Beth Milligan, APR
Strategic Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Office of Assessment and Accountability at Michigan Department of Education- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Michelle Fessler
Beth had me at hello. Literally. I was a reporter at The Advocate when we spoke for the first time nearly 15 years ago. She was researching the job she ultimately took (Communications Director for Newark City Schools) and wanted an honest assessment about the district to prepare for her interview. I was impressed. Her questions were smart, insightful and demonstrated her keen ability to think big. She hired me to work with her a few years later and should be credited for ushering me into my current profession. She was a great mentor and showed me how to spread my wings. She proved to be a collaborator with an innate ability to listen. She tore down walls of supervisor/employee and was always open to new ideas even if they didn't "come from the top." We've not worked directly together in almost 10 years, but have continued to learn from one another and grow professionally. Her integrity is second-to-none, which is clearly evident in her success as an independent/consultant/business owner. Beth's ability to "think big" is probably her best attribute and one I still hope to figure out half as much as she has.
Melinda Vaughn
Beth was the Director of Communication for the Newark Schools. She was always available and willing to help find the best way to disseminate information and how to word the information. She up to date on best practices in communication. Beth was able to meet the needs of all clients and able to use many mediums. She is a good listener and problem solver. It is without reservation that I recommend Beth Milligan.
Michelle Fessler
Beth had me at hello. Literally. I was a reporter at The Advocate when we spoke for the first time nearly 15 years ago. She was researching the job she ultimately took (Communications Director for Newark City Schools) and wanted an honest assessment about the district to prepare for her interview. I was impressed. Her questions were smart, insightful and demonstrated her keen ability to think big. She hired me to work with her a few years later and should be credited for ushering me into my current profession. She was a great mentor and showed me how to spread my wings. She proved to be a collaborator with an innate ability to listen. She tore down walls of supervisor/employee and was always open to new ideas even if they didn't "come from the top." We've not worked directly together in almost 10 years, but have continued to learn from one another and grow professionally. Her integrity is second-to-none, which is clearly evident in her success as an independent/consultant/business owner. Beth's ability to "think big" is probably her best attribute and one I still hope to figure out half as much as she has.
Melinda Vaughn
Beth was the Director of Communication for the Newark Schools. She was always available and willing to help find the best way to disseminate information and how to word the information. She up to date on best practices in communication. Beth was able to meet the needs of all clients and able to use many mediums. She is a good listener and problem solver. It is without reservation that I recommend Beth Milligan.
Michelle Fessler
Beth had me at hello. Literally. I was a reporter at The Advocate when we spoke for the first time nearly 15 years ago. She was researching the job she ultimately took (Communications Director for Newark City Schools) and wanted an honest assessment about the district to prepare for her interview. I was impressed. Her questions were smart, insightful and demonstrated her keen ability to think big. She hired me to work with her a few years later and should be credited for ushering me into my current profession. She was a great mentor and showed me how to spread my wings. She proved to be a collaborator with an innate ability to listen. She tore down walls of supervisor/employee and was always open to new ideas even if they didn't "come from the top." We've not worked directly together in almost 10 years, but have continued to learn from one another and grow professionally. Her integrity is second-to-none, which is clearly evident in her success as an independent/consultant/business owner. Beth's ability to "think big" is probably her best attribute and one I still hope to figure out half as much as she has.
Melinda Vaughn
Beth was the Director of Communication for the Newark Schools. She was always available and willing to help find the best way to disseminate information and how to word the information. She up to date on best practices in communication. Beth was able to meet the needs of all clients and able to use many mediums. She is a good listener and problem solver. It is without reservation that I recommend Beth Milligan.
