Laura Taylor Zanowski Email & Phone Number

Greater St. Louis

Greater St. Louis Area

St Charles, Missouri, United States

As Director of Communications for U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12), my portfolio included a wide range of on-the-record communications, media relations, public relations, constituent engagement, and more.My first goal after coming on board in March was to develop and execute the member's first comprehensive communications strategy. The final strategy included the creation and execution of rhythmic e-communication to 750,000+ constituents, advanced social media engagement, local and… Show more As Director of Communications for U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12), my portfolio included a wide range of on-the-record communications, media relations, public relations, constituent engagement, and more.My first goal after coming on board in March was to develop and execute the member's first comprehensive communications strategy. The final strategy included the creation and execution of rhythmic e-communication to 750,000+ constituents, advanced social media engagement, local and national media relations, direct mail campaigns, telephone town hall events, and more.In the first six months, I was able to increase social media engagement by 130%. Consistent content posts, paid advertising, and creative strategy doubled the number of followers and likes within that time period as well. The House Democrats Online All Star Competition showed our growth across the national field - jumping from 121st place to 59th of all Democrat House members.By executing an aggressive earned media plan, the member's media hits increased substantially both locally, within the District of Columbia, and within select national outlets. I had the opportunity to build relationships with local and national reporters, producers, station managers, and editors thus developing our earned media portfolio. It was a great accomplishment for our team to see a dramatic increase in member news clips each day.Additionally, I created bi-monthly enewsletters, spoke on the record, wrote press releases, media advisories, and House floor speeches as well as prepped the member for media interviews. These public affairs tactics gave way for more successful engagement with constituents, including telephone town hall events. Average attendance for a U.S. House of Representatives telephone town hall event is approximately 2,000 constituents. Through our comprehensive strategy, we increased name ID and favorability, allowing us to host 6,000 constituents for telephone town hall events. Show less

Illinois' 12Th Congressional District

The 12th Congressional District in Illinois encompasses 12 counties, and is bordered by the Mississippi River on the entirety of the western side. Due to the rural nature of the central and southern portions of the district and urban areas in the north, a diverse and comprehensive communications strategy was necessary.Earned media, social media, paid media (radio, television, print), and media events were all utilized to develop and continue the candidate's brand identity. For 9… Show more The 12th Congressional District in Illinois encompasses 12 counties, and is bordered by the Mississippi River on the entirety of the western side. Due to the rural nature of the central and southern portions of the district and urban areas in the north, a diverse and comprehensive communications strategy was necessary.Earned media, social media, paid media (radio, television, print), and media events were all utilized to develop and continue the candidate's brand identity. For 9 months, the strategy was executed in local pockets as well as in regional media. I worked closely with the campaign's field staff to execute door-to-door and call messaging, as well as with the finance staff to develop asks.The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and local county party chairs were instrumental in developing and executing the communications strategy as well. In the first few months of the campaign, we were able to increase social media engagement 10 fold - with many posts reaching 1000% growth in engagement.My portfolio for this position also included monitoring all media clips, pitching and coordinating interviews, prepping the candidate for media events, developing press conferences, and more. Show less

Illinois

As Director of Scheduling I managed the Lt. Governor's short and long term engagement planning and outreach strategies. In addition, I planned state-wide travel strategies, coordinated events, and managed the daily calendar. This position also allowed me to manage the constituent relations and engagement programs for the Office of the Lt. Governor. I coordinated all mass communications to State of Illinois residents - including an e-newsletter and issue advocacy emails. The outreach… Show more As Director of Scheduling I managed the Lt. Governor's short and long term engagement planning and outreach strategies. In addition, I planned state-wide travel strategies, coordinated events, and managed the daily calendar. This position also allowed me to manage the constituent relations and engagement programs for the Office of the Lt. Governor. I coordinated all mass communications to State of Illinois residents - including an e-newsletter and issue advocacy emails. The outreach program also included individual communications with State residents on a variety of issues.Prior to serving as a Director, I served as "body man" and Assistant to Lt. Governor Sheila Simon. As such, I traveled with the Lt. Governor on a daily basis - staffing her during public events, media interviews, official State business, and more.The position required me to wear many hats - often all at once. Time keeper, secretary, travelling companion, walking calendar, and even a human GPS at times. All encompassing, as Assistant to the Lt. Governor I was always up for the challenge.During this time I also provided daily content for social media accounts, while simultaneously handling the Lt. Governor's private communications. Show less

As Director of Member Services and Marketing I created and implemented all membership and marketing campaigns including acquisition and retention of current, former, and never members of the SIU Alumni Association. As the youngest director at the Association, I considered it a privilege to work in this capacity.Recently, I was given the opportunity to coordinate all marketing communications for the Association and its 245,000+ alumni. A task that requires much organization and team… Show more As Director of Member Services and Marketing I created and implemented all membership and marketing campaigns including acquisition and retention of current, former, and never members of the SIU Alumni Association. As the youngest director at the Association, I considered it a privilege to work in this capacity.Recently, I was given the opportunity to coordinate all marketing communications for the Association and its 245,000+ alumni. A task that requires much organization and team effort.I also oversaw all daily membership operations including daily membership entry, membership customer service, and coordinated all member appreciation events. My position gave me the opportunity to supervise a staff of 6 employees, while working simultaneously with Association departments.During my time at the Association, I assisted in a new computer database implementation including the conversion of over 500,000 alumni and friends records. I have also been fortunate to have achieved the Association's highest membership base ever, 18,000+ members in July of 2009.In January of 2012, I was given the opportunity to develop, coordinate, and execute all marketing campaigns for the SIU Alumni Association. This included communications with 245,000 alumni, through direct mail, electronic marketing, monthly e-newsletters, social media campaigns, telephone calling campaigns, and much more. Show less

As Publicity Coordinator for the SIU Alumni Association, I drafted weekly press releases, event press releases and wrote for the Southern Alumni magazine.I assisted in the coordination of Association Member Appreciation events, and designed related materials including event invitations, menus, posters, and much more.As Publicity Coordinator I also developed the Association's current logo practices by writing the organization's first ever Identity Standards document which is… Show more As Publicity Coordinator for the SIU Alumni Association, I drafted weekly press releases, event press releases and wrote for the Southern Alumni magazine.I assisted in the coordination of Association Member Appreciation events, and designed related materials including event invitations, menus, posters, and much more.As Publicity Coordinator I also developed the Association's current logo practices by writing the organization's first ever Identity Standards document which is still in use today. Show less

As an intern in the Chicago office of then Minority Whip, Senator Durbin, I drafted press releases, acted as an in-office contact for the press and assisted with the Senator's media advisories. I also developed a working contacts list of Illinois assembled media.I often worked 12 to 14 hours days without hesitation and accompanied the Senator on field outings and press conferences. When the press secretary was out of the office, I filled in and assisted with her duties.I also… Show more As an intern in the Chicago office of then Minority Whip, Senator Durbin, I drafted press releases, acted as an in-office contact for the press and assisted with the Senator's media advisories. I also developed a working contacts list of Illinois assembled media.I often worked 12 to 14 hours days without hesitation and accompanied the Senator on field outings and press conferences. When the press secretary was out of the office, I filled in and assisted with her duties.I also had the opportunity to work with the Senator's constituents and work through various problems to find a valuable solution. Show less

Ma, Professional Media Practice

Bs, Journalism And Integrated Marketing Communications & Advertising

Activities and Societies: Alpha Gamma Delta, Inter-Greek Council, Undergraduate Student Government, Student Finance Committee.