paper goods, things for little ones and a growing selection for the hoof, paw and claw community. Our goal is to be a resource for people who live the town and country lifestyle. We have a mix of things, from a mix of places, created by a mix of people.

Responsible for enhancing and protecting the reputation of Express through positive positioning internally and externally, while identifying, managing and minimizing potential negative issues affecting the brand. This included all external business communication for Express on activities related to, but not limited to, business performance, issues management, crisis and change communication, and public affairs Provided ongoing strategic counsel and coaching for the Chairman, President & CEO as well as other members of the Executive Committee; developed all presentations, speeches and talking points for associate events, associate communications and industry forums; and partnered with Investor Relations on investor related activities including quarterly earnings, investor presentations, etc.Developed and executed key corporate events including inaugural Analyst Day and Annual Shareholder MeetingsCurated and managed content in order to ensure consistent communication to key stakeholders that enhanced the level of integrated communications across all communications disciplines within the companyProvided counsel, guidance and discipline to all other functions communicating on behalf of the brand including Fashion PR, Stores Communications, Social Media and Customer ServiceDeveloped and executed associate events including multi-office quarterly brand briefings, engagement events, community relations and associate recognition Ensured that all levels of associates understood, articulated and acted upon the values, business goals and critical initiatives of the company Established and maintained positive relationships with key local, national, international and retail industry media

Developed and led the U.S. communications strategy. Provided strategic counsel and program execution for Relationship Management (customer financial institutions), Commerce Development (merchants), and the U.S. Marketing & Sponsorship functions.Delivered business driving results based on key market priorities including, but not limited to, credit, debit and prepaid for both consumer, commercial and public sector; expanding MasterCard acceptance and product innovation; while elevating the position of customer and merchant initiatives Maintained positive relationships with key payments, financial, consumer and merchant media and industry analysts while serving as a protector and advocate of MasterCard through management of issues that could negatively impact any of the constituents of the four party system Executed social media campaigns connecting MasterCard cardholders with the MasterCard brand and U.S. Sponsorship properties in entertainment, sports and fashion. Engaged merchants and customer financial institutions through joint marketing and communications campaigns that enhanced relationships with MasterCard and increased consumer engagement, activation and usage of MasterCard payments and solutions Established executive communications platform, both internal and external including: industry keynotes, investor relations presentations, briefing notes and customer events; enhanced executive leadership brand through adept change management skills Served as a member of the U.S. Markets executive management team directly reporting to the U.S. President Efficiently managed U.S. Industry Trade Show Program and U.S. Customer Forums; developed and executed integration across the organization, secured speaking opportunities, booth design, agenda development; managed $2+ million event budget. Effectively managed $2+ million communications budget by extracting high performance from seven-person communications team and multiple public relations agencies