Michelle Fessler
Beth had me at hello. Literally. I was a reporter at The Advocate when we spoke for the first time nearly 15 years ago. She was researching the job she ultimately took (Communications Director for Newark City Schools) and wanted an honest assessment about the district to prepare for her interview. I was impressed. Her questions were smart, insightful and demonstrated her keen ability to think big. She hired me to work with her a few years later and should be credited for ushering me into my current profession. She was a great mentor and showed me how to spread my wings. She proved to be a collaborator with an innate ability to listen. She tore down walls of supervisor/employee and was always open to new ideas even if they didn't "come from the top." We've not worked directly together in almost 10 years, but have continued to learn from one another and grow professionally. Her integrity is second-to-none, which is clearly evident in her success as an independent/consultant/business owner. Beth's ability to "think big" is probably her best attribute and one I still hope to figure out half as much as she has.
Melinda Vaughn
Beth was the Director of Communication for the Newark Schools. She was always available and willing to help find the best way to disseminate information and how to word the information. She up to date on best practices in communication. Beth was able to meet the needs of all clients and able to use many mediums. She is a good listener and problem solver. It is without reservation that I recommend Beth Milligan.
Credentials
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Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
Public Relations Universal Accreditation Board
Experience
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Michigan Department of Education
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United States
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Government Administration
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100 - 200 Employee
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Strategic Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Office of Assessment and Accountability
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Jan 2021 - Present
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Regional Educational Media Center Association of Michigan (REMC)
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Public Relations & Community Engagement Consultant
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2018 - Jan 2021
➥ Challenges: (1) Drive brand awareness and engagement across the organization’s members—28 local regional education media centers operated through the intermediate school district structure—through website, social media, and newsletter channels. ➥ Actions: (1) Ensured voice, brand, and persona consistency across all platforms, optimizing content for on-site SEO, reviewing web analytics to steer improvements, and developing fresh content for blogs, newsletters, and social media… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Drive brand awareness and engagement across the organization’s members—28 local regional education media centers operated through the intermediate school district structure—through website, social media, and newsletter channels. ➥ Actions: (1) Ensured voice, brand, and persona consistency across all platforms, optimizing content for on-site SEO, reviewing web analytics to steer improvements, and developing fresh content for blogs, newsletters, and social media posts. ➥ Results: (1) Secured an increase in the number of registrants for virtual courses, live workshops, and training events. (2) Increased Twitter engagement by 6.9% and followers by 15% in just 12 months. (3) Updated the organization’s marketing and communication plan through a collaborative relationship with an associated public relations firm. Show less ➥ Challenges: (1) Drive brand awareness and engagement across the organization’s members—28 local regional education media centers operated through the intermediate school district structure—through website, social media, and newsletter channels. ➥ Actions: (1) Ensured voice, brand, and persona consistency across all platforms, optimizing content for on-site SEO, reviewing web analytics to steer improvements, and developing fresh content for blogs, newsletters, and social media… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Drive brand awareness and engagement across the organization’s members—28 local regional education media centers operated through the intermediate school district structure—through website, social media, and newsletter channels. ➥ Actions: (1) Ensured voice, brand, and persona consistency across all platforms, optimizing content for on-site SEO, reviewing web analytics to steer improvements, and developing fresh content for blogs, newsletters, and social media posts. ➥ Results: (1) Secured an increase in the number of registrants for virtual courses, live workshops, and training events. (2) Increased Twitter engagement by 6.9% and followers by 15% in just 12 months. (3) Updated the organization’s marketing and communication plan through a collaborative relationship with an associated public relations firm. Show less
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Public Relationships
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Grand Rapids, MI Area
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Public Relations & Community Engagement Consultant
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2006 - Jan 2021
Partner with clients to direct public relations, marketing, and community engagement programming. Assess infrastructures, identify gaps and redundancies, and create strategic action plans to fuel development of communication goals. Independently, or as part of a team, lead content development, graphic design, web site development, and collateral production efforts to support branding objectives. Partner with clients to direct public relations, marketing, and community engagement programming. Assess infrastructures, identify gaps and redundancies, and create strategic action plans to fuel development of communication goals. Independently, or as part of a team, lead content development, graphic design, web site development, and collateral production efforts to support branding objectives.
