Experience

• 

  Kustra-Quinn Communications, Inc.

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • President

    • 2005 - Present
    • Greater Chicago Area

    I have been a writer, editor and strategic communications and public relations consultant for many years, and have been president of Kustra-Quinn Communications, Inc. since forming the company in 2022. I partner with a diverse roster of clients across a range of industries, using storytelling and writing skills, as well as media knowledge and contacts, to develop and execute corporate communications, PR and social media strategies and programs. I also write articles, speeches, presentations, blogs, op-eds, biographies, nominations, book chapters, key messages and social media and marketing copy for organizations and high-profile individuals, and I edit and proofread publications.Clients have included Mekky Media Relations, Loyola University, Chicago Blackhawks, Mad Science, Tequila 1349, Hands of Peace, Chicago History Museum, Grant Park Music Festival, Ingenuity, PJH & Associates, Deloitte Tax, Cetera Advisor Networks, Hoke Attorneys at Law, Travel Film Productions and Mount Prospect School District 57, Northbrook District 27, Prospect Heights District 23, Salt Creek District 48 and Antioch District 34.For my school district communications and newsletter editing work, I have won six National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) awards (from 2014 to 2023), including Golden Achievement Awards for Exemplary Public Relations and Awards of Excellence for Publications/Digital Media.

• 

  Mekky Media Relations, Inc.

  • Chicago

  • Account Director and Senior Writer

    • Oct 2016 - Present
    • Chicago

    I have worked with Mekky Media Relations, an award-winning boutique public relations firm and member of the Forbes Agency Council, to lead PR activities and strategies for clients such as Susan G. Komen Chicago, the Center for Enriched Living, Devices 4 the Disabled and the Illinois Office of Tourism. I have also developed PR strategies and provided PR and writing support for many other corporate and non-profit clients, including National Louis University, Abt Electronics, Francesca's Restaurant Group, TimeZoneOne, Chicago Scholars and GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. I pitch an extensive list of media contacts and work with producers, editors and reporters to coordinate broadcast and print coverage in Chicago and nationally. As the agency's senior writer, I also write, edit and proofread content and press materials for Mekky Media clients.

• 

  Travel Film Productions, LLC

  • United States
  • Entertainment Providers
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Nature/Wildlife Travel Writer

    • 2016 - 2019

    I wrote a travel blog featuring nature and wildlife family travel, with an emphasis on adventures that incorporate the outdoors and wildlife in natural habitats. Destinations profiled in the blog include the Florida Keys; Captiva Island, Florida; Kohler, Wisconsin; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I also wrote many of the show's blogs about other travel destinations and family travel tips. The blogs are featured on the "Family Travel with Colleen Kelly" website and social media.

  • Vice President, Communications and Business Development

    • Jan 2014 - Jan 2017

    I led communications, public relations and social media for Travel Film Productions, including "Family Travel with Colleen Kelly," a National Public Television show that airs in 94 percent of the country. This included developing PR and marketing strategies and overseeing the social media channels. I promoted the show through national and local media outreach, wrote press releases and pitched media, solicited and coordinated Colleen Kelly's press appearances and speaking engagements, wrote blogs, produced newsletters for viewers and sales contacts, wrote speeches and presentations for high-profile speaking engagements and managed the staff of interns.

• 

  Sears, Roebuck and Co.

  • Editor, Sears Journal and Annual Report

    • 2004 - 2005

  • Manager, Public Relations and Communications

    • 1999 - 2004

  • Human Resources Communications Manager

    • 1997 - 1999

• 

  Tribune Company

  • United States
  • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Manager, Corporate Conference Planning

    • 1997 - 1997

  • Corporate Publications Editor

    • 1994 - 1997

• 

  Chicago Tribune Media Group

  • Chicago, Illinois

  • Corporate Communications Writer

    • 1992 - 1994
    • Chicago, Illinois

• 

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Metro Desk Reporting Intern

    • 1991 - 1991
    • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• 

  Indiana Daily Student

  • Bloomington, Indiana

  • Beat Reporter for Indiana Legislature, City Editor, Campus Editor, Reporter

    • 1988 - 1991
    • Bloomington, Indiana