Laura Byrnes, Apr, Cprc Email & Phone Number

Ocala, Fla.

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a business-led nonprofit currently serving more than 20,000 job seekers and more than 1,600 employers. The service area covers three counties (Citrus, Levy and Marion with more than 600,000 residents in North Central Florida) where unemployment remained among the highest in the state. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is part of the state's unified CareerSource Florida workforce system of 24 workforce development regions and nearly 100 career centers.As… Show more CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a business-led nonprofit currently serving more than 20,000 job seekers and more than 1,600 employers. The service area covers three counties (Citrus, Levy and Marion with more than 600,000 residents in North Central Florida) where unemployment remained among the highest in the state. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is part of the state's unified CareerSource Florida workforce system of 24 workforce development regions and nearly 100 career centers.As communications director, I am responsible for public relations, brand and marketing strategies; managing all community and media relations efforts; developing communications plans, materials and story lines; and extending the brand's social media presence by growing current assets and pursuing opportunities in emerging social media in tandem with the communications team's Digital Marketing Manager.Highlights include:Serving as project lead managing all corporate website redesigns and rebrands as well as serve as site administrator and editor. Also served on CareerSource Florida's statewide unified brand advisory panel, one of only three communications professionals selected from among Florida regional workforce boards. In addition, served on the statewide digital strategy committee and led CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion's brand transition team. Show less

Ocala, Florida Area

Delivered strategic, integrated communications and brand development with emphasis on the media and nonprofits.

Ocala, Fl

Led concept development, planning, creation and management of public relations and marketing strategies for the museum, including media relations; developed internal and external publications and communications; planned, coordinated and executed exhibition openings, receptions and other museum events; supervised events staff and volunteers; served as liaison between the Museum and Central Florida Community College’s office of Marketing and Public Relations.

Ocala, Fl

Produced features, in-depth articles, investigative news stories and columns for Florida publications as well as for Ocala Life and Life in the Heart of Florida magazines; served on corporate Standards and Practices, (Ethics), FISH and Archive Preservation committees, as well as the United Way Employee CampaignDeveloped; planned and coordinated award-winning readership initiatives; mentored members of the reporting staff.

Specialized in strategic planning, communications, special publications and collateral materials as well as promotional features.

Developed organization’s first strategic marketing and communications plan; managed media/public relations relations, marketing, internal and external communications/publications; coordinated key events/programs including annual campaign kickoff, annual meeting, Day of Caring and Young Leaders Society; provided collaborative support for Success By 6, First Call For Help, and Loaned Executives training.

Ocala, Fl

Produced award winning in-depth news stories, features and investigative reports covering the judicial system, education, and local and state government, as well as provided regular off the beat commentary. Served as Vice President of Programs for the Florida Press Club. Received recognition for reporting from the FPC, including its highest honor now known as the Frances DeVore Award for Public Service, the Florida Press Association, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, the Florida Bar… Show more Produced award winning in-depth news stories, features and investigative reports covering the judicial system, education, and local and state government, as well as provided regular off the beat commentary. Served as Vice President of Programs for the Florida Press Club. Received recognition for reporting from the FPC, including its highest honor now known as the Frances DeVore Award for Public Service, the Florida Press Association, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, the Florida Bar, Florida School Boards Associaiton, and the Florida Education Associaiton. Show less

Intensive Leadership Training

LeadershipFPRA is designed to provide public relations professionals with tools needed to become leaders in their organizations.

Bachelor'S Of Science, Political Science

Completed undergraduate work for BS degree in Political Science

Bachelor'S Of Science, Political Science

Activities and Societies: Debate Team and member of Pi Kappa Delta; Black Hills Today student/campus newspaper; SHED lobbyist/advocate.