Experience

Business North Carolina

• United States
• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Regional Account Director

  • 2018 - Present

  NC's premier monthly business publication for C-level decision makersDistribution: 30,594 per monthAudited Readership: 125,000+ per monthIn-depth statewide reporting for 40 yearsDaily Digest E-newsletter: 14,000 opt in subscribersDigital opportunities-Podcasts, webinars, social media, sponsored content, banner advertisingStatewide events: CEO Summit, Best Employers Gala, mfgCON NC's premier monthly business publication for C-level decision makersDistribution: 30,594 per monthAudited Readership: 125,000+ per monthIn-depth statewide reporting for 40 yearsDaily Digest E-newsletter: 14,000 opt in subscribersDigital opportunities-Podcasts, webinars, social media, sponsored content, banner advertisingStatewide events: CEO Summit, Best Employers Gala, mfgCON



Sue Graf Media

• Owner | Principal

  • 2015 - 2018

  Results oriented project management, marketing, media relations, creative writing, social media strategy and business development that maximizes opportunities and grows businesses. Clients include iMMERSiON Strategic Event Consulting, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Parent Magazine, Lyerly Agency, Society Magazine, Live Events Media Group, Sweet Tea Web Design, PureRed, Lowe's Home Improvement, Imperial Black, Joedance Film Festival. Results oriented project management, marketing, media relations, creative writing, social media strategy and business development that maximizes opportunities and grows businesses. Clients include iMMERSiON Strategic Event Consulting, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Parent Magazine, Lyerly Agency, Society Magazine, Live Events Media Group, Sweet Tea Web Design, PureRed, Lowe's Home Improvement, Imperial Black, Joedance Film Festival.



Blue Line Technologies, Inc. / Ballantyne Designs, Web Design & Development

• Director, Marketing & Business Development

  • 2013 - 2015

  Blue Line attracts companies/schools who see IT as a strategic advantage. Operating locally in Charlotte for over 17 years, Blue Line Technologies is a "One Stop IT Shop," ensuring business continuity and performance for over 200 customers in 25 states plus Canada and Europe. • Close $250,000 in net new logos, representing 15+ new clients, and 30% year over year growth with an emphasis in K-12 Education• Develop and implement sales & marketing strategy, including content marketing and brand awareness campaign• Identify and secure strategic partnerships to achieve marketing goals through cross-promotional efforts• Manage digital marketing initiatives including corporate communications along with rebranding web division• Strategize SEO efforts, social media campaigns and digital assets• Identify, nurture and generate new business through prospecting, pipeline / CRM management and proposal writing with the goal of securing monthly recurring revenue and project work



PDQ Communications, Inc.

• Marketing Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President, Sales

  • 2010 - 2013

  PDQ Communications is a full-service healthcare communications company specializing in unique direct mail concepts, targeted e-mail messaging and creative editorial programs. I am responsible for managing the Southeast territory and MASS, approximately 50+ pharmaceutical companies.• Instrumental in relationship building, prospecting and revenue growth within global and national pharmaceutical clients including GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, CIBA Vision, Lupin, UCB, P&G.• Provide strategic creative direction, marketing expertise and excellent client service.• Spearhead proposal and contract writing to secure ongoing business as well as pipeline management.



Tribble Creative Group

• Sales Manager

  • 2008 - 2010

  Responsible for marketing and selling services of Charlotte's premier event management, video production and graphic design firm. Report to senior leadership team on firm's strategic direction and continued growth.Implement all aspects of lead generation, client meetings, program creation through successful execution. Spearhead feasibility study on NASCAR Hall of Fame 2010 grand opening activities.Accountable for meeting annual $1 million quota through client cultivation and new business development. Responsible for sales forecasting / pipeline management,interpreting client needs; contribute to sponsorship development and creative concepts.Instrumental in proposal/technical writing, client pitches and on-going relationship building.



Gartner

• United States
• Information Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Account Manager

  • 1999 - 2002

  Responsible for annual quota of $6 million - 70% new business in exhibit sales for worldwide, industry-leading information technology research/advisory firm conferences/trade shows. Top Symposium/ITxpo sales executive in FY'01, contributing to 25% year-over-year growth.Exceed annual quota by an average of 30% and qualify for Winner's Circle 3 consecutive years.Generate revenue through value-added, customized marketing to achieve client objectives.Grow and retain relationships with 100+ clients in 13 states plus Canada resulting in 60% retention annually.



Reed Exhibition Companies

• United States
• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Account Manager

  • 1997 - 1999

  Achieve annual quota of $2.5 million through exhibit sales for leading electronics, manufacturing, and PGA golf merchandising shows. Manage a territory of 7 mid-west states and deliver outstanding client services.Meet quota of $750,000 for value-added services, sponsorships, print and internet advertising.Recipient of annual Outstanding Achievement Award, 100% Sales Club Award.Collaborate with marketing and public relations to offer additional exposure opportunities for clients. Achieve annual quota of $2.5 million through exhibit sales for leading electronics, manufacturing, and PGA golf merchandising shows. Manage a territory of 7 mid-west states and deliver outstanding client services.Meet quota of $750,000 for value-added services, sponsorships, print and internet advertising.Recipient of annual Outstanding Achievement Award, 100% Sales Club Award.Collaborate with marketing and public relations to offer additional exposure opportunities for clients.



Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

• Director, Development

  • 1994 - 1997

  Exceed budget goal of $1.6 million through corporate contributions, business development by 10% annually.Generate $350,000+ through annual fund raiser and coordinate invitations, mailings, menu planning, entertainment, and venue negotiations.Develop and implement cause-marketing initiatives including: Sherwin-Williams' Graffiti Hurts, First Brands' GLAD Bag-A-Thon, Bob Timberlake furniture line and Tambrands, Inc. use of logo on packaging.Write press releases, produce program materials, manage media relations and contribute to new business pitches. Develop educational partnerships between corporate and K-12 schools



Edelman Public Relations

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Account Manager

  • 1992 - 1994

  Create and facilitate public relations programs and sports marketing campaigns for VISA, American Greetings, Brown-Forman, Fuji Photo Film, Hershey Foods, Eggland's Best and Lever Brothers.Generate over 160 million media impressions for award-winning Visa Olympics of the Imagination and elevate awareness for VISA's $40 million dollar investment in Olympics.Write press releases, produce program materials, manage media relations and contribute to new business pitches. Create and facilitate public relations programs and sports marketing campaigns for VISA, American Greetings, Brown-Forman, Fuji Photo Film, Hershey Foods, Eggland's Best and Lever Brothers.Generate over 160 million media impressions for award-winning Visa Olympics of the Imagination and elevate awareness for VISA's $40 million dollar investment in Olympics.Write press releases, produce program materials, manage media relations and contribute to new business pitches.



Philip Morris USA

• Program Manager

  • 1989 - 1992

  Plan and execute Marlboro sports programs (auto-racing, skiing, adventure team) and Virginia Slims Tennis resulting in strategic brand positioning to target audiences and increased sales.Manage national consumer sweepstakes, sales promotions and incentive give-away programs.Supervise advertising, promotional and public relations agencies. Coordinate production of brand-related printed materials, premiums and direct-mail campaigns. Plan and execute Marlboro sports programs (auto-racing, skiing, adventure team) and Virginia Slims Tennis resulting in strategic brand positioning to target audiences and increased sales.Manage national consumer sweepstakes, sales promotions and incentive give-away programs.Supervise advertising, promotional and public relations agencies. Coordinate production of brand-related printed materials, premiums and direct-mail campaigns.