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Page 2 of 2 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Mid-America Division (2006-2014) Directed a 12-member professional communications team, spanning eight regional offices and 12 states, for a $325M Biomedical Services Division. Successfully centralized communications and public relations functions through two internal division mergers, creating a model that was subsequently applied to the national organization. • Generated approximately $5 million annually in advertising-equivalent earned and in-kind media though comprehensive divisional media relations strategy, fostering consistent media support within diverse designated market areas. • Successfully managed agency relations and work, including a recipient testimonial video that garnered an international Hermes Award. • Executive editor of all printed and electronic newsletters for stakeholders and supporters. • Directed strategic communications for public policy initiatives, including the 16-year-old blood donor state legislation that resulted in wide spread media coverage and broad public support. • Recognized for operations acumen and selected as communications lead for BioArch Release 1.0, 2.0 and the Donor Relationship Management System deployments – the largest technology infrastructure upgrades ever made by the Red Cross Biomedical Services. Kohnstamm Communications, Inc., Saint Paul, Minn. SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (2005-2006) Led planning of public relations campaigns, with accountability for measurable outcomes, for national and local business and consumer clients. Primary client representative, responsible for account growth, retention and daily counsel. • Secured syndicated media coverage for a natural beverage client vying to go public resulting in more than 1,000 investor inquiries in just three days and nearly half of the $3 million offering goal. • Co-coordinated and supported media relations for two signature recruitment events on behalf of a higher- education client resulting in a 40 percent increase in prospective student inquiries. • Fostered productive relationships with media, including, but not limited to, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, Entrepreneur, and local media outlets. Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, Saint Paul, Minn. COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (2004-2005) MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER (2002-2004) PUBLICATIONS MANAGER (2000-2002) Supported and led strategic communications for the largest local and regional chamber of commerce in Minnesota. Rapidly promoted throughout tenure due to innovativeness and results-orientation. • Composed impactful speeches, policy position articles, legislative testimony and talking points for leadership about business and economic development issues. • Developed media relations strategy, increasing earned media hits 95 percent. • Successfully developed and launched re-engineered website increasing web traffic 306 percent and online sponsorship revenue 68 percent. • Editor of monthly Advocate newsletter, which earned an American Chamber of Commerce Executives “Best Newsletter” Award. EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies, Hamline University Mini Masters in Business Communication, University of St. Thomas Leadership Saint Paul, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Master’s Certificate, Project Management, George Washington University Leadership Education and Development program, American Red Cross National Headquarters REFERENCE S