Experience

CHICANO PARK MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER

• United States
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Development, Media and Sustainability Advisor

  • Jan 2022 - Present

• Development, Engagement and Public Relations Strategist

  • Dec 2021 - Jan 2023

• Development, Engagement and Public Relations Consultant

  • Dec 2021 - Jan 2023

• Development, Engagement and Media Relations

  • Nov 2021 - Jan 2023



Scaling Prosperity

• United States

• ESG-Oriented Marketer, Writer, Biz Dev & Grants Strategist @ Your Service

  • Mar 2020 - Present

  With a twenty-five year trajectory as a practitioner who delivers for public and private sector organizations, Terri Steele has built a reputation as a credible, results-oriented professional who enjoys leveraging resources to meet – and exceed -- prescribed organizational objectives. Skills include: 1) facilitating strategic partnerships across richly-diverse constituencies, 2) serving as a liaison/public speaker to public and private-sector organizations of all scope and scale, 3) boosting and positioning brands and 4) forging integrated public outreach campaigns to drive awareness, acceptance and adoption. Versatility and operational efficiencies are the rewards of experience! Show less



American Solar Energy Society

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Development, Engagement and Public Relations Strategist

  • Mar 2022 - Jan 2023

• Development, Engagement and Media Consultant

  • Mar 2022 - Jan 2023


Workshops for Warriors
• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Community Engagement Director

  • Mar 2019 - Mar 2020


Solar Savvy Strategies (A Sole Proprietorship)

• Principal

  • Sep 2006 - Mar 2020

  For over 10 years, I have been conceiving of and driving branding, marketing, outreach, public affairs and media campaigns for tier-one national, regional and local clients in the spheres of sustainability and economic development. These include Next Generation Energy's Sun Bandit, Heartland YouthBuild, Renewable Energy World, Q Factory33, UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), global solar integrator Conergy, SANYO’s solar division (now Panasonic), Real Goods Solar, Commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) start-up FIGTREE Energy Financing (PACE), the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), the San Diego Renewable Energy Society, Public Good PR, National Geographic-affiliated Water for Tomorrow Magazine, Empower America, SunUp Energy, Home Energy Systems (HES) Solar, MOVE San Diego (now Circulate San Diego), InterPV Magazine, Hearst Digital Media’s The Daily Green, San Diego Earthworks (the producers of EarthFair in Balboa Park), The ECO Report and Renewable Energy World. Client service dates often overlap, depending on retainer sizes and/or scope of work (as noted below). Let's discuss how my experience, energies and acumen can help you achieve your business and communications objectives! Show less



San Diego Renewable Energy Society

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations

• Director, 13th San Diego Sustainability Tour

  • Apr 2013 - Nov 2013

  Just wrapping up the most successful regional tour in San Diego Renewable Energy Society history! Before I accepted my FIGTREE assignment, I’d served the American Solar Energy Society as Publicity Director for the National Solar Tour. Commensurate with my work at FIGTREE, I accepted an invitation to bring that experience closer to home and direct the non-profit (SDRES) presentation of the 13th San Diego Solar Tour. I wrote a grant that earned critical seed capital for the event and then worked with a robust complement of industry innovators to engage an unprecedented number of sponsors to help drive tour traffic. We rebranded the event to include the all-important energy efficiency play in green building and repositioned it to include both commercial and residential interests. With a theme of “Be Sustainably Inspired,” San Diego’s 13th Solar Tour showcased a “Sweet Solar 16” of unique energy efficiency and solar solutions in the residential, educational, multi-family and commercial space. It's the former San Diego Solar Tour, only with more *energy!* Slated for September 20-21, this year’s event was broken down into commercial and residential tours offering home owners, business owners, representatives of public agencies, educators and the public-at-large the opportunity to talk with energy experts about the innovative solutions they are employing to 1) improve property values, 2) slash utility bills, 3) fuel their vehicles, 4) recoup their tax dollars and 5) create green jobs -- all while sustaining San Diego's sublime quality of life. The Sept. 20 commercial tour featured six commercial energy innovators; the free, self-guided residential tour occurred Saturday, September 21. Plans are underway to build upon the terrific foundation of distribution partners and sponsors contributing to this year's efforts for a 2014 tour to inspire energy efficiency and solar energy adoption throughout the region. Show less