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SchoolNow
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Public Relations & Community Engagement Consultant
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2017 - 2018
➥ Challenges: (1) Partner with 25+ clients to launch communication solutions—websites, mobile app, and targeted text, voice, email, social media, and web notifications—to connect institutional communities and create a school communication cloud. ➥ Actions: (1) Directed the customer onboarding and project management lifecycle, facilitating kick-off calls, establishing priorities, defining deadlines, and reviewing expectations. (2) Build solutions and architecture based on clients’ needs,… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Partner with 25+ clients to launch communication solutions—websites, mobile app, and targeted text, voice, email, social media, and web notifications—to connect institutional communities and create a school communication cloud. ➥ Actions: (1) Directed the customer onboarding and project management lifecycle, facilitating kick-off calls, establishing priorities, defining deadlines, and reviewing expectations. (2) Build solutions and architecture based on clients’ needs, coordinate content migration from legacy applications, and foster collaboration and communication throughout the project. ➥ Results: (1) Launched 15+ websites for educational institutions across the country, providing initial and ongoing customer training and support to ensure readiness and optimization. (2) Performed quality assurance audits to proactively identify and resolve any pre- and post-deployment issues and concerns. (3) Drove brand and product affinity through unmatched service. Show less ➥ Challenges: (1) Partner with 25+ clients to launch communication solutions—websites, mobile app, and targeted text, voice, email, social media, and web notifications—to connect institutional communities and create a school communication cloud. ➥ Actions: (1) Directed the customer onboarding and project management lifecycle, facilitating kick-off calls, establishing priorities, defining deadlines, and reviewing expectations. (2) Build solutions and architecture based on clients’ needs,… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Partner with 25+ clients to launch communication solutions—websites, mobile app, and targeted text, voice, email, social media, and web notifications—to connect institutional communities and create a school communication cloud. ➥ Actions: (1) Directed the customer onboarding and project management lifecycle, facilitating kick-off calls, establishing priorities, defining deadlines, and reviewing expectations. (2) Build solutions and architecture based on clients’ needs, coordinate content migration from legacy applications, and foster collaboration and communication throughout the project. ➥ Results: (1) Launched 15+ websites for educational institutions across the country, providing initial and ongoing customer training and support to ensure readiness and optimization. (2) Performed quality assurance audits to proactively identify and resolve any pre- and post-deployment issues and concerns. (3) Drove brand and product affinity through unmatched service. Show less
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Allendale Public Schools
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Communications Coordinator
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2016 - 2017
➥ Challenges: (1) Establish a communications program to drive the achievement of the district’s strategic goals, serving as a full-time Communications Coordinator in an employed position. (2) Communicate key messaging to internal and external stakeholders through consistent and engaged channels, minimizing dependence on a community Facebook group. (3) Secure support for 3 ballot issues including a $26 Million bond issue to build a new school to accommodate significant growth. ➥ Actions:… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Establish a communications program to drive the achievement of the district’s strategic goals, serving as a full-time Communications Coordinator in an employed position. (2) Communicate key messaging to internal and external stakeholders through consistent and engaged channels, minimizing dependence on a community Facebook group. (3) Secure support for 3 ballot issues including a $26 Million bond issue to build a new school to accommodate significant growth. ➥ Actions: (1) Constructed a research-driven editorial calendar to fuel the development of targeted messaging across multiple newsletters focused toward staff, community, and district. (2) Leveraged newly established communication mechanisms to promote social media channels, allowing for improved analytics and measurement of readership and response. (3) Raised ballot awareness through leadership of a volunteer campaign team in educating voters and encouraging desired actions. ➥ Results: (1) Secured 57% to 67% YES vote for each of 3 ballot proposals, garnering critical funds ($26 Million) for district investment and operating funds. 