Strategy-first marketing communications professional who believes a relationship is the most important deliverable.

Leader of an award-winning media relations program, securing more than 100 million media impressions annually.

Thoughtful storyteller with nearly 30 years of professional writing experience.

Crisis-tested spokesperson with experience in proactive and reactive environments.

Ethically guided brand manager who believes cause marketing must be mission-focused.

Career Summary

National Grid (2021 to Present)
Strategic Communications Manager: August 2021 to Present

  • Lead media relations activities for energy delivery provider in Central and Northern New York. Collaborate on media strategy for upstate New York markets.

  • Develop media campaigns and pitch reporters for proactive media opportunities. Represent the company as spokesperson in reactive instances.

  • Manage consumer and investor news releases in accordance with state and federal regulations.

  • Plan and execute internal and external events.

  • Provide crisis and incident counsel and response during blue- and black-sky conditions. Act as the local public information officer during storms and emergencies, in accordance with emergency response plans.

Alzheimer’s Association (2003 to 2021)
Chief Communications Officer: March 2011 to August 2021
Director of Communications and Information Technology: July 2008 to March 2011
Public Affairs Director: January 2005 to July 2008
Coordinator of Public Relations/Advocacy: March 2003 to January 2005

  • Developed and executed marketing strategy to grow programs and services reach to individuals impacted by dementia.

  • Led local implementation of marketing strategy for national peer-to-peer fundraising events.

  • Developed, designed and produced constituent marketing collateral related to events, annual fund, and programs.

  • Coordinated digital marketing communications program, including email, website, social media, and search engine marketing. Benchmarked and analyzed digital channels.

  • Managed and coordinated multichannel advertising program to increase mass-market concern and awareness through television, print, digital, radio and out-of-home campaigns.

  • Developed news releases, position statements, talking points, and constituent communications for internal and external usage. Provided message and media training to staff at all levels.

  • Acted as chapter spokesperson. Provide crisis communications direction and counsel.

  • Served on chapter’s senior management team, contributing strategic leadership and oversight of communications, government affairs and information technology to support chapter operations.

  • Member of the Alzheimer’s Association constituent email advisory group, social media task force, nationwide marketing workgroup and public policy advisory council.

Regional Marketing Liaison (February 2018 to August 2021)

  • Coached communications staff in New York State to achieve strategic plan goals related to marketing communications.

  • Provided leadership and consultation on issues of branding, media relations, digital marketing and content marketing. Consulted with programs and services, development and public policy staff across New York State to adapt best practices to achieve key performance indicators.

  • Interfaced regularly with chapter and regional executives and functional area leads, offering counsel and feedback on strategic plan progress and daily operations.

  • Represented New York State on the Alzheimer's Association national marketing council.

Coalition of New York State Alzheimer’s Association Chapters (2003 to 2016)
State Government Affairs Contact: May 2013 to November 2016
Chapter Staff Liaison: March 2003 to Present

  • Directed statewide agency-to-advocate communications, including online advocacy engagement of more than 80,000 Alzheimer’s advocates. Assisted in managing Facebook and Twitter accounts.

  • Developed and edited position papers, letters of support, legislative platforms, and other peripheral materials.

  • Developed and executed media strategy, and acted as spokesperson. Represented the Coalition at community gatherings and government functions.

  • Interacted with leaders of New York State government and the United States Congress in advocacy of legislative, funding and regulatory positions.

  • Principal organizer of annual statewide advocacy rally, gathering more than 150 advocates.

Bryant & Stratton College, Syracuse North Campus (2003 to 2010)
Adjunct Instructor: January 2003 to December 2010

  • Graphic design courseload included problem solving and marketing, digital image editing, career preparation, typographic design, page layout, and vector-based graphic design

  • Liberal arts courseload included research and writing, and career preparation

Cablexpress Technologies (2001 to 2002)
Copywriter: May 2001 to January 2002

  • Led the creation and development of internal communication pieces, including promotional and training materials for sales staff, and speeches, presentations and written communication from senior leadership to employees.

  • Developed and produced printed and electronic communications to support corporate marketing plan. Edited and proofread all external corporate communication.

  • Composed executive correspondence and speeches.

  • Contributed to redesign and rewrite of corporate and product websites, and e-newsletters.

Syracuse University Office of Athletic Communications (1999 to 2001)
Assistant: August 1999 to May 2001

  • Acted as primary media liaison for the men's and women's swimming and diving, and women's volleyball, softball, and tennis teams.

  • Assisted the primary media liaison for nationally-ranked football, men's and women's basketball, and men’s lacrosse teams.

  • Wrote and designed media and recruitment guides

Education

Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication
Master of the Arts, 2001
Concentration: Newspaper Journalism

St. Bonaventure University
Bachelor of the Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, 1999
Major: Journalism/Mass Communications     Minor: History

Volunteer and Community Service

  • Public Relations Society of America, Central New York Chapter, board member (2021 to Present)

  • Show Us CNY, assistant to the principal organizer (2014 to 2018)

  • Social Media Breakfast Syracuse, advisory committee (2013 to 2018)

  • Future Fund of CNY (Central New York Community Foundation), steering committee (2005 to 2008)

  • Erie Canal Museum, Board of Trustees (2005 to 2006)

  • Onondaga Citizens League, Board of Directors (2005 to 2006)

  • Thursday Morning Roundtable, Syracuse University, member (2005 to 2007)

Awards

  • Best Column — second place, presented by the Syracuse Press Club (2024)

  • Best Critique — honorable mention, presented by the Syracuse Press Club (2024)

  • Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Public Policy — State Actions, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association (2016, 2017, 2018)

  • Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Public Policy — Congressional Actions, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association (2016, 2017, 2018)

  • Outstanding Achievement in Increasing Concern and Awareness, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association (2012, 2017, 2018)

  • Constant Contact E-Marketing All-Star (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)

  • M&T Bank/CNY Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award (2006)

Tech Proficiencies

  • Hootsuite Pro social media marketing platform

  • Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics

  • Adobe Creative Cloud, including graphic design, web design and audio production platforms

  • Microsoft Office

  • CMS platforms including WordPress, Kentico and RedDot

  • Google Apps for Business, Google Analytics and Google AdWords

  • Blackbaud fundraising products, including The Raiser’s Edge and Luminate