Work currently involves marketing, recruitment, web communications, social media and other special initiatives as is needed by this family-owned, fast-paced company.

While my career search remains focused in the corporate arena, MarekSolutions provides me the opportunity to work in spite of the difficult economy. This project work has allowed me to provide solutions to companies in health care/services, oil services, higher education, commercial real estate and non-profits, including Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Sheltering Arms Senior Services and Neuhaus Education Center.

Responsible for all marketing and fundraising results for the 115-year-old United Way agency, including events, grants, direct marketing, website, collateral material, paid advertising, and crisis communications. In June, 2011, SASS became a subsidiary of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. * Grew participation in the Turkey Trot by 29%, securing almost 11,000 participants. * Renewed focus on grants, resulting in two new grant awards totaling over $500,000. * Created a new event for the agency, resulting in $50,000 in new revenue. * Successfully achieved fundraising goals for the organization.

Served Hearst’s largest newspaper and the nation’s 7th largest newspaper and newspaper website in the following roles: Branding Processes* Led stakeholders in an inclusive branding process resulting in new brand positioning across all related lines of business.* Fielded and analyzed marketing research on a consistent basis as the foundation for strategic branding.* Implemented branding guidelines and policies for long-term consistency and brand equity.* Directed the development and execution of a corporation’s first full Spanish-language campaign.* Led non-profits and educational institutions through strategic branding processes resulting in successful brand implementation aimed at growing donations and visibility.* Served on the strategic branding task force for an industry association charged with improving customer service, ROI metrics, and revenue growth.* Conducted agency reviews, searches and selections.Communications Strategies* Orchestrated national and regional marketing; including advertising, media kits, sales collateral, trade shows and events.* Provided direction to corporate executives regarding employee communications, events, contests, incentive programs, industry speeches and articles.* Guided senior leadership team on all media and trade communications, including proactive media relations and crisis communications. Marketing and Advertising Solutions* Competent and media savvy due to practical experiences in selling and purchasing media for virtually all types from mass reach media to micro-behavioral targeted audiences.* Experienced in the utilization of viral, grass roots, social media and publicity opportunities.