Rikki Crea Email & Phone Number

Hartford, Ct, Us

Reporting directly to the CMO with a dotted line to the CEO, build and lead the Corporate Communications strategy and function for global organization in support of major transformative initiatives to build and strengthen our position as the leading provider of healthcare and scientific laboratory information systems (LIMS). Build change management framework and guide Executive Leadership, project/team leads and employees through cultural, system, process and organizational change. Build internal communications program from the ground up to support geographically dispersed, hybrid global workforce, enhance delivery and efficacy of employee communications and build transparency and trust between leadership and employees. Guide CEO, CTO, CIO, SVP HR and other executive leaders on positioning and messaging to help engage internal audiences and build understanding and alignment around organization strategic goals. Support the CMO in efforts to manage brand reputation across internal and external audiences. Lead communication strategy and messaging for M&A activities and build global crisis management plan and processes. Chief spokesperson and media relations contact.

Program/Project Program Management & Change Partner LeadAs a key member of the USAA Property & Casualty (P&C) “Modernization” Strategic Management team, responsible for providing organizational change management, project management and strategic communication planning and execution in support of corporate-wide transformation of P&C digital/mobile processes, services and new ways of working. Build and lead strategic internal communications strategies to tell the story of the “Modernization journey and transformation” through development of leadership town halls, team meetings, white papers, BOD and employee presentations, videos, newsletters, and digital/social media content to engage, motivate, and empower employees. Advise leadership on communication strategies, messaging, and employee sentiment to ensure alignment of messaging and timely response to employee concerns/needs. Drive and support change management strategies/tactics including employee needs and impact assessments, persona and journey mapping, and change network building to help employees manage change well.

New Britain, Ct

Working as an integral member of the Stanley Black & Decker Change Management and Communications team, responsible for shaping change management strategies for portfolio of complex global initiatives, from discovery and design through global deployment and debrief. Developed and cascaded executive communication materials, including power point decks, key messages, talking points, and global town hall scripts. Gathered/measured/monitored employee feedback, engagement and adoption of new technology and ways of working - developed action plans as needed. Partnered with internal and external resources to prepare strategies for knowledge transfer and training of multiple stakeholders. Served as liaison between external vendors and staff regarding change management and communication functions. (Position eliminated due to Covid related workforce reduction.)

West Hartford, Ct

Key member of Senior Leadership team, reporting directly to CMO with dotted line to CEO and SVP of HR. Managed $750k+/- budget in the direction and execution of corporate internal and external communications, brand development, and strategic marketing initiatives that spanned divisions, product lines and channels. Primary responsibility for CEO and executive communications, as well as Employee, Crisis, and Merger and Acquisition Communications. Directed public relations and social media strategy and execution for corporate brand. Managed multiple team members, marketing leaders, and external PR/marketing agencies. Chief spokesperson.Highlights• Developed/executed comprehensive change management and communication strategy for launch of Legrand’s Eliot (IoT) program (smart home connected devices) to ensure employee, customer and media awareness and promote Legrand’s leadership position in the “smart home” space.• Led internal and external communication planning and execution for $2B in acquisitions in six months. Partnered with business and HR leaders to facilitate brand transitions and integrations for same acquisitions.• Developed targeted customer email marketing campaign resulting in 600% increase of traffic to corporate website.• Partnered with HR on various communication initiatives including development of robust onboarding and recruitment kits, updating of careers website, and development of comprehensive Vision and Values Campaign.

Bristol, Ct

Developed & executed corporate communications strategy to educate, engage, and connect global workforce of 4,000+ to advance the company’s brand, vision, and success. Reported to SVP Human Resources as key member of HR leadership team with dotted line to CEO. Managed administrative and graphic design staff; provided dotted line oversight of eight domestic & international marketing professionals; & direct oversight of multiple external marketing vendors. Managed $700K+/- budget.• Led strategic communications strategy & execution for critical change management initiative to promote new CEO vision/strategy, & dramatic shift from build-to-print manufacturing to IP-based, innovative systems/solutions provider. • Led communications strategy related to multiple acquisitions & divestures. • Partnered with C-Suite executives to develop/drive internal communication campaigns to improve employee engagement; promote regular communication “touch points” between senior leaders & employees; & reach global, decentralized workforce using traditional and digital media including webcasts, company intranet, & CEO blog.• Drove cultural competency across communication channels through standardized translation & leveraging of mixed media channels to address international workforce.• Led project management of redesigned SharePoint Intranet site with responsibility for budget, vendor selection, building & leading of internal project team & focus groups.• Developed global corporate social media policies & best practices, conducted social media training, & launched social media marketing campaigns involving Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & YouTube for US & European strategic business units/brands.• Central member of IT Council chartered with building & expanding corporate IT infrastructure & communication technology portfolio.• Key member of Global Engineering & Technology Forum - responsible for building culture of innovation & technology enterprise-wide.

Bristol, Ct

• Developed and executed multi-year strategic communications plan to restructure corporate communications department, develop new internal and external brand identity for organization, align messaging across global business units and marketing functions, and promote awareness and engagement among global workforce. •Led redesign of corporate external website and seven business sub-sites to meet Web 2.0 standards and create aligned branding and messaging across all sites; provide ongoing oversight.• Led design and implementation of common media relations infrastructure across entire organization, including sanctioned press release process, media training, media monitoring, and metrics.• Developed, maintained, and monitored new corporate brand standards serving as central point of guidance and oversight for the organization’s diverse international marketing/communications staff.• Led multiple social media pilot programs in preparation for launch of global, sanctioned social media program • Introduced social media campaign for Barnes Distribution business to support large B2B sales force, including analysis of website traffic, electronic catalog effectiveness, editorial calendar and social media metrics. In first three months, campaign tied to first solid new customer lead. • Served as an active member of the organization’s Cyber Security Task Force charged with securing corporate and business brands through monitoring and safeguarding of digital media channels and efforts, including the implementation of a centralized domain registration and maintenance system.• Led design and implementation of robust multi-faceted internal and external recruiting campaigns to attract Gen X and Y engineering, technology, and IT talent.

Developed and executed short-and long-term strategic marketing plans and solutions that integrated mixed-media print and digital channels. Worked with clients including Yale University School of the 21st Century, Griffin Hospital, United Way, Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, and Carmen Anthony Restaurant Group.• Drove project management, website development, website content development, media buying, brand and identity building, and social media presence building.• Developed email marketing campaigns and newspaper, magazine, and billboard advertising.• Created annual reports, community reports, brochures, newsletters, and promotional collateral.• Wrote press releases, op-eds, copy, speeches, and provided legislative correspondence services.• Conducted social media training workshops.• Supervised creative team contractors; managed third-party vendors.

Drove strategic planning and implementation of all communications and marketing activities; developed annual marketing budget. Managed third-party agencies and coordinated staff media interviews.• Spearheaded all print and digital media; website design and development; social media marketing; speech writing; press releases; feature articles; and op-ed writing projects. • Drove rebranding efforts to reflect comprehensive, integrated spectrum of services, organization mission, and role as community safety net. Established PR guidelines, policies, and procedures. Developed corporate social media policy and program. All resulted in boosting private funding donations by 50%.

Change Leadership Program, Organizational Change Management

Advanced Studies Program, Strategic Communications Management

Ms, English & Secondary Education

Master of Science in English

Ba, Communications

Bachelor of Science, Communication