Kris Lathan Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Chicago, Il, Us

• Lead the strategic, external communications program for MSI's Enterprise Security team.• Serve as a strategic business partner, communications and media counselor to Enterprise Security leadership including sales, product and marketing teams, as well as government affairs, legal and other organizations responsible for safeguarding corporate reputation • Lead the development and execution of product launch and lifecycle communications campaigns across the video solutions & access control and professional commercial radio portfolios to help drive awareness and sales• Manage communications role in crisis/issues management plans, working cross functionally to share critical information with internal and external stakeholders• Partner with corporate communications on thought leadership initiatives that build brand and leadership credibility• Help educate the industry on Motorola Solutions’ commitment to the responsible development and deployment of safety and security technologies • Build and maintain key media relationships and regularly pitch local, regional, national, trade and tech outlets• Manage communications activities at and around priority NA tradeshows

Deerfield, Il, Us

• Served as one of only three issues team strategists covering Walgreens’ 9,000-store footprint. Led situational assessment and response to reputational issues, including retail theft, Walgreens store closures in underserved communities, pharmacy errors, and health equity, among other sensitive situations. Facilitated speedy assessment of events and scope, followed by swiftly navigating and working with executives, pharmacists, and other internal teams for fact-gathering and message development. Secured message approval, mitigated associated reputational risks and media response needs, and served as reporters' primary spokesperson and liaison. • Led a successful communications campaign supporting the Walgreens COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative. Served on the executive committee formed to lower vaccine hesitancy and promote free COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. These efforts contributed to Walgreens successfully administering some 72 million COVID-19 vaccines nationwide, with over 38% of these in health equity areas.• Served as a primary point of contact for nonprofits and grassroots organizations like The Ad Council, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Chicago Urban League, mega-churches, elected officials, civic leaders, and more for joint efforts to address vaccine hesitancy. • Received industry recognition for campaign leadership on vaccine equity, including the prestigious PR Week 2021 "Brand of the Year" and Ragan Communications "Top Women in Communications" awards.• Oversaw the Expressions by Walgreens annual art competition and mental health program, focusing on helping teens cope with peer pressure through creative expression. Efforts increased national participation and earned a 2023 "Golden Trumpet" from the Publicity Club of Chicago.• Led agency team supporting COVID-19 vaccine equity and health equity initiatives, mentored team members, and fostered a culture of creativity and excellence in communications.

Effingham, Il, Us

• Directed internal and external communications for a large audience of dentists, administrative team members, C-suite, and key external stakeholders, respectively.• Led executive communications, including media prep and coordination for the founder and CEO. • Developed and implemented a communications plan for a new HRIS system, "HeartSource."• Disseminated executive email updates, employee newsletters, and key messaging.• Enhanced engagement with dentist surveys through creative PR strategies.• Led issues management response on various topics and served as a spokesperson for media inquiries.• Boosted media coverage through analytics and KPI reporting.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure effective communication strategies.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Led strategic media relations for mental health advocacy, fostering strong journalist relations.• Launched a successful monthly speaker series, driving sell-out attendance and raising public awareness.• Developed media plans for platform issues from suicide prevention to mental health disorders; targeted and secured interviews for the executive director in outlets like the Chicago Tribune and CBS Chicago (WBBM-TV), among others.• Acted as a key relationship manager, representing the organization at crucial mental health meetings.• Developed and distributed daily news digest to key stakeholders, enhancing communication and engagement.• Utilized data-driven insights to optimize communication strategies, achieving measurable improvements in audience engagement and message clarity.• Developed and executed comprehensive, integrated marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and audience engagement.• Crafted innovative marketing campaigns to boost attendance and drive brand loyalty.• Monitored and analyzed marketing performance metrics to ensure effectiveness and make data-driven strategy adjustments.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing strategies with institutional goals.• Supported the evolution of the organization's brand identity and messaging to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.• Oversaw the strategic direction and execution of social media and content marketing initiatives.• Developed content strategies that engaged audiences and built brand loyalty across channels.

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive lead-generation process targeting C-suite executives.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create and present innovative tech solutions proposals to key clients.• Managed the enhancement of corporate narratives for website and email campaigns.• Conducted market trend research and authored blog entries to drive business growth and client satisfaction.• Aligned business objectives with marketing and sales teams to develop a cohesive market strategy.• Led initiatives to innovate and drive business growth through strategic partnerships and client engagement.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

• Managed a team of six and a $1M budget for media relations and external communications.• Achieved exponential growth in annual media placements from 2006 to 2015.• Spearheaded the launch of the organization on multiple social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.• Served as the point of contact in crisis situations, ensuring 24/7 media and social media monitoring.• Worked closely with charitable foundations supporting fundraising and clinical programs for the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center, Prentice Women's Hospital, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and more.• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive messaging and foster a unified brand voice.• Pioneered innovative PR approaches to position priority clinical programs and their clinical thought leaders.• Led crisis communication efforts to maintain public trust during critical incidents.• Created key messages and talking points for executives and key leadership.• Formulated and executed media relations strategy to achieve recognition on healthcare ranking lists.• Collaborated with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and various entities to promote staff doctors, clinical programs, and research efforts.

Dearborn, Mi, Us

•Led all communications and media strategies supporting regional AAA franchise president, including issues and reputation management strategies for AAA's core business lines, including automotive roadside assistance, driver safety advocacy platforms, and AAA's retail insurance and hospitality businesses.• Managed internal and external communications and served as spokesperson for the Midwest region.• Coordinated with the regional home office to execute regional objectives and localized initiatives supporting 30+ Chicagoland locations.• Coordinated the annual Strollerthon event, a community-based awareness drive for the importance of car seat and seat belt safety.• Developed integrated marketing plans to help with community positioning for 30 retail sites, bolstering stores' local brand presence and increasing each store's respective customer footfall.• Partnered with local organizations to foster community relationships and enhance public perception of AAA as the transportation safety, insurance, and travel planning partner of choice.• Developed and implemented strategic marketing partnerships to enhance brand visibility and reach.• Led and mentored a team, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence.• Collaborated with sales teams to enhance marketing strategies to help achieve organizational goals in insurance sales and travel service sales.

Naperville, Il, Us

• Acted as the main media contact and oversaw media responses, interviews, and follow-ups.• Collaborated with the Corporate Communications Director to provide strategic media guidance to senior executives and field engineers.• Worked closely with the CFO to develop important messages and content for Investor Relations, including facilitating outreach and preparing materials for media coverage of investor conference calls and annual shareholder meetings.• Coordinated a statewide grassroots campaign in partnership with Peoples Gas and ComEd in 2003, utilizing Media Relations and Government Relations strategies. This included town-hall forums, informational fairs, and a direct mail campaign aimed at encouraging low-income consumers to sign up early for bill payment assistance.• Managed a team of two media personnel and the corporate librarian..