Crystal DeStefano, APR
President at Strategic Communications, LLC- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Kelly C. Gaggin, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
In short Crystal is stellar. I have had the pleasure of knowing Crystal as a public relations colleague, working to advance the industry and its knowledge base through the Public Relations Society of America,and as a client of Strategic Communications, LLC. I am consistently impressed with her professionalism and wowed by her efficiency and ability to deliver on time and on budget with superior results. Her approach to public relations is directly connected to, and in support of, the client’s business goals and their bottom line. She takes the time to do the research necessary to understand client needs, client audiences and client industries to ensure successful execution of strategy and results. Crystal’s deeply-rooted personal relationships with the media throughout Syracuse and New York State are admirable. In this age of texts and tweets, Crystal rises to the top with her attention to nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media translating to excellent client representation and respect in the industry. Crystal keeps the pace of doing 21st Century business while maintaining the old-school art of building meaningful relationships. I have no doubt that future will continue to shine bright for Crystal and Strategic Communications, LLC.
Michael Meath
Crystal came to work at Strategic Communications, LLC in early 2009, and very quickly became a valuable asset to the company. By 2012, she was managing the majority of the public relations clients, and positioning herself to eventually take over the public relations portion of the business. Her organizational skills and attention to detail is impeccable, and her ability to connect with news reporters and editors is magical. She is a first-class professional with a keen focus on business objectives as the foundation of all her work.
Kelly C. Gaggin, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
In short Crystal is stellar. I have had the pleasure of knowing Crystal as a public relations colleague, working to advance the industry and its knowledge base through the Public Relations Society of America,and as a client of Strategic Communications, LLC. I am consistently impressed with her professionalism and wowed by her efficiency and ability to deliver on time and on budget with superior results. Her approach to public relations is directly connected to, and in support of, the client’s business goals and their bottom line. She takes the time to do the research necessary to understand client needs, client audiences and client industries to ensure successful execution of strategy and results. Crystal’s deeply-rooted personal relationships with the media throughout Syracuse and New York State are admirable. In this age of texts and tweets, Crystal rises to the top with her attention to nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media translating to excellent client representation and respect in the industry. Crystal keeps the pace of doing 21st Century business while maintaining the old-school art of building meaningful relationships. I have no doubt that future will continue to shine bright for Crystal and Strategic Communications, LLC.
Michael Meath
Crystal came to work at Strategic Communications, LLC in early 2009, and very quickly became a valuable asset to the company. By 2012, she was managing the majority of the public relations clients, and positioning herself to eventually take over the public relations portion of the business. Her organizational skills and attention to detail is impeccable, and her ability to connect with news reporters and editors is magical. She is a first-class professional with a keen focus on business objectives as the foundation of all her work.
Kelly C. Gaggin, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
In short Crystal is stellar. I have had the pleasure of knowing Crystal as a public relations colleague, working to advance the industry and its knowledge base through the Public Relations Society of America,and as a client of Strategic Communications, LLC. I am consistently impressed with her professionalism and wowed by her efficiency and ability to deliver on time and on budget with superior results. Her approach to public relations is directly connected to, and in support of, the client’s business goals and their bottom line. She takes the time to do the research necessary to understand client needs, client audiences and client industries to ensure successful execution of strategy and results. Crystal’s deeply-rooted personal relationships with the media throughout Syracuse and New York State are admirable. In this age of texts and tweets, Crystal rises to the top with her attention to nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media translating to excellent client representation and respect in the industry. Crystal keeps the pace of doing 21st Century business while maintaining the old-school art of building meaningful relationships. I have no doubt that future will continue to shine bright for Crystal and Strategic Communications, LLC.
Michael Meath
Crystal came to work at Strategic Communications, LLC in early 2009, and very quickly became a valuable asset to the company. By 2012, she was managing the majority of the public relations clients, and positioning herself to eventually take over the public relations portion of the business. Her organizational skills and attention to detail is impeccable, and her ability to connect with news reporters and editors is magical. She is a first-class professional with a keen focus on business objectives as the foundation of all her work.
Kelly C. Gaggin, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
In short Crystal is stellar. I have had the pleasure of knowing Crystal as a public relations colleague, working to advance the industry and its knowledge base through the Public Relations Society of America,and as a client of Strategic Communications, LLC. I am consistently impressed with her professionalism and wowed by her efficiency and ability to deliver on time and on budget with superior results. Her approach to public relations is directly connected to, and in support of, the client’s business goals and their bottom line. She takes the time to do the research necessary to understand client needs, client audiences and client industries to ensure successful execution of strategy and results. Crystal’s deeply-rooted personal relationships with the media throughout Syracuse and New York State are admirable. In this age of texts and tweets, Crystal rises to the top with her attention to nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media translating to excellent client representation and respect in the industry. Crystal keeps the pace of doing 21st Century business while maintaining the old-school art of building meaningful relationships. I have no doubt that future will continue to shine bright for Crystal and Strategic Communications, LLC.
Michael Meath
Crystal came to work at Strategic Communications, LLC in early 2009, and very quickly became a valuable asset to the company. By 2012, she was managing the majority of the public relations clients, and positioning herself to eventually take over the public relations portion of the business. Her organizational skills and attention to detail is impeccable, and her ability to connect with news reporters and editors is magical. She is a first-class professional with a keen focus on business objectives as the foundation of all her work.
