Curtis Clemons, Mmcom, Mba Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area

As the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, my role is pivotal in driving the mission of the Safer Foundation forward. My primary responsibilities are to enhance visibility and understanding of the organization's programs and services, which are crucial for empowering individuals with criminal records. I am committed to amplifying the impact of Safer's policy and advocacy work, and to bolstering our fundraising efforts through strategic donor engagement and the orchestration of major events. These initiatives are essential for securing the necessary support to advance our goals and expand our reach.About the Safer Foundation: The Safer Foundation stands as one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to breaking the cycle of recidivism and combating social injustice. For over five decades, the Safer Foundation has been at the forefront of this crucial battle, dismantling barriers and providing those with arrest and conviction records a tangible opportunity for a second chance. Through its sustained leadership and innovative approaches, the Foundation continues to make significant strides toward a more just and equitable society.

Greater Chicago Area

Our boutique Marketing Communications company specializes in connecting clients with their target audiences through innovative consumer engagement programs. We leverage fully integrated and experiential marketing communication strategies to not only increase brand awareness but also to stimulate significant growth. By crafting bespoke campaigns that weave together the latest in digital marketing, event marketing, public relations, and direct response tactics, we create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with consumers.Our approach is data-driven and creatively led, ensuring that each campaign is both strategically sound and creatively compelling. This dual focus allows us to deliver measurable results while forging strong emotional connections between brands and their audiences. Whether launching a new product, entering a new market, or reinvigorating an established brand, our team designs and implements marketing solutions that align precisely with our clients' business objectives and drive substantial market engagement.

Greater Chicago Area

ComEd: I successfully executed the remainder of ComEd’s 2016 Hispanic Digital Media Plan, skillfully managing the completion of their 2017 plan, and produced a detailed, comprehensive review of the 2016 Hispanic Digital Media Performance Metrics. These efforts were crucial in optimizing digital engagement strategies and refining targeting approaches for the Hispanic market, ensuring that ComEd's campaigns were both effective and efficient in reaching and resonating with this key demographic.Walden University: I spearheaded the development of a robust Digital Media plan for Walden University’s strategic entry into the Hispanic market. This initiative involved meticulous planning and execution to tailor Walden's educational offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of Hispanic students, thereby expanding the university’s reach and reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Greater Chicago Area

I led the revision and enhancement of sales and marketing materials for Zyla Life Sciences, focusing on their two pain medications, Oxaydo and Sprix. This comprehensive update included Formulary Kits, Core Visual Aids (CVA), and various "leave behinds" designed for both medical professionals and patients. Each element was meticulously redesigned to ensure clear communication of the product benefits and usage guidelines, effectively addressing the specific needs of the diverse audiences. The updated materials were instrumental in providing healthcare professionals with the tools needed to understand and effectively communicate the unique properties and advantages of Oxaydo and Sprix, enhancing their ability to inform and guide treatment decisions.The project not only refreshed the visual and informational content but also strategically aligned the messaging to adhere to the latest industry regulations and marketing standards. By integrating feedback from medical experts and marketing analytics, we were able to craft materials that were not only informative but also highly engaging and persuasive. The reinvigorated marketing approach helped to increase visibility and acceptance of both medications, significantly boosting their market presence. These efforts contributed to a better-informed medical community and improved patient outcomes by enhancing accessibility to essential information about these pain management solutions.

Albany, New York Area

As the Director of the Center for Health Promotion at the New York State Department of Health, I led a dynamic team of eight professionals in managing a substantial $75 million budget dedicated to marketing, advertising, and digital initiatives. Our focused efforts were primarily directed towards three key public health areas: Medicaid, Tobacco Control, and the New York State AIDS Institute. These initiatives were strategically designed to increase public awareness and engagement, ensuring that vital health programs were accessible and effectively communicated to the populations that needed them most. By leveraging a blend of traditional and digital marketing strategies, we aimed to not only inform but also empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.Our campaigns were meticulously crafted to resonate with diverse audiences, addressing the unique needs and challenges associated with each health area. For Medicaid, we emphasized the importance of healthcare coverage and the ease of enrollment processes. In Tobacco Control, our efforts focused on prevention and cessation programs, aiming to reduce tobacco use through compelling, evidence-based interventions. Similarly, for the NYS AIDS Institute, we bolstered awareness and preventive measures, highlighting available treatments and support services. Through these targeted marketing and advertising strategies, we successfully increased program enrollment and participation, contributing significantly to improved health outcomes and advancing the state’s public health objectives.

Greater New York City Area

Account Director, Ford Corporate Communications (2005-2007)As the Account Director for Ford Motor Company, I spearheaded a dedicated team of five professionals in the development and implementation of strategic Marketing Communications (MarComm) initiatives. Our primary focus was to amplify Ford's commitment to the African American community, ensuring that our communications effectively highlighted the company's initiatives and contributions to diversity and inclusion. Through targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships, we successfully increased visibility and strengthened Ford's reputation within this key demographic, showcasing the company’s dedicated efforts to support and engage with the community.Account Supervisor/Regional, Lincoln-Mercury (2003-2005)In my role as Account Supervisor for Lincoln-Mercury, I was instrumental in planning and executing experiential marketing programs that significantly supported the brand's regional sales objectives across Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. These programs were meticulously designed to increase brand engagement and purchase consideration among targeted African American consumers. Through innovative experiential strategies and localized campaigns, we were able to connect more effectively with the community, enhancing consumer experience and boosting regional sales figures, thus contributing to the overall growth and market presence of Lincoln-Mercury in these key urban markets.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Program Lead: McDonald’s presents “It's Showtime at the Apollo” Kids’ Talent SearchAs the Program Lead for the "McDonald's presents It's Showtime at the Apollo Kids’ Talent Search," I was responsible for spearheading both local and national activations of this prominent national talent competition, catering to children aged 7 to 13. This role involved implementing McDonald's social purpose of empowering children to pursue their dreams by providing them a significant platform to showcase their talents. My leadership ensured that the event not only highlighted the participants' abilities but also reinforced McDonald's commitment to nurturing young talent across the nation, creating opportunities for youth to excel and gain recognition in their respective fields.In addition to managing the talent search, I also directed the development of national marketing campaigns targeting African American mothers, with a focus on promoting McDonald’s Happy Meals. This involved crafting and executing strategic print and radio advertisements that resonated deeply with this demographic, effectively communicating the value and appeal of Happy Meals while aligning with the broader marketing goals of McDonald's. These campaigns were crucial in enhancing brand engagement and loyalty, ultimately driving sales and strengthening McDonald's market presence within this key consumer segment.

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Business Administration And Management, General

Masters Degree, Marketing Communications

Bachelors, Communications

Activities and Societies: Kappa Alpha Psi and Photography

2Yr Culinary Certificate