Hammond, Indiana Director of Community and Public Relations ( September 2011 to present) Directed all public and community relations for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. Act as the liaison between the Authority and the media to maximize exposure for projects and achievements. Issue press releases, organize press conferences, and pitch story ideas. Organize and facilitate media familiarization tours. Maintain database of media outlets for news releases, and maintain database of travel writers, editors and related media associates based on interest. Write and edit press releases and copy for a variety of Bureau publications including: Quarterly Newsletter, E-newsletters and Visitor’s Guide. Coordinate special publications such as the Annual Report and the Destination Development Plan. Track earned media on a monthly basis and maintain archive of articles.Selected Highlights: ─ Produce two monthly e-newsletters, quarterly printed newsletter, Annual Visitors Guide. ─ Since September 12, 2011, earned the Authority $1,245,113 in earned media. Had articles featured in Food Network Magazine and have had 8 minute features with Fox and taped 2 pilots with the Travel Channel.

Tasked with managing department of communication specialists and graphic designers, oversees community, employee and environmental relations as well as creating all back of house communication campaign. Serve as primary communication contact directing all employee communication; oversee and facilitate community relations/volunteer efforts and internal image campaigns; develop promotion kits and internal releases for department leads. Compose executive speeches and memos; manage company communication archives; oversee planning and execution of special events. Generate and coordinate content for social media tools. Address complex and sensitive issues in collaboration with the VP of Human Resources and senior management. Evaluate internal marketing and promotions to ensure campaign messages align with brand standards and strategic goals. Selected Highlights: ─ Successfully partnered with Employee Relations and Executive leaders to develop a tightly focused employee engagement campaign to mitigate employee dissatisfaction with the workplace.─ Commended for expertly managing time sensitive matters regarding compliance and regulations.

Worked with Director of communication to coordinate all communication and public information activities for Brevard County. Expedited communication processes as needed. Entrusted with managing all community and media relations; generated all publications; formulated new internal relations processes for county and elected officials. Constructed annual reports, memos, presentations, communication plans, web updates and events for all county departments. Selected Highlights: ─ Produce monthly newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, public service announcements, press releases, and videotape programs, which report consistent, up-to-date information on department activities and findings. ─ Recommended, developed collateral for department updates which enhanced counties image and accessibility which increases public awareness and feedback on issues. ─ Worked with various state and law enforcement agencies to establish Emergency Communication Plan updates.

Acted as lead communication specialists and graphic designer for the hospital’s education department , home medical division, emergency room and Foundation. Developed and implemented media strategies, cultivate contacts with the news media and wrote and developed materials to support each areas program. Drafted news releases, planned events and developed other strategies to raise the profile of the health system and its work; pitching and arranging interviews and rapidly responding to media inquiries; developing, writing and editing communications materials such as fact sheets, web pages and brochures; talking points and conducting background research; managing media database and tracking activities.Selected Highlights: ─ Successfully created and implemented the Town Hall program/meetings to get community feedback.─ Analyzing Press Ganey Reports to create a marketing plan to better serve the community, as well as, identify the “weak links” of the system and create ways to make them stronger.