2) Achieved a 76% open rate for staff newsletter (3x industry average) and a 47% open rate for biweekly academic year newsletter reaching 3,000+ families and community subscribers (2x industry average). (3) Generated 164.7k impressions or an average of 12.6k impressions/month on new Twitter account with 250+ engaged followers acquired in the first 12 months. (4) Increased followers on district’s Facebook page on migrating it to a business profile, yielding an average engagement rate of 156 and an average reach of 1,298 per post. Show less ➥ Challenges: (1) Establish a communications program to drive the achievement of the district’s strategic goals, serving as a full-time Communications Coordinator in an employed position. (2) Communicate key messaging to internal and external stakeholders through consistent and engaged channels, minimizing dependence on a community Facebook group. (3) Secure support for 3 ballot issues including a $26 Million bond issue to build a new school to accommodate significant growth. ➥ Actions:… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Establish a communications program to drive the achievement of the district’s strategic goals, serving as a full-time Communications Coordinator in an employed position. (2) Communicate key messaging to internal and external stakeholders through consistent and engaged channels, minimizing dependence on a community Facebook group. (3) Secure support for 3 ballot issues including a $26 Million bond issue to build a new school to accommodate significant growth. ➥ Actions: (1) Constructed a research-driven editorial calendar to fuel the development of targeted messaging across multiple newsletters focused toward staff, community, and district. (2) Leveraged newly established communication mechanisms to promote social media channels, allowing for improved analytics and measurement of readership and response. (3) Raised ballot awareness through leadership of a volunteer campaign team in educating voters and encouraging desired actions. ➥ Results: (1) Secured 57% to 67% YES vote for each of 3 ballot proposals, garnering critical funds ($26 Million) for district investment and operating funds. 2) Achieved a 76% open rate for staff newsletter (3x industry average) and a 47% open rate for biweekly academic year newsletter reaching 3,000+ families and community subscribers (2x industry average). (3) Generated 164.7k impressions or an average of 12.6k impressions/month on new Twitter account with 250+ engaged followers acquired in the first 12 months. (4) Increased followers on district’s Facebook page on migrating it to a business profile, yielding an average engagement rate of 156 and an average reach of 1,298 per post. Show less
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LiveRoof Global, LLC
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United States
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Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Public Relations & Community Engagement Consultant
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2015 - 2016
➥ Challenges: (1) Drive awareness and eventual adoption of LiveRoof’s patented hybrid green roof system installed on millions of square feet and more than 1,000 projects globally. (2) Identify projects to fuel publicity and engage media to drive messaging. ➥ Actions: (1) Support LiveRoof growers in identifying potential high-visibility projects resulting in strong PR and media interest. (2) Craft news releases for national distribution via PRWeb and identify media representatives to… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Drive awareness and eventual adoption of LiveRoof’s patented hybrid green roof system installed on millions of square feet and more than 1,000 projects globally. (2) Identify projects to fuel publicity and engage media to drive messaging. ➥ Actions: (1) Support LiveRoof growers in identifying potential high-visibility projects resulting in strong PR and media interest. (2) Craft news releases for national distribution via PRWeb and identify media representatives to evangelize the mission and vision of LiveRoof and its clients’ green roof goals and projects. (3) Coordinate media interviews with HQ reps and local growers. ➥ Results: (1) Secured media coverage for 100% of LiveRoof projects in 2016 through avid relationship building with the grower community. (2) Generated news releases for 20 viable projects in 2015, cultivating a vibrant product showcase for promotion on both internal and external media and web channels. (3) Spurred interest in LiveRoof solutions and new business prospects. Show less ➥ Challenges: (1) Drive awareness and eventual adoption of LiveRoof’s patented hybrid green roof system installed on millions of square feet and more than 1,000 projects globally. (2) Identify projects to fuel publicity and engage media to drive messaging. ➥ Actions: (1) Support LiveRoof growers in identifying potential high-visibility projects resulting in strong PR and media interest. (2) Craft news releases for national distribution via PRWeb and identify media representatives to… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Drive awareness and eventual adoption of LiveRoof’s patented hybrid green roof system installed on millions of square feet and more than 1,000 projects globally. (2) Identify projects to fuel publicity and engage media to drive messaging. ➥ Actions: (1) Support LiveRoof growers in identifying potential high-visibility projects resulting in strong PR and media interest. (2) Craft news releases for national distribution via PRWeb and identify media representatives to evangelize the mission and vision of LiveRoof and its clients’ green roof goals and projects. (3) Coordinate media interviews with HQ reps and local growers. ➥ Results: (1) Secured media coverage for 100% of LiveRoof projects in 2016 through avid relationship building with the grower community. (2) Generated news releases for 20 viable projects in 2015, cultivating a vibrant product showcase for promotion on both internal and external media and web channels. (3) Spurred interest in LiveRoof solutions and new business prospects. Show less
