A.wordsmith is an Oregon-based PR firm focused on thought leadership and content marketing. We excel at getting our clients’ names in print, bolstering their reputation, increasing name and brand awareness, and promoting their expertise.

• Drove new business opportunities in partnership with agency leadership• Focused on identification, evaluation, strategic direction, proposal creation and pitch room experience

Microsoft Cloud & Enterprise Division• Led the execution of several corporate communications plans and strategies, including large-scale, confidential strategic partnership announcements, mergers and acquisitions • Project managed major product launches, events, initiatives, competitive strategies and customer programs that elevated Microsoft’s position the cloud computing market• Established strong relationships with key business and technology media, shaping the narrative to drive impactful coverage results• Proactively counseled clients on media strategy, story placement, content creation and messaging to maximize results• Spearheaded the reinvention of Microsoft’s product reviews program • Led teams to plan, staff and successfully execute product reviewer events • Strategized, developed and implemented crisis communications plans for Microsoft Azure, helping to minimize negative publicity during high-pressure and high-profile situations• Supported press interview preparation, including drafting briefing materials for a variety of Microsoft spokespeople • Provided strategic counsel to Microsoft clients based on knowledge of the media landscape and competitive dynamics, engaging with clients to define goals and develop annual plans for achieving objectives• Developed talking points, blogs, FAQs, pitch documents, executive briefings, social media content, media training, and outreach and engagement strategies for both major news announcements and reactive efforts• Selected for the WE Communications’ Leadership Forum, an exclusive program targeting high potential, high performing individuals at the agency• Received 15+ gold stars and numerous agency “Rockstar” awards for excellence in influential engagement, project management, strategic counsel, team leadership and collaboration• Managed, mentored and trained junior staff to further their knowledge, development and growth at the agency

Microsoft Cloud & Enterprise, Microsoft Research • Managed the customer/partner evidence pipeline for the Microsoft Cloud division, for use in storytelling, event and promotional opportunities• Served as day-to-day client lead on the Microsoft External Research account• Lead integrated communications plans and strategies to help raise awareness and build media mindshare for Microsoft cloud and research investments • Created focused media approach to help build media relationships with the target business/tech/academic/scientific media • Integrated with business groups across the Microsoft account, helping to collaborate on announcements and campaigns

Microsoft Research• Promoted products and initiatives to support Microsoft’s investments in university research projects • Cultivated strong relationships with prominent influencers, leading to strong coverage results for Microsoft Research’s announcements and events

• Sales responsibilities included preparing sales presentations and handling accounts associated with territory quota.• Scheduled advertising insertions, and provided assistance in preparing copy and/or layouts for customers.• Met with clients on a weekly basis, and kept them informed of new advertising opportunities, special sections and promotions.• Provided solutions, resolved disagreements and/or complaints immediately, and followed through with all commitments.• Represented the newspaper in a professional manner for the purposes of advertising sales and service.

Public Relations Intern at a Portland-based advertising and public relations agency. Responsible for assisting public relations managers with various client projects and campaigns.• Assisted with event coordination, research coordination, media relations, press kit assembly, and account coordination.• Wrote press releases, pitch letters, journalistic materials, etc. to be released to media.• Assisted with all media relations functions, as well as tracked client exposure in media.• Participated in client meetings and press conferences.• Established and maintained strong client relationships.