Director, Public Relations, Marketing & Research

I counsel clients to strengthen relationships and build credibility with their publics. Strategize marketing and communications initiatives to maximize growth, enhance customer service and stay ahead of the competition. Research and discovery to help clients understand the target audiences they need to reach and how to communicate with them. Diverse client base represents nonprofit, B2B, and government organizations in public service, education, health care, aerospace, banking, industrial and entrepreneurial arenas.

A big picture thinker with a “rubber meets the road” approach to successfully implementing marketing strategies, public relations campaigns and market research. Demonstrated leadership, problem solving and planning skills have strengthened customer relations, influenced public policy, enhanced corporate image, increased client satisfaction, expanded market share and improved service delivery for business, nonprofit and government organizations. Experienced company spokesperson, manager, relationship-builder, facilitator, mediator, fundraiser, trainer, writer, producer and public speaker.

I can relate to chameleons. Some days I am an architect, others – a firefighter. Whatever the situation calls for me to do, that’s the hat I’ll wear. Thoughtful strategist or crisis manager, writing or research, creative or logic, coach or team player. My ability to flow in and out of these roles and responsibilities comes from experience and unwavering optimism that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Education

North Carolina State University

Bachelor of Arts.  Writing and Editing  (Dec. 1980)  Dean’s List.
Bachelor of Science. College of Natural Resources  (May 1980)  Dean’s List.
Graduate Study (May-June 1980)    Directed by Dr. Joseph Manjone (U. of Alabama)

Professional Development (includes)

Priority Management.  Quality Management. Process Improvement. Marketing. Government/ Public Information. Major Gifts Fundraising. Resource Development. Customer Service. Interpersonal Relations. Time Management. Business-to-Business Advertising. Medical Terminology.  Effective Speaking and Human Relations (Dale Carnegie) – certificates. AMA Third National Congress on Customer Satisfaction.

Professional & Volunteer Activities

  • Accredited Public Relations Professional since 1989
  • President, Killingworth Library Association Board of Directors (2009, 2010). Board member since 2006
  • President, Board of Directors, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Connecticut Valley Chapter (2001), Board member 1998 – 2002
  • APR Accreditation Coach/Maintenance Chair (PRSA): 1998 – 2009
  • National Officer, Treasurer – PRSA Public Affairs & Government – 1991 to 1994
  • National PRSA Assembly Delegate (1998 – 2000)
  • AMISTAD America: Co-chaired PRSA’s community service project, handling media relations for Amistad launch. Personally handled Amistad’s PR needs “pro bono” for year following launch.
  • CRIS Radio for the Blind and Print Handicapped (broadcaster, producer- 5 years)
  • Reading/ Literacy Tutor: 1st grade students (KES), New Britain H.S. foreign students

National & Local Recognition

  • Named 2009 Public Relations Practitioner of the Year for Southern New England, PRSA
  • Mercury, Effie, ADDY and VSHPRM Awards
  • PRSA Merit Awards
  • Famous Former Honoree: Girl Scouts of America
  • CRIS Radio Volunteer
  • U.S. Master’s Swimming Medalist