Kathryn Luco Email & Phone Number

Downers Grove, Il, Us

I am responsible for the development and delivery of strategic communications, for both internal and external audiences, that promote the objectives, values, and brands of DCC Propane. I proactively engage with multiple collaborators, partners, and stakeholders to find opportunities where communications and engagement activities can add value to support key objectives.My responsibilities include:• Creation, ownership, and execution of internal and external communications plans • Development and execution of communications and marketing resource materials with clear brand messaging for a variety of channels that are targeted, timely and relevant to distinct audiences• Promote brand awareness and drive employee and customer engagement• Ownership of the intranet, expanding functionality and tailoring content to a variety of user profiles• Maintain promotional and content publication calendars across multiple channels • Manage social media accounts and track engagement

Downers Grove, Il

As a consultant to small to mid-sized businesses, I act as an extension of the marketing team to assist with strategic planning, defining communications goals, then mapping out a plan of action to produce communication materials. I build long-term business relationships by working with clients and stakeholders to plan and manage projects from inception through completion and delivery, source and manage partnerships with external resources, execute communications materials. My responsibilities include:• Provide expertise in communications management to assist clients with creation and production of high-level B2B and B2C branding and marketing materials• Execute communications for internal and external audiences for everything from websites and brochures to sales presentations and training materials to internal policies and employee manuals• Provide external perspective and guidance for strategic discussions with C-Suite executives • Manage website maintenance and enhancement projects

Chicago, Il

During my tenure at Taylor Bruce, I built many long-term partnerships with clients, delivering a full array of B2B and B2C marketing services. I led teams of designers and developers to work as a cohesive group to effectively develop websites, create branding and design trade show booth graphics, design print ads, brochures, and annual reports. I wore many hats at this small firm, and my principal objectives were to make our clients and stakeholders happy and increase our efficiency internally. I could jump in and work as part of the team in whatever capacity was needed, depending on the project requirements. I effectively increased project work with existing clients, built relationships with new clients, and implemented new internal processes to increase productivity and profitability.My responsibilities included:• Project Management & Account Management• Strategic Planning • Web Content Management• Creative and Corporate Writing• Production, Implementation, Editing• Quality Control• Estimating, Billing, Negotiating with Third-Party Vendors• Business Development• Developing and Leading Training Sessions• Process Analysis & Improvement

Chicago, Il

I was the Project Manager for a large paper mill client while we were the agency-of-record. In addition, I provided project management and production support to the Principal and Senior Designers at this small, internationally renowned graphic design firm. I worked with the Principal to develop new business initiatives, supported staff through technology research and troubleshooting, managed PR initiatives and developed improved databases and archive systems. I also worked with a higher-education client to manage content organization for a website redesign.

Chicago, Il

I managed permanent and temporary staff to promote and implement programs and events directed toward increasing international exposure and sales for trade association members. My major focus was the design, budgeting, sale and installation of international group trade show exhibits for manufacturers of marine parts and accessories, and management of domestic networking opportunities including design and oversight of International Visitors Pavilions. I was able to reduce the graphic design and print budget by 20% through price negotiations and improved production methods, and developed processes and procedures to substantially improve the image and presence of USA group exhibits in international marine trade exhibitions, including implementation of post-show evaluations and analysis.I launched and managed all events and products for the newly formed Marine Export Council, including international networking events. And I was a Leader of NMMA's Employee Council, which developed proposals on policy change initiated by staff to present to senior management.

Roselle, Il

I managed the production staff, graphics designers and proofreaders at this mid-sized printer to prepare electronic files and film for conventional printing, digital printing and web design projects, using both Macintosh and PC platforms. I developed and maintained design and production schedules working with sales staff, account representatives and directly with clients, then managed and scheduled the design and production of all projects (print and Web) with internal and freelance graphic designers, photographers, illustrators and HTML programmers. I also researched, obtained bids and coordinated foreign language translation services for a major electronics manufacturer's instruction manuals.I also initiated the development of company-wide inter- and intra-departmental cross-training procedures to increase efficiency and understanding; resulting in better working relationships among staff.

Madrid, Spain And San Luis, Argentina

I spend two years abroad, teaching English as a Second Language in Madrid, Spain and San Luis, Argentina. I taught individual students as young as seven years old up to 65 years old, as well as small groups and corporate teams who were preparing to travel for work. It was a very enriching and eye-opening experience to be completely immersed in another culture.

Chicago, Il

I began work at this major greeting card and gift company as a production artist for brochures, using manual production methods. During my second year, I initiated, researched and implemented installation of computer systems to digitize brochure production with Apple Computers and PageMaker and then Quark Xpress. Over the time, I expanded the departmental responsibilities and then managed the Visual Communications staff of five to design and produce all of the sales brochures and marketing materials, retail store signage, P-O-P materials and fixtures.I developed and maintained the developmental budget, and initiated strategies to reduce expenses 18% annually. I also authored detailed instruction manuals documenting new procedures and production methods for our department. My interest in continuous improvement efforts lead me to conduct research with retailers and the sales force to determine the effectiveness of our brochures and signage using surveys and focus groups, and then implement quality control programs for my team. Other departmental responsibilities included art direction for in-studio and on-location photo shoots, resourcing and contracting with outside vendors, approval of printer proofs and attending press checks. Company-wide responsibilities included working as part of a management team to develop and teach company-wide training programs, and representing the company at sales presentations and on two live television programs.

Bachelor Of Fine Arts - Bfa

Education record