Credentials
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Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
Universal Accreditation Board (www.praccreditation.org)Feb, 2012- Oct, 2024
Experience
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Strategic Communications, LLC
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Advertising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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President
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Jul 2014 - Present
Crystal DeStefano is President of Strategic Communications in Syracuse, N.Y. She is Accredited in Public Relations by the Universal Accreditation Board.After serving as Director of Public Relations for the company and providing public relations service to its clients for 6 years, Crystal became owner and president of Strategic Communications, LLC.Crystal brings a blend of traditional and social media expertise to the company. She advises clients on how to integrate public relations and social media tools into their communications efforts, with a focus on sharing proactive stories as well as responding to sensitive situations with employees, customers, local communities and the news media. Through her disciplined use of public relations, Crystal understands how to maximize the power of the news media to get a message across. She uses both traditional outreach techniques as well as social media to integrate blogs, podcasts, social networking sites, and other Web based tools.DeStefano earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance at the State University New York at Albany. She has public relations experience from agencies in Albany and Syracuse.Crystal has served as President of the Public Relations Society of America – Central New York Chapter, and as Chair for the Northeast District of PRSA. She now serves as the Northeast Regional Representative for the PRSA National Office. She is also a 40 Under 40 award recipient. Show less
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Director Of Public Relations
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Jan 2009 - Jun 2014
Crystal is Accredited in Public Relations by the Universal Accreditation Board and manages the public relations practice at Strategic Communications, LLC. She brings a blend of traditional and social media expertise to the SCLLC team, advising clients on how to use and integrate public relations tools for proactive and responsive communications efforts. Crystal leads comprehensive communications planning efforts and training programs for proactive long-term strategies as well as crisis communications, then works with traditional and social media to help organizations monitor and engage in conversations about their products, services and industry. Additionally, she helps clients understand the latest trends and features in social media, and how each organization can utilize these outlets to monitor and engage in conversations about their products and services. Show less
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Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
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United States
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Public Relations and Communications Services
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200 - 300 Employee
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Northeast Regional Representative
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Jan 2017 - Dec 2021
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Board Member
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Jan 2009 - Dec 2021
Crystal has served as Treasurer and Accreditation Chair for this Chapter. She previously served as President in 2013-2014. As President-Elect and in other earlier roles, she managed publicity and online media, including the launch of social media accounts. Crystal initiated multiple member scholarship programs, along with regular membership surveys for program feedback and ideas for future programs. She identified educational program topics and potential partnerships with other PRSA chapters and non-PRSA organizations, then secured local and national speakers to present programs, and coordinated educational events. Crystal also brought the Northeast District Conference to Central New York for the first time in 2013. Show less
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Northeast District Chair
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Jan 2016 - Dec 2016
After serving as president for the Central New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (2013-2014), and as a liaison to the Northeast District of the association, Crystal DeStefano has been elected as the 2016 Chair of PRSA’s Northeast District.In this role, she presides at all meetings of the District board, provides leadership to the officers of all eight chapters within the District, appoints all committees for the District’s 2016 initiatives and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees. DeStefano also serves as liaison with PRSA National, and serves on the National District Council.This year, DeStefano will also govern a new initiative for the Northeast District. While an annual conference has been held for all of the chapters in the Northeast District, hosted and coordinated by one of volunteer chapter; for 2016, the District has implemented a new model that involves representatives from every chapter in the development and execution of the District Conference. Show less
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Central NY Chapter President
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Jan 2013 - Dec 2014
Crystal DeStefano led the Board of Directors and local members of Central New York Chapter of Public Relations Society of America in 2013 and 2014. She served as liaison with District and National level leadership, providing ideas and support to all levels of the organization. Crystal facilitated planning for Chapter initiatives, events, finances, and relationships with professionals and students. Crystal also managed the Chapter's first-ever District Conference in Syracuse, NY.
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WCNY
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United States
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Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
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1 - 100 Employee
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Trustee
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Jun 2015 - Jun 2021
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Taste of Fame Co-Chair
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Jan 2016 - Dec 2017
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Helping Hounds Dog Rescue
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United States
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Philanthropy
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1 - 100 Employee
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President
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Jan 2019 - Jan 2021
Crystal was recruited to serve as President of the Board of Directors for Helping Hounds Dog Rescue. In this role, Crystal has led the organization through a capital campaign, the construction and move to a new larger facility, the expansion of programs and services, growth of the Board of Directors, and navigating the pandemic. Crystal and her husband are also proud parents of two Helping Hounds Dog Rescue alumni: Oliver and Dodger. Crystal was recruited to serve as President of the Board of Directors for Helping Hounds Dog Rescue. In this role, Crystal has led the organization through a capital campaign, the construction and move to a new larger facility, the expansion of programs and services, growth of the Board of Directors, and navigating the pandemic. Crystal and her husband are also proud parents of two Helping Hounds Dog Rescue alumni: Oliver and Dodger.
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Board Member
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2008 - 2009
Crystal supported the event planning, educational programming, fundraising, and annual awards planning for this local chapter of the American Advertising Federation. Crystal supported the event planning, educational programming, fundraising, and annual awards planning for this local chapter of the American Advertising Federation.
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Latorra, Paul & McCann
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United States
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Advertising Services
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Public Relations Coordinator
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Jun 2006 - Dec 2008
Crystal Smith assisted the entire creative team in development of new public relations campaigns and public relations components of advertising campaigns, including research for current and potential clients, proposal and presentation development. Crystal would plan, develop and pitch press releases for local newspapers and media, as well as trade industry publications for clients. She compiled editorial calendars and identified specific opportunities; and tracked news coverage, providing periodic analysis and reporting for clients. Crystal would also head the public relations department in PR Director’s absence. Show less
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Howard Schaffer Media Marketing
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Public Relations and Communications Services
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Public Relations Intern
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Feb 2006 - May 2006
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Education
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2004 - 2006
State University of New York at Albany
BS, Business Administration -
2003 - 2004
Onondaga Community College
AS, Business Administration
Community
