Experience

Mississippi Children's Museum

• United States
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director Of External Affairs

  • Sep 2020 - Present

  -Responsible for conducting and overseeing a full range of marketing activities for internal and external audiences including promoting a positive public image for all aspects of the Mississippi Children’s Museum and MCM Meridian -Oversee the creation and implementation of a strategic marketing and communications strategy to increase awareness, visitation, attendance, membership, revenue, and philanthropic support -Oversee and train staff working in the marketing department -Manage budget and financial activities for the marketing department -Assume leadership role in planning external events such as Mississippi Science Fest, Week of Wonder, Park After Dark, and Talk from the Start, LeFleur's Bluff Complex, in addition to internal MCM events -Plan, manage, and evaluate company-wide communication strategies to ensure effective communication to the community -Manage public relations strategies, including press conferences, media advisories, calendar announcements, digital and printed communications, website, and social media content, to ensure consistency and accuracy -Pursue speaking engagements to promote MCM’s mission and attractions -Ensure that the museum’s message reaches diverse target audiences -Represent MCM for LeFleur Museum District, Jackson United, Metro Jackson Attractions Association meetings and other community groups -Manage all media relations efforts to obtain optimum media coverage Show less



Members Exchange Credit Union

• United States
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President Marketing

  • Feb 2016 - Sep 2020

  -Coordinated all marketing, advertising, and events to promote loan growth, membership, deposits, and community engagement. -Created a marketing and events budget based on the credit union’s asset size of $128 Million. -Conducted a database analysis to determine the appropriate target market for annual campaigns. -Established onboarding, marketing automation, and targeted campaigns for members and prospects. -Worked as a Cooperative Credit Union Leader to organize events with 10 local credit unions. Events include CU at the Zoo, CU 4 Kids St. Paddy's 5k, and Jackson Public Schools Food Initiative. -Increased attendance of CU at the Zoo from 1,500 to 4,500 in four years and helped raise over $100,000 for the zoo. -Planned internal events including Staff Appreciation Dinner, Member Appreciation Days, Annual Meeting, International Credit Union Day, and Youth Month. -Worked with local media for advertising buy and public service announcements. -Worked with local tv and radio stations to promote community events, such as Cool Schools, Operation Warmth, Operation Backpack, Healthy Kids Running Series, and Coins 4 Kids. -Used Adobe Creative Suite to design material for promotions, events, social media, and e-blast. -Managed social media accounts and promoted interaction and growth on multiple platforms. -Tracked data analytics of campaigns to determine an ROI analysis for the Board and senior management Show less



Jackson Zoo

• United States
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Marketing and Communications Manager

  • Oct 2014 - Feb 2016

  -Created an annual marketing and events plan to increase awareness, attendance, and revenue. -Abided by AZA regulations and standards for overall marketing, public relations, and events. -Developed strategies to build zoo awareness and oversee market research and advertising. -Provided creative direction in the design and production of promotional materials. -Increased social media following by 25% in 12 months. -Supervised Special Events Coordinator and Membership Coordinator and Events Assistant. -Provided leadership for over 30 events and 5 major events per year. Revenue from these events provided 30% of the zoo's annual budget. -Increased attendance and revenue for various events, such as Zoo Brew, Ice Cream Safari, Boo at the Zoo, and Zoo Party. -Coordinated all media relations and acted as a spokesperson. -Media liaison for press conferences, events, fundraisers, animal information, and general news. -Organized department head meetings to coordinate marketing efforts with Education, Guest Services, Animal Care, Membership, and Events Departments. -Assisted the Director of Major Gifts with grant applications and sponsorship proposals. -Worked with City of Jackson, State of Mississippi, local chambers, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Mississippi Department of Tourism for local, state, and regional marketing campaigns and events. Show less



Synergetics DCS, Inc.

• Information Technology & Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business Development & Marketing

  • Jul 2013 - Jul 2014

  -Created business development and marketing campaigns based on the company's sales goals of 15-20 million annually. -Assisted in the development of a new website and social media activity. -Created press releases, media kits, and email blasts for news, events, and promotions. -Organized a press conference for an open house of the state's largest solar panel farm. -Managed marketing development funds with 25 business partners. -Generated quotations, processed orders, and assisted with invoice transactions. -Researched public policies for educational and government procurement. -Maintained cooperative purchasing memberships, state contracts, and RFP bid solicitations. -Attended regional conferences and structured booth spaces to market the company’s brand, which included partner sponsorships, demo equipment, product literature, and marketing materials. Show less



Mississippi State University

• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Teaching Assistant

  • Aug 2011 - May 2013

  -Instructed two sections of News Writing and Reporting labs with approximately 40 students per semester. -Responsible for grading and attendance. -Helped students to improve AP style writing and interviewing techniques. -Course content included writing for the media in print, broadcast and public relations. -Students composed six news writing stories, conducted independent interviews, were quizzed on AP style guidelines and news writing techniques, and also took cumulative exams. -Instructed two sections of News Writing and Reporting labs with approximately 40 students per semester. -Responsible for grading and attendance. -Helped students to improve AP style writing and interviewing techniques. -Course content included writing for the media in print, broadcast and public relations. -Students composed six news writing stories, conducted independent interviews, were quizzed on AP style guidelines and news writing techniques, and also took cumulative exams.



Meridian Symphony Association

• United States
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Public Relations Specialist

  • Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

  -Developed material for educational programs such as music lessons, backstage tours, and school programs. -Contacted donors for fundraising. -Worked with the Board of Directors on marketing the upcoming symphony season. -Created press kits and media releases for the "Season Unveiling" press conference. -Worked with the Education Director to organize the Symphony Fun Fest event for over 100 attendees. -Created graphic design materials for fundraisers, music education and the symphony season. -Maintained and updated the website and social media accounts daily. Show less



Social Science Research Center

• United States
• Research Services

• Media Collaboration Intern

  • Jan 2011 - Jun 2011

  -Maintained and updated website and social media accounts daily. -Assisted in a new logo design for the SSRC with a team of graphic designers. -Created, edited and published material for researchers. -Assisted in the production of brochures, posters, reports, etc. -Experience with Photography & Videography -Worked with the Media Collaboration Lab team to publish a 28 page annual report. -Maintained and updated website and social media accounts daily. -Assisted in a new logo design for the SSRC with a team of graphic designers. -Created, edited and published material for researchers. -Assisted in the production of brochures, posters, reports, etc. -Experience with Photography & Videography -Worked with the Media Collaboration Lab team to publish a 28 page annual report.