Experience

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  Peoplesbank

  • Director Of Communications

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  PeoplesBank

  • Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States

  • Director of Communications

    • Oct 2023 - Present
    • Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States

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  Smith College

  • Northampton, Massachusetts, United States

  • Director, Internal Communications & Community Relations

    • Nov 2022 - Jul 2023
    • Northampton, Massachusetts, United States

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  Writer / Marketer / Designer / Teacher

  • Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area

  • Marketing/Communications/Public Relations Specialist

    • Jun 2020 - Nov 2022
    • Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area

    I have my older sister to thank for teaching me how to write. It wasn't easy, and there were lots of tears, but I know what it takes to not only do it well, but excel-- a rare talent in an age of emojis and abbreviated content. It's something I enjoy sharing with other up and comers, just without the drama (hopefully). I also love putting the pieces together in creative and innovative ways, from ads to one sheets, magazines to newsletters, billboards to church bulletins, commercials and more. To paraphrase Leo Burnett for Virginia Slims I HAVE come a long way, (baby), and I'm ready to go even further.

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  Hartford HealthcCare

  • Remote

  • Marketing Communications Manager

    • Jul 2020 - Sep 2021
    • Remote

    For the second time in my career I was on board to launch a new healthcare facility, bringing my marketing, communications, and public relations experience to the table for a new orthopedic institute in central Fairfield County, Connecticut. I wrote ad copy, brochures, web content, poster content, media releases, public and patient-facing materials, and social media posts and internal announcements for the new Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute at St. Vincent's Medical Center, as well as the previously established institute in central Connecticut. My work for COI at MidState Medical Center earned a Silver Lamplighter award in 2021 for COI Safety Campaign.

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  Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield

  • Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area

  • Director of Communications

    • Jun 2018 - Jun 2020
    • Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area

    I was blessed to share the amazing stories and profound impact of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield to advance their mission and ministries.

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  Western New England University

  • Online Adjunct Instructor - Public Relations

    • Sep 2017 - Sep 2019

    When I first started, I had to hit the ground running, as I was replacing someone who was suddenly unavailable. That included learning the online learning classroom technology, as well as the introductory public relations curriculum. I approached the task of teaching from that of a longtime practitioner of public relations, translating theory, concepts and principles by sharing their practical application. It has certainly been rewarding to me, and I can only hope I've made a difference in my students' journeys.

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  American Advertising Federation

  • Washington, District of Columbia, United States

  • District 1 Governor

    • Apr 2009 - Jun 2019
    • Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    One of the best professional experiences of my career, because I had a seat at the table with some of our industry's best, brightest and most creative talents.

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  JGS Lifecare

  • Longmeadow, MA

  • Director of Marketing & PR

    • Sep 2013 - Feb 2017
    • Longmeadow, MA

    During my time at JGS Lifecare I managed the full rebranding process for the former Jewish Geriatric Services. I had significant creative input in the selection of the new name, logo and tag line, as well as the design and development of many new collateral materials for JGS Lifecare and its affiliate programs, including the successful marketing campaign for the launch of the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation. I also built strong relations with the local media, which resulted in many positive stories about JGSL.

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  Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts

  • President

    • 2012 - Jun 2016

    As president, I added the voice of the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts to the American Advertising Federation, serving on the National Board of Directors and as Governor of our District. Participation in the American Advertising Awards, the industry's largest and most representative three-tier national competition, enriched our members' experience and industry awareness.

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  Baystate Health

  • Sr. Communications Specialist

    • May 2007 - Sep 2013

    My claim to fame while at Baystate Health was my work and involvement with the Hospital of the Future project, that included the opening of the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center and a new and improved Emergency Department. I sat on the Hospital of the Future Steering Committee, managing and developing internal communications plans and strategies to engage employee involvement and support. I was also instrumental in developing and executing highly successful events, such as the Red Carpet Premiere that kicked off the Employee Campaign and, in partnership with Public Affairs, the HoF Dedication Ceremony that introduced the project to the community.

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  Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts

  • Communications Director

    • Jan 2003 - May 2007

    Nothing like being near the flight path of C5s and jets when you're trying to get some work done! (The EDC was based at Westover back then.) I learned a lot about economic growth and land development strategies, and held many ceremonial groundbreakings. I also created and distributed collateral marketing and newsletters and manged website news and trade show participation.

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  Affiliated Chamber of Commerce of Greater Springfield

  • Communications Director

    • Jan 2002 - May 2007

    Another highlight in my career. Not only did I get to meet and mingle with hundreds of western Mass entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals, but I also worked with a great group of people who remain close friends to this day. I'll never forget my first major event as Communications Director. It was the annual Outlook event that featured Andrew Card, the White House Chief of Staff under George W. Bush. You could hear a pin drop in the sold-out crowd as Card remembered telling the president that 'America is under attack.' Several years later, it was also a thrill to welcome Senator Ted Kennedy who reminded me to 'say hello to (wife) Vicky' as we walked together to a news conference. Coordinating media and helping stage more than 50 events, was just part of the picture. There was also the monthly newsletter to write, website to update, and directories to build, and I loved it all.

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  Western New England College

  • Adjunct Faculty

    • Aug 2005 - Dec 2005

    Back in 2005, students were still surprised to learn that emails live forever. That was just one of the topics we covered in this contemporary business communications course that focused on writing and verbal skills.

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  Springfield Area Council for Excellence

  • Communications Director

    • Jan 2001 - Dec 2003

    What a shame there's no more Springfield Council for Excellence. It was truly rewarding to generate marketing and public relations for this member-based business council which was dedicated to providing business excellence tools to ensure long-term business success and viability.

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  The Red Lion Inn

  • Marketing Manager

    • Jul 1997 - May 2000

    I may not work here any more, but I still sing the praises of the Red Lion Inn to anyone who will listen. I return as often and as I can and walk the historic halls and reminisce. This historic country inn remains in my heart forever, along with the many people I worked with right up to planning the millennial New Year's party (remember Y2K?). It was a joy and privilege to generate marketing, public relations and special events for this true Berkshire gem.

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  WWLP 22News

  • Executive Producer

    • May 1995 - Jun 1997

    Advised reporters and producers on production and writing of award-winning morning, noon and evening broadcast news, editing written content, structuring news rundowns and overseeing editing of broadcast content.

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  WOKR

  • Producer

    • 1990 - 1995

    Produced award-winning local news programs, starting with weekend early and late, advancing to 5pm, 11pm, and 6pm newscasts.

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  WMGM-TV 40 NBC

  • Producer

    • 1989 - 1990

    Produced weekend early and late newscasts.