Creative culture- and brand-minded messaging pro at ease with global communications--from public relations and marketing communications to internal and executive communication. Expertise honed while working with some of the world's leading consumer, technology and industrial brands. Strong writer/editor with keen visual eye. A dynamic blend of agency and corporate experience.
Global PR, Marketing, Communication Pro
Micron Technology
May 2015
to August 2019
Full-time
San Jose
United States - California
- I understand that every business decision has a communication implication, whether internal or external. I work hard to truly understand the news and competitive landscapes to stay attuned to perception and sentiment, which are always changing.
- Today, I hang my conceptual and analytical hats on the topics of strategy, leadership, presentation coaching, the art of dialogue and the science of perception.
- Developed and delivered integrated communications programs for Corporate Strategy and FY19 Key Priorities teams, as well as business units.
Solopreneur
Your Sunny Day, LLLC
April 2013
to 2016
Full-time
Boise
United States - Idaho
- Sustainable textile start-up and creator of functional, fashionable accessories
- Developed product line, sourced global materials and manufacturers, produced samples to gather consumer feedback, and developed relationships with retailers
Manager, Strategic Communications & PR
ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston
August 2005
to October 2013
Full-time
Eagle
United States - Idaho
- Managed multiple agencies to drive internal and external communications—advertising, public relations, marketing communications, video branding/storytelling, social media and corporate responsibility—for ConAgra Foods’ largest brand, Lamb Weston
- Developed communications strategy and messaging, then conducted media training for spokespeople across the organization--from agricultural services to international sales and marketing, plant management to executives--to ensure consistent brand messaging
- Managed sensitive media topics, such as GMO, acrylamide, product recalls, pesticides, etc.; enabled Lamb Weston to tell its leadership story wherever possible; engaged plant employees and improved safety performance with successful safety campaigns; created highlight reels to engage all employees
- Worked with potato and sweet potato farmers to help such customers as McDonald's, Burgerville, Sonic, Chick-fil-A, Arby's tell the farm-to-fork story of Lamb Weston french fries to their consumers
- Created experiential customer plant tours with customized presentation training, messaging and visual story support at plant locations. Directed the creation of visual/digital imagery and video development to support our sustainability story, farm-to-fork
- Orchestrated community and public relations outreach prior to the opening of the first LEED platinum frozen sweet potato processing plant in the world. Media wins included front-page Wall Street Journal and The New York Times stories as well as numerous vertical publications; managed post-opening, ongoing sustainability and sweet potato category news for an additional 18 months
- Orchestrated starring role for unique, better-for-you food product in five Super Bowl Celebrity Events, including annual ESPN event, Victoria's Secret party, and Style Villa, capturing millions of print and online media impressions
- In prior role with the company, managed public relations, and integrated marketing and branding initiatives, for four B2B business segments and their respective value-added brand portfolios: ConAgra Mills, Gilroy Foods, Spicetec, and ConAgra Trade Group
Sr. Manager Communications
Cerner Corporation
August 2001
to August 2004
Full-time
Kansas City
United States - Missouri
- Managed all aspects of marketing for two lines of business for the largest independent healthcare information technology company in the U.S.
Developed strategy, messaging, and integrated internal and external launches. Directed corporate communications and branding initiatives, including brand and product advertising, multi-media and interactive communications, print collateral, and direct mail.
Managed staff of six, plus freelancers and agencies.
Director Public Relations
Zillner Marketing
August 2003
to August 2004
Full-time
Lenexa
United States - Kansas
- Directed public relations and managed multiple clients for this mid-size marketing and advertising firm, which specializes in marketing to seniors, also known as the "chronologically gifted"
- Developed annual plans; managed creative strategy; and managed $1+ million in budgets for collateral, direct mail, and print, radio and television advertising
Manager Public Relations and Creative Services
Captaris
July 2001
to July 2003
Full-time
Tucson
United States - Arizona
- Drove global and domestic public relations and communications initiatives for this enterprise B2B wireless/unified messaging technology firm. Managed PR agencies in Dallas (domestic market), San Francisco (France, Italy, Germany, Spain), Belgium (Benelux region), and Portland (Web initiatives). Worked with corporate branding team to bring acquired business units together. Engineered and orchestrated the agency review process; initiated Web and off-line PR initiatives to support corporate branding and messaging, product launches, trade shows, Web conferencing, and other sales and marketing programs. Managed staff of five.
Content manager
Prodigy
1995
to 1997
- Developed content for three segments; managed relationships with content providers
Vice President
Giles Communications
June 1993
to June 1995
Full-time
Mt. Kisco
United States - New York
- Managed four divisions of agency flagship account, Yamaha Corporation of America. Also managed American Music Conference (AMC) and Music Educators National Conference accounts. Developed Grammy Award PSAs to convey importance of music education. Generated the greatest number of media impressions in AMC's history when breaking an international music education and science story, working with all New York print/broadcast media: Dateline NBC, The Today Show, The Jay Leno Show, Paul Harvey News, The Osgood File, The New York Times, Washington Post, Associated Press, CNN, LA Parent, Self, Redbook, AARP, Boston Globe, USA Today, among others
- Developed and managed international public relations program for U.S. Global Health, a joint venture between PepsiCo World Trade and Columbia-Presbyterian in Moscow
- Managed staff of six team members, plus freelancers
- Established time and profit benchmarks. Doubled numerous retainers
Sr. Account Executive
Hopkins & Associates
June 1989
to June 1993
Full-time
Dallas
United States - Texas
- Managed hundreds of projects for Toyota, Lexus, PageNet and Occidental Chemical Corporation, from crisis and corporate media training, writing and producing marketing collateral, planning and implementing national, regional and local media relations programs, promotions, and events, and coordinating a multitude of sales and customer service projects.
Doubled Toyota market share in four-state region; generated 4.6 million news impressions with 232 stories in six months to position PageNet as the industry leader, including a front-page The New York Times business story.
- Performance art
- Literature, art and design
- Trendspotting
- Global travel, cultural fitness, www.beculturallyfit.com
- Other
- Life-long learning
- Innovation
- Responsible textile development
- Mindfulness
- Develop and execute strategic corporate communications and marketing communications plans
- Define and communicate company and brand messaging, creating awareness and deepening team member engagement
- Superior writing/editing skills with keen visual eye
- Presentation coaching
