Denise Shafer Email & Phone Number

Ashland, Va, Us

Director of Marketing for a corporate franchise business, managing:- Marketing strategy and execution for an emerging franchise brand with 27 locations across the country- Lead digital marketing strategy and campaign execution - Brand strategy development- Customer experience enhancement and development

& Leafspring Schools

Specialized in driving market expansion and brand development for franchise clientsthrough strategic marketing, digital campaigns, community outreach and targeted public relations initiatives.Raising Cane’s: Spearheaded the successful launch of six new locations acrossWashington, D.C., Virginia, and North Carolina, implementing field marketing strategies,collegiate sponsorships, media planning, public relations, and grand opening events thatelevated brand visibility and customer engagement.LeafSpring Schools: Developed and executed a franchise growth marketing strategy that drove brand expansion and development. Secured a new franchise investor, opening four additional locations and significantly enhancing the brand's regional presence. Delivered comprehensive marketing and public relations support to 14 franchise locations nationwide, ensuring consistent brand messaging and successfully driving growth in local markets.

Developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives to drive membership growth, increasing club membership by 40%. Enhanced internal and external communications, fostering stronger connections with members and the community. Designed and executed member engagement events, improving overall satisfaction and retention. Established partnerships with external organizations to host and lead large-scale tournaments, elevating the club’s visibility and reputation within the region.

Developed strategic communications and outreach plans, for a non-traditional universitywith 9 locations across the county, forging partnerships with 50+ corporate and non-profitorganizations, boosting admissions by 35%. Drove brand and market growth strategies thatincreased community engagement by 40%. Led sponsorships and managed largecommunity events, achieving high visibility, and represented South University at mediaevents and on boards to enhance brand reputation.

Statewide

Directed statewide marketing, public relations, and community engagement for the VirginiaDepartment of Health’s federally funded teen parent initiative, driving public healthobjectives through robust brand development and multi-platform social media campaigns.Created impactful program videos, managed high-profile communications with Virginiadignitaries, and served as the program spokesperson, leading stakeholder engagement andrepresenting the agency at government meetings and community events to elevate publicawareness and program support.

Richmond, Virginia Area

Managed the non-profit division of a major professional sports organization—the NASCARFoundation/RIR Cares—leading corporate partnerships and community outreach initiativesthat drove impactful community engagement. Directed the distribution of $250,000 ingrants to diverse nonprofits, maximizing local support and impact. Led high-profile publicrelations campaigns for partner organizations, coordinating regional media effortsfeaturing NASCAR celebrity drivers to enhance visibility, boost brand engagement, andstrengthen community ties.

Richmond, Virginia

Directed the rebrand and corporate merger of Richmond Times-Dispatch in print and Richmond.com online. Oversaw major sports and large event sponsorships, managed corporate sponsorships and events, and led consumer research, messaging, social media strategy, community partnerships, and corporate communications.

• Marketing manager for Virginia's largest music and cultural festival, the National Folk Festival (now the Richmond Folk Festival). Created, managed and helped develop marketing, public relations, branding, and sponsor relations for an event that started with 70,000 in attendance and is now averaging nearly 250,000 people each year, one of the largest events in the state. • Strategic marketing and event planning for the City of Richmond Economic Development Department. Created events, public relations, and marketing strategies for large consumer festivals, growing visitation to downtown Richmond by over 150,000 people per year. 2012 -2014• Strategic planning, event development, and community relations for a new event facility - Meadow Event Park, home of the State Fair of Virginia. After two years of sagging attendance, I helped create marketing strategy that grew ticket sales by 40% in 2013.