Experience

Canadian Skin Patient Alliance

• Canada
• Public Health
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Stakeholder Relations & Fundraising Coordinator

  • Jan 2021 - Present



Seneca Gaming Corporation

• Niagara Falls, New York, United States

• Communications Specialist

  • Mar 2019 - Aug 2020

  - Collaborated with team members in a fast-paced Advertising and Communication Department to produce public information for three casino properties - Edited, proofed and wrote copy for advertising and publications e.g. web, direct mail, print ads, digital boards, corporate magazines, press releases, invitations, solicitations, menus, signs, entertainment calendars - Liaised with external partners regarding promotions and the trafficking of print advertisements - Supported the Advertising and Publicity Manager and collaborated with multi-property colleagues in achieving corporate goals - Designed, wrote, compiled and edited content for weekly corporate newsletter - Assisted with patron and media relations at special events: Tim McGraw & MC Hammer summer concert, Niagara Sports Book Grand Opening, Prick’d film shoot, Allegany Casino Anniversary, etc.



Brock University Students' Union

• Canada
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• BrockTV.ca Administrative Coordiantor

  • Aug 2012 - Mar 2018

  - Coordinated business operations and provided institutional memory for an online student media outlet: budget, human resources (22 staff), payroll, payables, inventory, health and safety - Provided mentorship to Executive Directors (recent graduates); advised on departmental decisions and supervision of student staff, web content, video production, bridged relationships - Proficient in computer applications: shared drives, MS Office Suite, Publisher, social media platforms, website maintenance, creating spreadsheets, graphic design, photo and video editing techniques - Instrumental in creating/writing/designing: strategic plan, networking databases, mission statement, policies and safety manual, promotional articles, flyers, emcee scripts, website content - Coordinated major projects: RenderThis Student Film Festival; grew event from 6 to 18 films and 80 to 200 attendees in one year. Administered Student Flmmaker Fund ($10,000 distributed annually); supported filmmakers from application to premiere, initiated/hosted seminars with industry professionals



Transitions College of Business & Career Studies

• Canada
• Education Administration Programs

• Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Instructor

  • Feb 2007 - Dec 2011

  - Instrumental in transforming a business into a private career college; developed its brand and participated in research and key decisions regarding programming and the needs of the physical plant - Developed and executed marketing and internal/external communications plans for three campuses - Wrote, designed and maintained: website, all course descriptions, media releases, print ads, promotional documents, social media profiles, community database sites - Media spokesperson - Facilitated student recruitment: delivered presentations, conducted tours, liaised with prospects - Designed/collaborated on awards, logos, apparel, novelties, building signs, banners, portraits - College Instructor of clients seeking to re-enter the workforce after accident or injury; taught MS Office suite, job search training, customer service training, receptionist training, voice operated software - Assisted students with resume creation, job searches and conducted/critiqued mock interviews



Pagnotta Communication and Computer Services

• Niagara Falls, ON

• Owner

  • Jan 1996 - Dec 2007

  - Operated freelance writing and graphic design business using Adobe PageMaker, MS Word and Publisher - Skilled in writing/designing press releases, feature articles, ad copy, slogans, scripts and in designing digital and print-ready brochures, booklets, menus, forms, flyers, a weekly bulletin, adhering to deadlines - Operated freelance writing and graphic design business using Adobe PageMaker, MS Word and Publisher - Skilled in writing/designing press releases, feature articles, ad copy, slogans, scripts and in designing digital and print-ready brochures, booklets, menus, forms, flyers, a weekly bulletin, adhering to deadlines



Villa Maria Academy

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Development, Public Relations & Student Recruitment

  • Mar 1990 - Aug 1995

  - Facilitated in-house and community recruitment/promotional/fundraising events and activities for 500+ participants: open houses, awards galas, school visits, a year-long 75th anniversary schedule, lottery - Coordinated annual giving campaigns, bulk mailings, created/maintained community contact databases - Maintained alumni relations: board member, monthly newsletter, funds solicitations, reunion coordination - Wrote all forms of communications and represented organization on television, radio and at events



Buffalo Toronto Public Media

• United States
• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Assistant, Reading Rainbow Series / Camera Operator / On-Air Promotions Producer (interim)

  • 1985 - 1990

  - Assisted Buffalo-based Executive Producer of an Emmy Award winning children’s television series - Created literacy-focused educational/promotional literature and branded materials/apparel - Produced proposals that secured corporate underwriting for community outreach programs and ensured compliance to contractual agreements - Trained supervised and scheduled staff/volunteers for a literacy outreach program, the Reading Rainbow Van (25,000 Western New York and Southern Ontario children entertained annually at schools, parks and libraries); often personally served as program host/entertainer - Camera and production crew member for local and nationally televised programs: Reading Rainbow (New York City, Boston), Live TV Auction, Over 50, Chautauqua Summit on U.S.-Soviet Relations, Mark Russell Comedy Special, pledge drives - Wrote, produced and directed locally and nationally televised promotional and instructional videos/scripts, commercials and public service announcements e.g. Reading Rainbow (LeVar Burton), Frontline (Judy Woodruff), Project Literacy, U.S., “That’s What Friends are For” (People Incorporated)