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New Albany Plain Local Schools
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Education Administration Programs
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200 - 300 Employee
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Public Relations & Community Engagement Consultant
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2010 - 2014
➥ Challenges: (1) Revamp communications systems and tools to create consistency of messaging and platforms. (2) Address staggering district growth and the need to communicate efficiently and effectively with 550+ staff and 5,000+ external community stakeholders. (3) Educate staff on the importance of consistency in messaging to reinforce district initiatives. ➥ Actions: (1) Conducted a district-wide communications audit including interviewing process stakeholders—administrators, Central… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Revamp communications systems and tools to create consistency of messaging and platforms. (2) Address staggering district growth and the need to communicate efficiently and effectively with 550+ staff and 5,000+ external community stakeholders. (3) Educate staff on the importance of consistency in messaging to reinforce district initiatives. ➥ Actions: (1) Conducted a district-wide communications audit including interviewing process stakeholders—administrators, Central Office staff, teachers, and support staff—to identify performance improvement opportunities. (2) Developed communications strategies and defined content and quantity of communications. ➥ Results: (1) Crafted a full communications plan for the 2011-2012 school year and built a strong foundation for the next Executive Director of Communications. (2) Established the performance metrics critical to monitoring the effectiveness of communications tools and systems. (3) Aligned strategies and processes throughout the organization and received countless compliments for providing a robust operational and communications framework. Show less ➥ Challenges: (1) Revamp communications systems and tools to create consistency of messaging and platforms. (2) Address staggering district growth and the need to communicate efficiently and effectively with 550+ staff and 5,000+ external community stakeholders. (3) Educate staff on the importance of consistency in messaging to reinforce district initiatives. ➥ Actions: (1) Conducted a district-wide communications audit including interviewing process stakeholders—administrators, Central… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Revamp communications systems and tools to create consistency of messaging and platforms. (2) Address staggering district growth and the need to communicate efficiently and effectively with 550+ staff and 5,000+ external community stakeholders. (3) Educate staff on the importance of consistency in messaging to reinforce district initiatives. ➥ Actions: (1) Conducted a district-wide communications audit including interviewing process stakeholders—administrators, Central Office staff, teachers, and support staff—to identify performance improvement opportunities. (2) Developed communications strategies and defined content and quantity of communications. ➥ Results: (1) Crafted a full communications plan for the 2011-2012 school year and built a strong foundation for the next Executive Director of Communications. (2) Established the performance metrics critical to monitoring the effectiveness of communications tools and systems. (3) Aligned strategies and processes throughout the organization and received countless compliments for providing a robust operational and communications framework. Show less
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Granville Exempted Village School District
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Public Relations & Community Engagement Consultant
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2008 - 2012
➥ Challenges: (1) Create a first-time, highly transparent communications infrastructure and secure buy-in from board members for its implementation. (2) Develop media and crisis communication plans and programs to ensure consistent conveyance of communication initiatives. (3) Cultivate relationships among the community, school leaders, and the district’s board. ➥ Actions: (1) Developed, launched, and currently manage the district’s website. (2) Created staff and constituent newsletters… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Create a first-time, highly transparent communications infrastructure and secure buy-in from board members for its implementation. (2) Develop media and crisis communication plans and programs to ensure consistent conveyance of communication initiatives. (3) Cultivate relationships among the community, school leaders, and the district’s board. ➥ Actions: (1) Developed, launched, and currently manage the district’s website. (2) Created staff and constituent newsletters to facilitate district-wide communications. (3) Initiated a media relations program to expand coverage of key issues. (4) Developed a new brand identity with a style guide governing all written communications. ➥ Results: (1) Created formal communication channels for internal and external stakeholders via print and online forums, including a website which receives as many as 85,000 unique hits each month and continues