Lead mayoral initiatives in the areas of education, public safety, business development, small business support, workforce training, transportation, crime, and mental health. Strategically build and maintain mayoral brand, including website designs, media communications, speech writing, social media marketing, and video production. Find solutions to city challenges. Determine and promote strategic opportunities.

Led an account group made of up corporate communications, advocacy and media relations work. Provided strategic and frequent counsel, especially on crisis communications, to clients in a variety of industries. PR activities included writing and distributing press releases (statewide, national and internationally), strategizing communications plans, creating eye-catching social media content, planning and executing all types of events and brainstorming smart public relations to raise name… Show more Led an account group made of up corporate communications, advocacy and media relations work. Provided strategic and frequent counsel, especially on crisis communications, to clients in a variety of industries. PR activities included writing and distributing press releases (statewide, national and internationally), strategizing communications plans, creating eye-catching social media content, planning and executing all types of events and brainstorming smart public relations to raise name identification, reputation and reach goals of clients. Show less

With over 25 years specializing in full-service advertising, communications and public affairs engagements, I provide marketing and public relations expertise to growing businesses and nonprofits. I prioritize manageable communications changes within budgets that optimize results quickly. I also refocus messaging, re-position brands, strengthen media relations, improve websites, expand social media outreach, engage communities and improve collateral. Need help with a new business, new… Show more With over 25 years specializing in full-service advertising, communications and public affairs engagements, I provide marketing and public relations expertise to growing businesses and nonprofits. I prioritize manageable communications changes within budgets that optimize results quickly. I also refocus messaging, re-position brands, strengthen media relations, improve websites, expand social media outreach, engage communities and improve collateral. Need help with a new business, new promotion, re-branding or product launch? Let's talk.►Education • Healthcare • Government • Nonprofits • Tourism • Arts • Politics • Real Estate • Retail • Hospitality • Service • Law • Financial • Small Business • Weddings • Sports • Corporate • ChemicalResults:► Increased media stories by 700% by revamping media strategy and strengthening basics.► Increased digital presence by 400% with web and social media focus utilizing short videos.► Re-positioned brands correctly resulting in higher visibility, increased media attention and strengthened reputation.► Taken complementary collateral, websites, email marketing, social media and advertising to the next level resulting in raised awareness, greater fundraising and achieved strategic goals.► Launched advertising and marketing program for one of the region's top independent college-preparatory schools. The school expanded Pre-K to 12 enrollment. ► Created unique value proposition, logo, marketing collateral, and web site to launch new practice for MD2U – Doctors Who Make House Calls. Organization is now franchised in 4 states, and house calls have doubled every year.► Orchestrated media relations for Monticello Community Gathering, the first gathering of ALL the descendants of everyone who lived and worked at Monticello. Garnered national press coverage.► Political campaign strategist and consultant. Show less

I championed the Carolina Union brand and served as the day-to-day driver for marketing initiatives and communications, both internally and externally, oversaw the creative process, branding, and marketing for all print and electronic materials. Responsibilities included public relations, social media, special events management, advertising and visual brand awareness. Launched new website, trained staff and key planner of campus-wide event.

I joined the state leader in natural, cultural, tourism and historic resources programs during a period of rapid growth. The Department tripled in size, and I expanded my team from 5 to 14 marketing and communications staff, who were my direct reports. I managed 15+ others statewide. I provided strong managerial leadership to evolve the team from low performance to what is today - an efficient, streamlined group focused on delivering unparalleled excellence in customer service.My role… Show more I joined the state leader in natural, cultural, tourism and historic resources programs during a period of rapid growth. The Department tripled in size, and I expanded my team from 5 to 14 marketing and communications staff, who were my direct reports. I managed 15+ others statewide. I provided strong managerial leadership to evolve the team from low performance to what is today - an efficient, streamlined group focused on delivering unparalleled excellence in customer service.My role further involved directing the overhaul and rebranding of marketing and communications, including the logo, advertising, website, collateral, signage, and email. The Department’s main message, voice, and image needed to be recrafted and refocused, to increase communication of documented effectiveness and results. I conceptualized and executed a strategic statewide issue campaign. I also planned and executed large events. I realigned the messaging, conducted reputation management, instituted a crisis communications strategy, and advised executive leadership. I conducted management training semi-annually, as well as 1:1 executive training.► Formalized internal communications strategy to effectively convey mission, initiatives, and events to 2,000+ employees. Produced newsletter, live-feed staff meetings, and executive messaging.► Deepened communications penetration: captured 1,800 same-subject earned media stories in just 9 months, and increased tracked media stories 700% since 2013. ► Skyrocketed organic digital media presence 400%, with minimal placements, and increased incorporating short videos into expanded social media by 300%. Won international tourism award for innovative Twitter campaign.► Leveraged strategic statewide advocacy campaign to instrumentally contribute to passing key legislation.► Doubled fund development year over year, by establishing non-profit fundraising program to identify and apply for grants, as well as solicit small and large donors. Show less

I launched this full-service marketing, PR and advertising firm with a broad range of clients in healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, non-profit and professional services. Additionally, I provided professional education sessions on marketing, communications, and fundraising to national clients. Client surveys indicated 99% “good” or “excellent” rating. Retained my first client throughout 17 years.►Education • Healthcare • Government • Nonprofits • Tourism • Arts •… Show more I launched this full-service marketing, PR and advertising firm with a broad range of clients in healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, non-profit and professional services. Additionally, I provided professional education sessions on marketing, communications, and fundraising to national clients. Client surveys indicated 99% “good” or “excellent” rating. Retained my first client throughout 17 years.►Education • Healthcare • Government • Nonprofits • Tourism • Arts • Politics • Real Estate • Retail • Hospitality • Service • Law • Financial • Small Business • Weddings • Sports • Corporate • Chemical► Co-planned and executed "standing room only" charity event for Joining Hearts Pediatric Cardiology Foundation, during which the organization raised $30K+ for Levine Children's Hospital.► Secured key exposure for high-profile restaurant opening in a saturated market with heavy competition. Captured international PR award.► Articulated messaging to brand and launch Salum International Resources, a global roundtable for corporate leaders to share, learn, and collaborate with one another through workshops and other events.► Conducted digital overhaul for market analytics firm, involving web site optimization and re-branding. Merited commendation from company President for flawless engagement execution and delivery of a product that exceeded expectations. Won national website award for design and content.► Designed marketing collaterals for a series of events and activities for Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County.► Designed logo and marketing collaterals for luxury residential homes firm in NC, and developed web presence and project brochures.► Directed series of marketing initiatives for medical spa and laser center serving greater Charlotte, NC market. Show less

I fully directed PR and government affairs for this leading real estate trade association. My scope encompassed building and implementing comprehensive communication and marketing programs, as well as serving as a registered lobbyist advocating on the association’s behalf.

This role involved structuring and executing full campaign business plans, with components on fundraising, internal communications, external communications, press relations, public relations, direct mail, target marketing, event planning, budgeting, and staffing. Under my direction, we exceeded fundraising goals and election returns projections.

Successfully strategized and directed local and statewide candidates in mid-atlantic states on strategic campaign and communications planning. Faculty member of national political campaign school teaching campaign strategy and fundraising. Experienced with White House and Vice-Presidential events. Staff for Republican National Conventions, Detroit, MI, and Dallas, TX.

Worked with the Director on special projects, events and administering the Carnegie Awards for Heroism.