CAREER OBJECTIVE
Award-winning professional with strong experience in public relations, journalism, internal and external messaging, nonprofit administration, public safety and emergency management communications, water management and sustainability communications, and municipal operations seeks career growth and leadership opportunities.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Marketing and Communications Director - City of Gainesville, FL
(November 2022 - Present)
Manage a nine-member team of communications professionals that provides public information and marketing support for all City of Gainesville departments and divisions. Service areas include: media relations, broadcast services (City/County Government Access Television-Community 12TV); education and outreach; crisis communications and issues management, web and social media management; ceremonial events and celebrations including the annual State of the City Address.
Marketing and Communications Specialist - Department of Public Safety, Lee County, FL
(December 2020 - November 2022)
Manage external communications, including social media channels, and community relations programs for divisions including Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Communications, Logistics, and others within the department; produce annual All Hazards Guide; develop internal communications to build relationships between divisions; experienced in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and InDesign.
Sr. Public Information and Communications Analyst - City of Durham, NC
(December 2019 - December 2020)
Develop internal and external communication and public relations efforts that are cohesive, consistent, and reflect the mission and brand of the City of Durham and Durham Water Management; share and communicate plans for departmental initiatives including capital improvements, utility billing and repairs, water testing and safety, and water efficiency; produce annual Water Quality Report; handle customer outreach and social media.
Assistant Director, Wake Forest Historical Museum - Wake Forest University
(July 2013 - November 2019)
Write and edit newsletters, direct mail, and appeals; create brochures, exhibit panels, and promotional materials; produce content for social media and website posts on daily/weekly/monthly schedules; develop advertising content, including layout and graphic design; public relations and public programs; participation in the Wake Forest University Slavery, Race, and Memory Project; write and administer grants; conduct oral histories, video projects, and productions; assist and support the board of the nonprofit Wake Forest College Birthplace Society; multi-task projects with varying deadlines; interact with museum stakeholders; oversee interns, volunteers, and event coordination.
Medical Anchor and Reporter, WTVD-TV Raleigh/Durham, NC
(October 1993 - February 1999)
File reports for multiple daily newscasts; anchor and conduct breaking news live-shots and interviews; cultivate relationships with schools, hospitals, health care agencies, government agencies, nonprofits, and university medical schools; arrange video shoots and conduct research; cover deadline-oriented events such as outbreaks, biohazards, and accidents.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
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Adept and consistent message manager focused on brand, image, and reputation
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Versatile writer with a track record of producing high quality video, print, and digital content
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Web manager trained in Civic Engage CMS, Analytics, Accessibility, and Social Media
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
Skilled in public relations • messaging and communications • media outreach • crisis control • publication writing and design • Adobe Creative Suite • video photography and production • grant writing • health and science reporting • water management and sustainability • nonprofit administration • stakeholder relations • events and fundraising • volunteer coordination
Communications: Message and brand leader for government agencies working as content creator for digital, print, and video with a focus on customer relations, reputation and branding, and crisis management.
Project Management: Led a grant-funded archaeology project to survey an historic African American cemetery using ground penetrating radar, detecting nearly 600 unmarked burials and bringing the cemetery Local Historic Landmark recognition and protections.
Administrative: Handled publications, correspondence, bookkeeping, record keeping, board relations, meetings, grant administration, and event planning for the Wake Forest Historical Museum, including the installation, staging, and promotion of Hometown Teams, a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street initiative.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Marketing and Communications Director, City of Gainesville, FL • 2022 - Present
Marketing and Communications Specialist, Lee County, FL • 2020 - 2022
Senior Public Information and Communications Analyst, City of Durham, NC • 2019 - 2020
Assistant Director, Wake Forest Historical Museum (Wake Forest University), Town of Wake Forest, NC • 2013 - 2019
Medical Anchor and Reporter, WTVD-TV, Raleigh-Durham, NC • 1993-1999
EDUCATION
University of Florida • College of Journalism and Communications
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication • Minor in American History
REFERENCES
Michelle Michael
Senior Planner, Town of Wake Forest
919-435-9516
Ed Morris
Executive Director, Wake Forest Historical Museum
919-556-2911