Kevin Merrill Email & Phone Number

Toledo, Ohio Metropolitan Area

Ottawa Hills, Ohio

Presently, I act as the main point of contact/liaison for all aspects of the communications department, including print, digital, social media and executive communications. I regularly publish an informational magazine that has been recognized for raising the visibility and perception of the district, particularly among parents and alumni. This publication (Around These Hills) directly influences donations and fundraising, often exceeding organizational goals.My key achievements are:* Oversee all content delivery platforms engaging parents and taxpayers. * Serve as an advisor/liaison to the superintendent, building principals, treasurer and other academic leaders.

Rochester, Minnesota Area

While serving as the Client Project Lead, I screened, hired and directed cross-departmental teams (from 44-100 members). Not only did I demonstrate exceptional leadership, but I also communicated clear expectations effectively and motivated teams to succeed on time and within budget in achieving organizational goals and objectives.

Toledo, Ohio Area

As the IT Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, I focused on developing and implementing marketing, public relations, events and communications strategies to launch a company-wide software project. I was chosen to participate as a member of the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Information Officer leadership teams and counseled executive leadership. My key achievements were:* Following a promotion to IT Training Manager, I successfully developed and integrated a new employee onboarding training model and created a structure to support improved processes and increased productivity.* Led a team of 50+ associates during the company’s largest software project while directing an $8M spend. In this project, we completed each phase early and under budget, while maintaining excellent vendor relations.

While operating as the Director of Communications, I routinely planned and oversaw marketing, public relations, events, and editorial strategies and tactics. I partnered effectively with the Director of Enrollment Services to increase enrollment of international students in graduate programs. My key achievements were:* Reformatted the alumni and donor magazine and implemented standardized publishing and distribution efforts, leading to multiple design and editorial excellence awards.* Instituted and standardized a new logo to rebrand the school.* Propelled the overall brand, acquiring national recognition as a resource for environmental and sustainability research and education. * Established an event-management system that handled more than 30 events annually and attracted 2.3K guests.* Oversaw the annual giving and donor stewardship programs, specifically regarding class gift campaign development and execution.* Expanded growth and initiated social media presence, engaging 4.6K students, alumni and donors.

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Enthusiastically spearheaded the creation of a suite of collateral designed to promote alumni awareness, fundraising techniques and community engagement in alignment with the University's goals and objectives. The suite of diverse communications tools included an award-winning magazine, alumni-specific websites and emails, a network of electronic newsletters and the authoring of the weekly "Executive Briefing" distributed among statewide political and governmental leaders. Strategically advised the university president, deans and fundraising staff regarding communication strategies and tactics.

Master'S Degree, Journalism

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Organizational Leadership

ABD

Bachelor'S Degree, English Language And Literature/Letters

Activities and Societies: Editor, student newspaper

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Organizational Leadership

ABD