* Arts and Entertainment * Beverage * Consumer * Food * Gaming * Hospitality * Hotels * Museums and Cultural Institutions * Not-for-Profit * Performing and Visual Arts * Pharmaceutical * Publishing * Restaurants * Sports * Tobacco * Travel *

WORK HISTORY
• Communications Manager, SPACE, 2009-present (part-time position)
• Freelance Communication Consultant, various, Chicago, IL. 2009
• Account Executive, Carol Fox & Associates, Chicago, IL. 2006-2008
• Senior Account Executive, Serafin & Associates, Chicago, IL. 2001-2006
• Media Manager, Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago, IL. 1997-2001

Media Relations
• 10+ years of experience in the public relations field including working within an agency setting.
• Experience in earned media, special events, public affairs, legislative, crisis, information management and marketing communications successfully servicing a wide range of clients including those in the arts, entertainment, not-for-profit, consumer, travel, hospitality, restaurant and beverage, sports, gaming, tobacco and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Have garnered national exposure for clients including coverage in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Salon, Marketwatch, Midwest Living, “CBS Sunday Morning,” NPR, Oprah.com, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Arts & Antiques.
• Demonstrated excellence in creating and implementing effective communication plans including preparing press materials and electronic and print press kits; disseminating information to media outlets; intensive pitching and follow-up; fielding media inquiries and measurement.
+ Increased visibility of key account with local, regional and national media securing over $1,750,000 in earned media and 18.6% attendance increase over two seasons.
• Managed multiple accounts and acted as primary liaison between agency and clients; responsible for client strategy and effective day-to-day communications.
• Successfully created and coordinated FAM trips for clients including lodging, transportation, entertainment and activities.
• Knowledge and application of social media including blogs, podcasts and social networking sites.

Special Events and Marketing Communication
• Created and coordinated a variety of successful and large-scale special events. Responsible for securing locations and permits, handling technical elements including stage construction and audio/visual; hiring and supervising outside vendors including photographers, printers, transportation and security.
+ Honored by the Publicity Club of Chicago for Excellence in Special Events.
• Created and implemented integrated communication plan designed to attract applicants to a unique and high profile seasonal employment opportunity for key account.
+ Honored by the Publicity Club of Chicago for Excellence in Marketing.
+ Successful campaign garnered more than $250,000 in earned media
including national exposure and eight months of media attention.
• Led insider media tours of facility for international sporting event.
• Extensive experience in developing and writing promotional materials including brochures, newsletters, announcements, catalogs and reports; hired graphic designers and worked with printing companies to produce and deliver accurate written materials in a timely and professional manner.

EDUCATION
B.A. Journalism / Political Science
University of Michigan

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Publicity Club of Chicago
Turf Publicists of America