Experience

Akron Bar Association

• United States
• Legal Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Communications Manager

  • Jun 2019 - Present

  Responsible for e-newlsetter and magazine, email communications, advertising, press releases and social media marketing.Plan, write and edit communications to engage a member audience. Collaborate with colleagues to determine communication plans for programs, events and service launches. Responsible for e-newlsetter and magazine, email communications, advertising, press releases and social media marketing.Plan, write and edit communications to engage a member audience. Collaborate with colleagues to determine communication plans for programs, events and service launches.



American Greetings

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Manager, Marketing Communications and Studio

  • 2013 - 2018

  • Managed sales support communication and consumer/retailer marketing collateral including trade advertising, direct mail, sample kits, catalogs, presentations, digital ads and social media assets for North America.• Hired and coached a team of eight, consisting of writers, artists, a photographer, image specialist and freelancers.• Planned and managed communications calendar.• Supported new product launches with brochures, ads, sample kits and sales communication.• Determined and communicated Trade Advertising strategy and creative direction.• Participated on a multi-functional team to co-create new brand/style components and guidelines in support of updated corporate identity.• Established communication to educate and engage Sales teams in promoting consumer marketing capabilities and benefits, resulting in increased use of services.• Partnered with Agency, Senior Leadership, Product Management and Sales to develop a comprehensive senior retailer-facing newsletter and sample kit program that elevated company’s perception. • Streamlined Marketing Communications and Trade Marketing creative services under one umbrella, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings of $200K annually.• Played a key role in transitioning B2B Communication for major consumer brand to corporate office, while ensuring high-quality selling materials and on-time delivery.

• Manager, Trade Marketing

  • 2005 - 2013

  • Responsible for catalogs, sell sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, trade show support and team management and development.• Planned and managed a budget of up to $1.5M.• Established production schedules and communicated project status to stakeholders.• Led project to internalize catalog production, resulting in a savings of $500K annually.• Developed a monthly communication system for multiple North American sales teams.• Negotiated a 15% reduction in printing costs for seasonal sell sheets – which support 50% of holiday gift wrap, party supplies and stationery sales.• Re-established a Sales audience newsletter at no additional cost.

• Writer, Sr. Writer, Sr. Communications Consultant, Executive Producer

  • 1989 - 2005

  • Held multiple progressively more responsible communications positions.• Partnered with Sales Leadership and Finance to write and prepare presentations for top-tier account business plans.• Served as Communications Manager for two retail industry research councils, writing and art directing reports and videos, crafting retail executive speeches and informing PR.• Authored tag line for significant sub brand.• Managed 15 annual trade shows.• Wrote catalogs, newsletters, speeches, day-to-day communications and signage.