Michael Cottingham Email & Phone Number

Randleman, North Carolina, Us

I collaborate with others to provide leadership, strategic direction, and execution of all organizational marketing and communication initiatives. My team is charged with leveraging strategy, innovation, and creative approaches to bring greater awareness to Victory Junction’s mission and impact.

Founded and lead a marketing and communications consulting agency focused on helping nonprofits and small businesses reach target audiences and drive revenue. Services include:Strategic marketing and communications plan developmentMedia, public relations, social media, and thought leadership strategyBrand and core message development Digital and print materials designWebsite creation and updatesSuccess and feature story identification and creationMedia and brand ambassador training

Basel, Basel, Ch

Media relations contact for national and regional news media. Wrote, edited, and issued press releases, employee features, crafted media responses for leadership, and secured placements in top agricultural publications.Participated in global communications team calls, providing updates on U.S. issues and media developments.Worked cross-functionally with legal, regulatory, and state affairs to produce issues management messaging and strategies to protect Syngenta’s Freedom to Operate.Wrote Q&As and talking points for leadership and employees.Developed scope of work for media relations consultants and led meetings to support targeted outreach strategies.Collaborated with PR agency, IT, and marketing teams to update key messaging and content on U.S. website.Spokesperson at national conferences and trade shows, and supported onsite event leadership media interviews.Developed media training covering verbal and nonverbal media interaction tips, message building, and bridging.

Greensboro, Nc, Us

Managed worldwide United Way brand for the third largest market in North Carolina. Developed and executed marketing strategies, engaging 15,000 donors, 5,000 volunteers, and 11,000 social media followers. Created impactful print, digital, and video collateral featuring inspiring success stories to promote donor and volunteer support, driving awareness, CRM, and fundraising goals. These efforts played a collaborative role in securing a $10 million gift from MacKenzie Scott.Curated year-round calendar promoting large-scale signature events that featured celebrities, educational initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and cause marketing collaboration. These efforts raised $150K – $200K annually through sponsorship and targeted fundraising. Planned and executed communication plans that celebrated the organization's centennial year and major programmatic launches.Acted as media spokesperson and managed crisis and operational change communications.Secured over 100 mixed media hits annually through distribution of press releases, success stories, op-eds, and scheduled programmatic appearances. Collaborated with staff and volunteers to spearhead strategies boosting growth, engagement, and contributions from Affinity Group donors who contributed over $1.7 million annually.Developed talking points and event run of shows for board of directors, president and CEO, staff, and volunteers.Led and motivated a dynamic communications team by establishing, supporting, and tracking individual staff goals. Conducted regular check-ins and performed mid-year and annual performance reviews.Fostered strong working relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board, donors, volunteers, vendors, media, and government officials. Established retail and business collaborations to enhance awareness and extend reach within the broader community.Served on United Way of North Carolina’s Public Policy Team and Marketing Committee, contributing to statewide initiatives.

Winston-Salem, Nc, Us

Managed communications for Wake Forest Baptist Health's Northwest Community Care Network that provided Medicaid patient care management services across 10 counties.Led the creation of a three-year strategic plan, annual communication plan, and developed a merger alliance communications plan.Presented reports to board of directors led by Wake Forest Baptist Health executive leadership. Acted as a state legislative liaison, regularly engaging local leaders and N.C. legislators. Oversaw the annual communications budget and managed vendor/contractor relationships. Chaired the agency communications committee and implemented internal communication policies. Utilized survey tools to assess audience needs and served as the agency spokesperson to the media. Created marketing materials, reports, newsletters, videos, and managed the website and social media.

Oversaw communications for state-contracted agency that managed Medicaid mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services and providers in four counties.Member of Management Team charged with operational oversight. Served as state legislative liaison and had regular contact with local government officials.Developed disaster response plan and served as state-identified 24/7 Disaster Response Coordinator. Developed agency cultural competency plan. Created/led public presentations and other trainings. Created marketing materials, reports, newsletter, videos, and manage website and social media. Served as agency spokesman to media for operational and crisis communications. Co-created annual “FUNday” community event attended by 1,000 people. Created annual provider fair attended by 60 providers which included educational breakout sessions.

Supported marketing and sales efforts for national nutraceutical, Revival Soy. Created materials used to educate physicians, including brochures, one sheets and mass mailings.Distributed materials, secured product approval and office placement through physician office visits. Oversaw public relations efforts and issued local, regional and national press releases.

Created, produced and eventually sold monthly tabloid newspaper.Management, advertising sales, billing and contractual agreements.Story and editorial writing, editing and overall design. Managed contributing writers.Community functions, presentations, and speaking engagements. Performed client advertising/business needs assessments.

Managed/edited section A, contributing writers and photographers.Wrote stories, columns, editorials and generated story ideas. Front page and internal layout, including photo selection. Attended and reported on government meetings. Maintained close relationships with general public and elected officials.