Experience

Power:Ed

• United States
• Philanthropic Fundraising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Managing Director

  • Jun 2022 - Present

  Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, a philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, minority, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed, should visit www.power-ed.org. Grants are administered quarterly. In FY2022-23, Power:Ed will invest $900,000 in South Carolina higher education and workforce development organizations to address gaps, boost career readiness, and ensure a pipeline of skilled talent for the Palmetto state. As Power:Ed's Director, Claire oversees all outreach, grant, and partnership operations. Her goal is to build a statewide network of collaborative partners aligned in making a transformative impact on SC students’ lives and career opportunities. She is passionate about reducing economic barriers/inequities and boosting educational and economic mobility for talent across South Carolina, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.



Charleston Regional Development Alliance

• United States
• International Trade and Development
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Global Marketing & Communications

  • Feb 2011 - Apr 2022

  • Sets strategy and directs a multi-tiered, global branding and communications program including public relations, community relations, digital marketing, content marketing, social media, event management, videos, sales collateral, talent attraction and ESG strategies to position the Charleston metro as a globally-competitive destination for business, talent, investment, and entrepreneurship • Oversees a $500,000 budget and supervises (internal & external) cross-functional teams including consultants: PR agencies, digital marketing agency, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, copywriters, event planners, etc. • Analytical thinker able to synthesize and distill complex information into concise stories. Works closely with Research Director to produce economic reports and presentations and highlight market trends/insights • Cultivates strong relationships with community partners, business leaders, investors, allies, and journalists. Experienced coalition builder, organizing and operating community taskforces and committees to effect change • Serves as CRDA spokesperson and strategic advisor, and has directly secured placements in Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Associated Press • Significant projects include: launch of metro’s economic and community development strategies Opportunity Next (2011), One Region (2016), & One Region Ready (2020); complete redesign of CRDA website & GIS Tool; create, produce & promote annual Regional Economic Scorecard (10 years); launch and oversight of two distinct talent attraction campaigns; produce CRDA’s signature annual event



Powerspeak Communications, LLC

• President

  • 2009 - Feb 2011

  • Founded consulting business providing customized communications training services, including strategic planning, spokesperson and executive presentation skills, organizational development, reputation management, public relations, social media and crisis communication strategies • Founded consulting business providing customized communications training services, including strategic planning, spokesperson and executive presentation skills, organizational development, reputation management, public relations, social media and crisis communication strategies



BGRM

• United States
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Public Relations Account Director

  • Jul 2005 - 2009

  • Directed strategies for variety of consumer and issues management clients including real estate & development, health care, education, legal, transportation, financial, luxury resorts and non-profits. • Oversaw day-to-day account activities and operations. Developed and advised on community relations strategies and investments. Coordinated the work of team members and managed six-person public relations team • Specialized in strategic planning, targeted message development and branding, community relations, crisis planning, formal speech and executive presentation training, and media training • Created customized communications training programs on organizational communications, social media strategies, interpersonal skills and leadership, strategic planning, risk management, spokesperson skills and effective presentations • Directed, planned and executed two community relations/issues management campaigns, which garnered awards at the local, state and national levels, including two 2009 PRSA Silver Anvils



Capstrat

• United States
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Account Executive

  • 2004 - 2005

  • Managed large health care accounts with Account Director. Oversaw day-to-day account activities and operations. Coordinated the work of team members • Contributed to integrated strategy development and strategic planning • Conducted media training and message development sessions • Managed large health care accounts with Account Director. Oversaw day-to-day account activities and operations. Coordinated the work of team members • Contributed to integrated strategy development and strategic planning • Conducted media training and message development sessions



RSM EquiCo

• Corporate Communications Manager

  • 2003 - 2004

  • Developed and implemented proactive communications programs designed to enhance firm’s reputation and raise brand awareness in the middle-market investment banking marketplace • Served as a primary contact for the media and general public. Prepped firm president and executives for interviews • Developed and implemented proactive communications programs designed to enhance firm’s reputation and raise brand awareness in the middle-market investment banking marketplace • Served as a primary contact for the media and general public. Prepped firm president and executives for interviews



The Rogers Group

• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Account Executive

  • 2001 - 2003

  • Focused on media outreach and strategy for the California Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section; First 5 California (formerly California Children and Families Commission); and the CDC, Office on Smoking and Health • Managed a four county district in Northern California, serving as a Regional Field Representative, counseled clients and laypersons on crafting and implementing communication strategies • Coached commissioners, executive staff, Prop. 10 grantees and parents, as well as agency clients and staff on handling television and print interviews, crafting messages and answering questions • Designed and produced a quarterly newsletter for California high schools containing art and information on tobacco awareness



Golin

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Executive Communications Trainer/Senior Account Executive

  • 1999 - 2001

  • Counseled clients from a variety of industries, including health care, pharmaceutical, educational, banking and financial, retail, chemical and oil, legal, food, information technology and telecommunications, on targeted communication strategies • Coached Fortune 500 CEOs, lawyers, doctors and executives on effectively delivering key messages to target audiences for television interviews on all major networks and programs, including 60 Minutes, 20/20, Moneyline and Dateline • Specialized in targeted message development and branding, speechwriting, formal speech and executive presentation training, crisis planning, debate preparation, state and congressional testimony training, media spokesperson training and strategic communications campaigns



Charles Carter for NC Senate

• Campaign Manager

  • May 1998 - Nov 1998

  • Managed a successful state senate campaign covering a five-county district. Planned and implemented a $90,000 campaign budget, developed messages and coordinated fundraising, authored paid and free media plan, speeches and scripts, fielded all press inquiries and purchased advertising • Served as campaign spokesman, organized news conferences, special events and media interviews • Supervised polling, direct mail, media consultants and coordinated with state party caucus • Managed a successful state senate campaign covering a five-county district. Planned and implemented a $90,000 campaign budget, developed messages and coordinated fundraising, authored paid and free media plan, speeches and scripts, fielded all press inquiries and purchased advertising • Served as campaign spokesman, organized news conferences, special events and media interviews • Supervised polling, direct mail, media consultants and coordinated with state party caucus



National Foundation for Women Legislators

• Communications Director

  • 1997 - 1998

  • Directed all media activities and branding strategies for organization • Raised profile of legislators and organization through media outreach and placement, event planning and speaking engagements. Speechwriter and consultant to NFWL President • Directed all media activities and branding strategies for organization • Raised profile of legislators and organization through media outreach and placement, event planning and speaking engagements. Speechwriter and consultant to NFWL President



NC Office of the Governor

• Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison

  • 1996 - 1997

  • Junior lobbyist and staff support for Intergovernmental Relations Office and Legislative Counsel Office of Governor James B. Hunt Jr. • Monitored Governor’s budget items, earmarked and tracked specific legislation and fielded requests of General Assembly members • Advanced all 1996-97 tours of Western North Carolina by the Governor and/or the First Lady • Junior lobbyist and staff support for Intergovernmental Relations Office and Legislative Counsel Office of Governor James B. Hunt Jr. • Monitored Governor’s budget items, earmarked and tracked specific legislation and fielded requests of General Assembly members • Advanced all 1996-97 tours of Western North Carolina by the Governor and/or the First Lady



Charles Sanders for US Senate Campaign

• Campaign Volunteer

  • 1996 - 1996