FIGTREE Energy Financing

• United States
• Individual and Family Services

• Vice President Marketing, Public Affairs & Media

  • Aug 2012 - Oct 2013

  As a consultant serving in the capacities of VP of Marketing, Public Affairs and Media, I've collaborated with the FIGTREE team on developing and implementing this growing start-up's next generation of marketing and communications strategy, whose components include branding, public relations, executive communications, public affairs, market research, competitive analysis, advertising, white paper and case study development, Web design and copy, trade shows, municipal program launches, seminars and events, as well as fine-tuning a full suite of collateral, and Web site content and design. Commensurate with this, we built and facilitated strategic partnerships and speaking engagements among contractors, trade organizations, municipalities, utilities, property owners, economic development and clean energy advocates throughout California to educate them about the myriad benefits of FIGTREE's unique lender-approved brand of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for commercial property owners. Established an active public affairs and outreach presence to build credibility, educate constituencies and drive new partner contractors to fill the pipeline while launching programs in new municipalities across California. Highlights among thousands of media hits include covers (and slide shows) in The Bond Buyer, San Diego Daily Transcript, Renewable Energy World and cover of the San Diego Business Journal. My work with FIGTREE continues on an as needed basis. Show less



Real Goods Solar, Inc.

• United States
• Renewables & Environment

• Communications Strategist

  • Apr 2012 - Jul 2012

  Launched the lead gen and public relations components of a 90-day marketing, communications plan I crafted for Real Goods Solar's Southern California marketing and sales team. Media trained national marketing team on social media tools and PR metrics management, packaged and crafted social news releases that resulted in tens of thousands of impressions, thousands of downloads and pick-up in online media from CBS MarketWatch to the LA Daily News to the San Diego Business Journal. Launched the lead gen and public relations components of a 90-day marketing, communications plan I crafted for Real Goods Solar's Southern California marketing and sales team. Media trained national marketing team on social media tools and PR metrics management, packaged and crafted social news releases that resulted in tens of thousands of impressions, thousands of downloads and pick-up in online media from CBS MarketWatch to the LA Daily News to the San Diego Business Journal.



ACWA's National Geographic-affiliated "Water for Tomorrow" Magazine

• Writer/Contributor

  • Mar 2009 - Jan 2012

  I partner with the savvy folks at National Geographic and Onward Publishing to identify compelling subjects to illustrate leading-edge water conservation efforts, then draft case studies on their conservation efforts and sustainable lifestyles choices for the book's co-producer, ACWA (the Association of California Water Agencies). I partner with the savvy folks at National Geographic and Onward Publishing to identify compelling subjects to illustrate leading-edge water conservation efforts, then draft case studies on their conservation efforts and sustainable lifestyles choices for the book's co-producer, ACWA (the Association of California Water Agencies).



Sanyo

• Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Writer/Communications Strategist

  • Nov 2009 - Dec 2011

  Provide communications strategy and craft news releases, case studies, Web content and related collateral to promote SANYO Energy (U.S.A.) Corporation's SANYO's HIT Power® solar modules. Provide communications strategy and craft news releases, case studies, Web content and related collateral to promote SANYO Energy (U.S.A.) Corporation's SANYO's HIT Power® solar modules.

• Director, 12th Annual San Diego Solar Tour

  • Jul 2011 - Oct 2011

  Managed logistics, funding outreach and publicity for the San Diego Renewable Energy Society's (SDRES) inaugural presentation of San Diego's 12th Annual Solar Tour. It's part of the ASES National Solar Tour, world's largest grassroots solar event. Managed logistics, funding outreach and publicity for the San Diego Renewable Energy Society's (SDRES) inaugural presentation of San Diego's 12th Annual Solar Tour. It's part of the ASES National Solar Tour, world's largest grassroots solar event.



MOVE San Diego

• United States
• Entertainment Providers

• Event Consultant, Celebrating Green Streets Annual Awards Program & EXPO

  • Apr 2011 - Oct 2011

  Provided event planning, management and public relations services for MOVE San Diego's annual "Celebrating Green Streets" Awards Program and EXPO, where MTS Chairman Harry Mathis, City Councilmember Tony Young, SDG&E's Clean Transportation Program and the Port Authority's Green Ports Program were honored. Provided event planning, management and public relations services for MOVE San Diego's annual "Celebrating Green Streets" Awards Program and EXPO, where MTS Chairman Harry Mathis, City Councilmember Tony Young, SDG&E's Clean Transportation Program and the Port Authority's Green Ports Program were honored.

• Publicity Director, National Solar Tour

  • Mar 2008 - Oct 2011

  My perennial work with this seasoned non-profit is to drive media interest, hosts, tour-takers and sponsor participation in ASES' annual National Solar Tour, the world's largest grassroots solar event. Last year, 160,000 people across all 50 American states, Mexico and Puerto Rico participated. Details at www.nationalsolartour.org. My perennial work with this seasoned non-profit is to drive media interest, hosts, tour-takers and sponsor participation in ASES' annual National Solar Tour, the world's largest grassroots solar event. Last year, 160,000 people across all 50 American states, Mexico and Puerto Rico participated. Details at www.nationalsolartour.org.