to grow in visitors and page loads. (2) Developed the infrastructure to support transparency in an engaged community, increasing trust and accountability, and dramatically reducing citizen complaints. (3) Assembled the Communication Advisory Committee consisting of parents and other community members with a vested interest in optimizing the district’s communication programs, plans, and practices. Show less ➥ Challenges: (1) Create a first-time, highly transparent communications infrastructure and secure buy-in from board members for its implementation. (2) Develop media and crisis communication plans and programs to ensure consistent conveyance of communication initiatives. (3) Cultivate relationships among the community, school leaders, and the district’s board. ➥ Actions: (1) Developed, launched, and currently manage the district’s website. (2) Created staff and constituent newsletters… Show more ➥ Challenges: (1) Create a first-time, highly transparent communications infrastructure and secure buy-in from board members for its implementation. (2) Develop media and crisis communication plans and programs to ensure consistent conveyance of communication initiatives. (3) Cultivate relationships among the community, school leaders, and the district’s board. ➥ Actions: (1) Developed, launched, and currently manage the district’s website. (2) Created staff and constituent newsletters to facilitate district-wide communications. (3) Initiated a media relations program to expand coverage of key issues. (4) Developed a new brand identity with a style guide governing all written communications. ➥ Results: (1) Created formal communication channels for internal and external stakeholders via print and online forums, including a website which receives as many as 85,000 unique hits each month and continues to grow in visitors and page loads. (2) Developed the infrastructure to support transparency in an engaged community, increasing trust and accountability, and dramatically reducing citizen complaints. (3) Assembled the Communication Advisory Committee consisting of parents and other community members with a vested interest in optimizing the district’s communication programs, plans, and practices. Show less
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Director of Communications
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1998 - 2006
➥ Played an integral role in 3 levy victories ($130 Million) the first time they appeared on the ballot, including the largest bond issue in the state. Authored 180+ news releases, 90% of which received coverage from media outlets. ➥ Upgraded the district’s report card three levels from “Academic Emergency” to “Effective” status in just five years, one year ahead of the goal outlined in the district’s strategic plan. ➥ Directed the district’s annual United Way campaign, resulting… Show more ➥ Played an integral role in 3 levy victories ($130 Million) the first time they appeared on the ballot, including the largest bond issue in the state. Authored 180+ news releases, 90% of which received coverage from media outlets. ➥ Upgraded the district’s report card three levels from “Academic Emergency” to “Effective” status in just five years, one year ahead of the goal outlined in the district’s strategic plan. ➥ Directed the district’s annual United Way campaign, resulting in increased contributions by 22%, netting more than $30,000 and ranking Newark as the top Licking County contributor. Show less ➥ Played an integral role in 3 levy victories ($130 Million) the first time they appeared on the ballot, including the largest bond issue in the state. Authored 180+ news releases, 90% of which received coverage from media outlets. ➥ Upgraded the district’s report card three levels from “Academic Emergency” to “Effective” status in just five years, one year ahead of the goal outlined in the district’s strategic plan. ➥ Directed the district’s annual United Way campaign, resulting… Show more ➥ Played an integral role in 3 levy victories ($130 Million) the first time they appeared on the ballot, including the largest bond issue in the state. Authored 180+ news releases, 90% of which received coverage from media outlets. ➥ Upgraded the district’s report card three levels from “Academic Emergency” to “Effective” status in just five years, one year ahead of the goal outlined in the district’s strategic plan. ➥ Directed the district’s annual United Way campaign, resulting in increased contributions by 22%, netting more than $30,000 and ranking Newark as the top Licking County contributor. Show less
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Gahanna Jefferson Schools
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United States
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Spectator Sports
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300 - 400 Employee
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Communication Specialist
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1996 - 1998
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United Church Homes
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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100 - 200 Employee
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Director of Community Relations
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1991 - 1995
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Education
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Capital University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Public Relations
Community
