Lesley M. Cheers Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Led all public relations and communications efforts for Booth’s campuses in North America (Chicago), Europe (London) and Asia (Hong Kong). Responsibilities included internal and external communications, crisis and reputation management, executive and channel management and cross-unit integration.

Singapore, Singapore, Sg

Led internal and external communications for GLP’s U.S. platform, a multibillion-dollar global investment manager specializing in logistics and related technology investments. Responsibilities include executive messaging, media relations, crisis management, storytelling for all brand initiatives, and working cross-functionally to ensure cohesive and effective messaging.Key Accomplishments: Developed a yearlong communications strategy to raise GLP’s profile in the U.S. to differentiate the brand as a global leader in modern logistics and fund management. Integrated components included the development of a compelling narrative, thought leadership initiatives, and storytelling across all communication channels.Counseled executives through the company’s two significant transitions – the GLP U.S. acquisition by Blackstone and the conversion/upgrade of the organization’s accounting platform that resulted in a reduction in force. Prepared all scripts and speaking points to drive accurate and authentic messaging, while maintaining a positive company culture. Worked across disciplines to train group leaders to communicate the changes to direct reports and third-party partners. Identified potential risks and points of resistance and developed specific plans/timelines to mitigate and address concerns.Developed a global, comprehensive plan encompassing crisis communication and issue management protocols for all GLP countries.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Led public relations and digital initiatives for one of Chicago’s most visited attractions welcoming more than 9 million annual guests. Served as key communications advisor to the Executive Leadership Team. Spearheaded awareness and communication of Navy Pier’s new narrative through earned, shared and owned media platforms, as the 100-year-old landmark evolves into a leading mission-driven cultural district. Key Accomplishments:Oversaw the creation and delivery of the Pier’s new core key messaging, leveraged in all internal and external communications, including press releases, executive speeches, paid advertising, digital engagement and website copy. Revamped the internal communications strategy to successfully promote Navy Pier’s new narrative to key internal stakeholders.Partnered with the City of Chicago and other key organizations to showcase Navy Pier to local, national and international audiences. Accomplishments include a heavily attended press conference with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to introduce Exhibitionism, the Rolling Stones’ first major exhibition, recognition from Concierge Preferred as one of Chicago’s top cultural attractions and a highly successful PR campaign for Navy Pier’s Here Hear Chicago project with EXPO CHICAGO and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Marquee media placements include Travel & Leisure, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Chicago magazine and a published article in Newcity magazine, as well as media coverage and blog posts in Chinese, German and British outlets. Wrote speeches/presentations for Navy Pier’s CEO, including an annual keynote speech at City Club of Chicago.Experienced 10 percent growth in social engagement within one year after introduction of the Pier’s new digital strategy.Handled proactive/reactive crisis communication, including union issues and TIF funding allegations.Managed a team of four and oversaw forecasting and budgeting for the Communications/PR department.

Chicago, Il, Us

Brand and reputation management for a multibillion-dollar, publicly traded REIT with more than 120 “best-in-class” retail properties throughout the United States. Directed communications for internal and external audiences, with oversight and approval of brand messaging across the portfolio. Developed corporate press materials, key messages and speeches for company initiatives and C-suite executives. Spearheaded the PR function for all corporate marketing campaigns, established communications protocol and conducted media training courses for management teams across the country. Engagement across all disciplines and levels of the company, with a deep understanding of roles and communication tools for audiences. Key Accomplishments:Managed highly sensitive internal company initiatives and provided strategic communications counsel to C-suite executives. Served as part of the leadership team that prepared GGP for its history-making Chapter 11 filing, managing a multidisciplinary internal team to ensure availability of prompt and accurate communications materials for all key stakeholders. Successfully managed national and local crisis, serving as the key communications strategist on all incidents. Minimized negative coverage across national and high-profile media outlets. Served as lead advisor to the Executive Leadership Team. Directed communications to mall partners in the positioning of GGP’s message and media trained GGP spokespersons.First-of-its-kind DreamWorks Animation holiday partnership, featuring Khloé Kardashian, garnered 750+ million media impressions and more than $5M in advertising value, with key placements in People magazine, E! Entertainment, Extra and LA Times.Shop Til You Rock, featuring Demi Lovato, gained 113 million media impressions, with more than $2M in ad value. Each target market received an average of 3.9 story placements, and nearly 100% of local placements mentioned the local mall activity and live concert.

Client Projects: Golin / McDonald’s Communicated national program initiatives and new product launches, developed marketing materials, and wrote key program messages for executives, spokespersons, corporate employees and celebrities. Helped spearhead 30th-anniversary program for Ronald McDonald House Charities, as well as new McDonald’s Balanced Lifestyles Initiatives. Edited press materials, coordinated media interviews for celebrity spokesperson, managed third-party partnerships with Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital and Southwest Airlines, and created newsletter on industry-changing initiatives. Bradbury Sports, Inc. Spearheaded inaugural charity event for the national Quarterback Club of Chicago, honoring Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah as player of the year. Handled all logistics, including site selection, signage, advertisements, video highlights and celebrity attendance.

New York, Ny, Us

Managed $1M PR budget and developed PR strategies/tactics for the ConAgra/ADA health and wellness program Home Food Safety, It’s in Your Hands. Managed client relationships, created program ideas/story angles, secured media interviews, coordinated event logistics, identified partnerships and media trained celebrity spokesperson George Foreman. Recipient of multiple awards, including 2001 Golden Trumpet Community Relations Award, 2000 PR Week Community Relations Award and 2000 Chicago PRSA Skyline Award.