InterPV Magazine

• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• International Correspondent

  • Jun 2009 - Oct 2010

  Regularly contributed articles focused on leading-edge commercial solar solutions for energy innovators like Conergy, Sanyo, AQUA, Waste Management, Inc., J. Lohr Vineyards and California's South San Joaquin Irrigation District. Coverage of SEIA's SPI trade show resulted in a 14-page cover feature, "10 PV Picks for 2010". Regularly contributed articles focused on leading-edge commercial solar solutions for energy innovators like Conergy, Sanyo, AQUA, Waste Management, Inc., J. Lohr Vineyards and California's South San Joaquin Irrigation District. Coverage of SEIA's SPI trade show resulted in a 14-page cover feature, "10 PV Picks for 2010".



Conergy Americas

• Mexico
• Oil and Gas
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Communications Strategist

  • Feb 2009 - Sep 2010

  My focus is on evangelizing the innovative solar energy solutions Conergy and its distributors afford utilities, businesses, public agencies -- and homeowners -- to help them slash energy costs, reap rich cash and tax incentives and establish sound sustainable practices to benefit their communities. 1 in 10 of the world's solar pv solutions are engineered, distributed, financed or installed by Conergy. My focus is on evangelizing the innovative solar energy solutions Conergy and its distributors afford utilities, businesses, public agencies -- and homeowners -- to help them slash energy costs, reap rich cash and tax incentives and establish sound sustainable practices to benefit their communities. 1 in 10 of the world's solar pv solutions are engineered, distributed, financed or installed by Conergy.



California Center for Sustainable Energy

• Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Marketing and Public Affairs

  • Sep 2006 - Feb 2008

  As in-house marketing and public relations consultant, conceived of a series of major rebranding initiatives, media events, program positioning activities to elevate the profile of and drive participation in this regional non-profit's energy efficiency, alternative fuel vehicle and renewable energy programs. Conceived of several high-profiled events to introduce and position the brand, engage elected officials, and drive media coverage, business and consumer participation in organizational activities. Among them "Be An Energy All-Star," with the Major League San Diego Padres, "Street Smart San Diego," "Fleet Smart San Diego" and "Fueling Alternatives." Show less



Sprint Nextel

• United States
• Retail

• West Area Marketing Manager

  • 2004 - 2008

  Focused on strategic wireless account management & penetration; online wireless fulfillment & web-based customer solutions; EVDO & related product launches & seeding programs; C-level client education and engagement; CDMA and wireline solution packages and workshops; marketing strategies and online tool development to close deals and enhance revenue; vendor relations; multi-vehicle customer campaigns & collateral; copywriting; branding; celebrity-endorsed sales events; media management; industry trade shows. RESULTS: Identified by Area Vice President as essential go-to for all sales personnel. Invited to out-of-market sales meetings to help close deals. Only marketing professional in my classification invited to address tier-one sales professionals at Las Vegas sales meeting on how to drive incremental revenue and help close key prospects. Show less



Sony Electronics

• United States
• Computers and Electronics Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Spokesperson & Sr. Public Relations Strategist

  • Jul 2000 - May 2001

  Managed 7-figure budget driving PR activity for VAIO line: 1) Served as key point of contact for reporters, editors and reviewers for all media. 2) Judged strategic relevance of all interview & review requests. 3) Scheduled interviews, determined messaging and managed output with key media. 4) Media-trained key executives. Provided feedback on public speaking, interviews and messaging for media tours. 5) Tracked and reported key broadcast, on-line and print placements. Messaging Strategist: Served as key counsel to marketing team on news release angles, embargo dates for product launches and key messages for interviews, collateral and speeches. Show less



SBC, Pacific Bell, Pacific Bell Wireless

• Acting VP Marketing, So Cal Media Manager

  • Dec 1996 - Jan 2000

  Promoted from SoCal Media Manager, Pacific Bell to Acting VP, Marketing: creating/driving revenue strategies. Managed a $2,000,000 budget executing television, print, in-theater, outdoor and radio advertising; managed agencies’ design and execution of promotional and public relations programs, collateral, in-store POP, ads and newsletters. Managed co-op dollars. ***Substantial bonuses earned*** As So Cal Media Manager served as on-camera/in print spokesperson and communications strategist for all Pacific Bell companies. Show less



City of San Diego

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care

• Spokesperson, Supervising Public Information Manager

  • Oct 1989 - Jun 1996

  (Promoted from Sr. Public Info. Officer) Media Relations: 1) Served as print and on-air spokesperson 2) Planned and held news conferences for Mayor, City Council, City Manager and key administration officials. 3) Wrote and placed ongoing columns, remarks and op-ed for key City officials. 4) Engaged and managed other jurisdictions’ roles in regional news events. 5) Represented the City at key business and community events. 6) Conceived of and wrote City of San Diego newsletters, newsletters for economic development, redevelopment, waste management and recycling; wrote and helped design collateral to generate enthusiasm for key programs. Show less