Communications Experience
2016-present University of Virginia, Central Finance / Charlottesville, VA
Communications Manager
Grow positive engagement with UVAFinance across Grounds through a variety of communication channels, as well as partnerships with training, human resources, and all Central Finance departments. Tell stories that show UVA’s mission in action and how UVAFinance makes it possible
Lead communications for Finance Strategic Transformation, a large change initiative involving the implementation of Workday Financials, Adaptive Planning, and a host of other priorities. Employ daily a continuous improvement mindset to adapt content and channels to fit stakeholder needs.
2015-2016 University of Mississippi Medical Center / Jackson, MS
Alumni Affairs and Development / Communications Specialist
Partnered with development staff and university public relations to write and disseminate in-depth features, web stories, university magazines, press releases, organizational reports for the public, and more.
Managed the web presence for Alumni Affairs; currently managing a web redesign and deployment of Net Community for alumni. Utilize SharePoint to maintain vast amounts of content.
Worked within Raiser’s Edge and with the Development team to identify and cultivate donors.
Managed social media platforms for Alumni Affairs, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope. Increased engagement of our alumni and produced content that enhanced the university image.
Wrote and produced all collateral and print materials for Alumni Affairs, from invitations, newsletters, and programs to internal communication pieces and targeted communications to a variety of alumni groups.
2011 – 2015 College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University / Starkville, MS
Director of Communications and Alumni
Served as the sole point of contact for 2000+ alumni of the College of Veterinary Medicine; provided job placement services, regular news, and alumni-focused publications, and organized alumni events for both networking and education.
Identified and courted potential givers in the alumni population.
Grew the College’s outreach programming for young people to include an overnight and day Veterinary Camp (both on-site and at alumni practices), live-broadcast online programming for students, and an Open House event in partnership with regional educators. Managed all publications and online/social media presence for Veterinary Camp and served as a parent liaison.
Pioneered the role of Diversity Officer within the College; led faculty and students in the development of initiatives to promote interest in veterinary medicine in underserved populations; forged partnerships with state and national groups who could help us further these initiatives.
Partnered with leadership in all departments on quality improvement and process improvement projects; solved issues of flow and customer service in the College’s teaching hospital.
Assisted both faculty and students with grant writing, resume writing, proposals, journal articles, presentations, and more. Guided students in planning events and coached them on resume writing and job interviews. Wrote extensively for the College magazine, served as a writer for the Dean, and handled all internal communication.
2010- 2011 Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. / Marion, IL
Event/Volunteer Coordinator
Raised community education and support for a non-profit hospice through public speaking and relationship-building with community leaders and political figures.
Planned and executed community fundraising events from gala functions to golf outings, grossing three times my salary, working with Foundation to support long-term growth. Partnered with individuals, small groups, businesses, and large corporations to raise awareness and funds through community events.
Operated as point person for media, generating positive and consistent coverage for the organization.
2007-2010 St. Mary's Good Samaritan, Inc. – SSM HealthCare / Mt. Vernon, IL
Director of Marketing/Public Relations
Orchestrated and carried out a marketing plan for a two-hospital system within one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the country, including, seven family health centers and three joint ventures; interacted with all clinical departments to strategically build revenue, patient satisfaction, and ensure delivery on our mission statement’s promise to “reveal the healing presence of God.”
Created radio, television, print, and direct mail pieces and purchased advertising space and time, in addition to planning and executing community outreach events and educational programs that grew community education on healthcare topics, provided free and low-cost health screenings to thousands, while also growing key service lines. Built hospital social media presence from the ground up.
Maintained good relationships with media, functioning as hospital spokesperson and public information officer, coordinating interviews and press coverage.
Teaching Experience
2010 – 2011 University of Phoenix, Axia College / Phoenix, AZ
Adjunct Faculty; Online Instruction
Taught communications courses that focused on the fundamentals of written English with a focus on writing in a professional context.
Maintained ongoing personal contact with diverse students across the nation (despite asynchronous communication in an online environment), coaching them on writing, tone, and conduct.
Provided feedback on written work in a way that helpsed individual students maintain and develop a personal style while meeting strict standards of correctness.
2001-2007 Southeastern Illinois College / Harrisburg, IL
Adjunct English Instructor
Taught English courses that focused on the writing process and the analysis of literature and business writing.
Developed lesson plans that achieved the objectives of the college while interesting and challenging the students.
Aided in student retention and achievement through sensitivity to student concerns and needs