As CMO at Dill Dinkers, I specialize in creating and executing innovative marketing and public relations strategies that drive growth and expansion for our brand. Working closely with our team, we have developed over 400 clubs, secured 25 signed regional developers, and facilitated more than 40 franchise agreements. Additionally, we have successfully opened 9 clubs, with 11 more set to launch soon. My focus on helping Regional Developers and Franchisees build brand awareness and enhance their market presence through targeted campaigns and strategic communication has greatly supported our success. This role has also allowed me to cultivate valuable relationships in the industry and continue to elevate the Dill Dinkers brand within the pickleball community.

As CEO of The ECSpalding Group, I specialized in creating and executing innovative marketing and public relations strategies tailored for emerging businesses. My focus was on helping clients build brand awareness, enhance their market presence, and drive growth through targeted campaigns and strategic communication. This role not only allowed me to cultivate valuable relationships in the industry but also led to my appointment as Chief Marketing Officer for my first client, Dill Dinkers, where I further developed and implemented marketing initiatives to elevate their brand.

As Interim CEO, I directed efforts to enhance food resiliency and accessibility across Prince William, Fairfax, and Fauquier counties. I managed operational functions, including program design, compliance, and facility maintenance, while developing policies and an annual budget. I successfully implemented a fundraising strategy that exceeded annual contribution goals by 28.5%, nurtured relationships with major donors, and led volunteer recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, I collaborated with the Board to establish organizational priorities and foster community support.

In my role at Didlake, I developed and managed an integrated communications plan that aligned with our business goals, enhanced brand positioning, and increased visibility for our programs, ultimately benefiting revenues and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I also implemented a framework to measure the effectiveness of our public relations and marketing activities.Marketing ManagementI oversaw marketing for nine service lines and six brands, including Didlake, Didlake Imaging, Didlake Photo Imaging, and three The UPS Stores. I conducted market research to identify future opportunities across various geographies and segments. Leading a communications and marketing team of five, I fostered collaboration and ensured our strategies aligned with the organization’s mission.Operational LeadershipI directed day-to-day operations for two The UPS Stores, managing a team of 20 and achieving a 25% increase in customer count and 22% revenue growth from the previous year. Store 6656 experienced a remarkable revenue expansion of 46.6% in its first year, with an overall growth of 27.7% over two and a half years, generating $1.9 million in total revenue.Strategic LeadershipAs a member of the Executive Management Team, I was accountable for planning, budgeting, staffing, and evaluating all critical communications and marketing activities. I provided strategic guidance on corporate communications, marketing communications, and public relations initiatives.Public RelationsI developed strategies for engaging with external organizations regarding public relations and community engagement. This included creating a comprehensive public relations plan, a crisis communication strategy utilized throughout the pandemic, and serving on the crisis management team. As the corporate spokesperson, I managed PR interactions that impacted the organization and guided senior leadership and the Board in preparing for interviews and speaking engagements.

Created and implemented integrated communications program that advanced Didlake’s mission and goals by increasing awareness of Didlake, internally and externally.

In this role, I developed project plans and strategies to achieve internal and external communications goals for the department. I created a comprehensive internal communications plan that included an intranet for 1,400 employees, featuring educational and engaging content. As Chair of the Editorial Committee, I managed the development and placement of corporate content across various channels.I researched emerging technologies and communication trends to align with the organization’s strategic goals. Additionally, I served as project manager for major initiatives, coordinating inter-departmental and external resources. I ensured the security and functionality of web-based systems in collaboration with the Technology Department, overseeing web communications staff in content creation and support.

In this role, I developed and implemented an annual strategic communications plan to leverage web-based communications for the organization’s business, marketing, and PR objectives. I monitored social media trends and conversations to inform Didlake’s communications strategy.As the team lead and project manager, I oversaw the implementation of corporate communication systems, including an emergency notification system and corporate intranet. I served as the primary webmaster for corporate and internal websites, developing an annual plan for their functionality and ongoing evolution, and successfully recouped $16K annually by restructuring website hosting and maintenance services.I managed the planning and execution of a major annual fundraising event, raising $237K to date through sponsorship solicitation, marketing plan development, and volunteer management. I also represented Didlake in public speaking roles and engaged with community-focused teams and organizations through proactive networking with the Chamber of Commerce.Additionally, I developed marketing surveys for internal use and as a consultant for third parties, established corporate policies and procedures for website and social media use, and served as Acting VP of Corporate Communications as required.

Managed the advertising program, including planning, booking, trafficking, budgeting, contract negotiation, and graphic design for both online and print media. Planned and executed the annual marketing budget, achieving a cost reduction of $70K by assuming the responsibilities of the advertising agency. Oversaw the division's website, focusing on SEO, SEM, and ongoing content creation and maintenance. Coordinated promotional programs, including direct mail, events, and email marketing. Developed a quantitative reporting program to assess advertising effectiveness, measuring lead generation, sales, traffic, and ROI.

Served as a Marketing and Conference Planning Consultant for the Mason Enterprise Center and the School of Management at George Mason University. Managed projects focused on fundraising, market research, and outreach initiatives. Oversaw event management tasks, including contract negotiation, general planning, marketing, supply procurement, and the development and maintenance of sponsor relationships. Coordinated speakers by researching and corresponding with suitable candidates.

Created and implemented an annual marketing plan encompassing advertising, branding, public relations, website maintenance, and client acquisition and retention. Managed over 30 events for local, state, and federal government sponsors, overseeing all aspects of planning, contract negotiation, sponsor relationship development, marketing, and procurement. Increased attendance at signature events by 50%. Developed an event sponsorship program that raised over $10K for the first sponsored conference. Ensured compliance with federal and state government regulations for purchasing and contracting.