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EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Bachelor of Arts, School of Communications, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 1994

Technical Writing Certificate, University of Central Florida, 2015

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CAREER CONTRIBUTIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Received Telly Award in 2016 for concept creation and script writing of a TV advertisement.

Acted as a ghost writer for four books, as well as a consultant for two others.

Function as an occasional contributor to several local and national print and online publications.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

 

JKR ADVERTISING & MARKETING / BENEDICT ADVERTISING, Maitland, FL                                    July 2009 – Present

Director of Media Relations

Carried out several operations, controlled copy writing, company blog, pitched PR stories and composed press releases. Ownership over writing, editing and posting all ads on the JKR company website, with a focus on boosting organic SEO results. Supervised all aspects of press release creation and promotion through radio and newspaper. Drafted, reviewed, and edited press releases, news stories and case studies for clients as per requirements. Generated and drafted advanced story ideas, arranged for photography, and oversaw printing. Developed and promoted content through close collaboration with local, regional and national clients, including Subway, Waitr/Bite Squad, Jones Homes USA, Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Seasonings, Jimmy Hula’s, Thompson Pump, West Volusia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Women in Automotive, Cobb Cole Law Firm, and numerous single- and multi-point auto dealerships.

Key Contributions:

• Improve usability and listener/reader experience by supporting the development of concepts for client radio and TV advertisements.

• Manage in-house advertising tool Dealer Intelligence by leveraging strong creative and technical skills.

 

 

WEIS WORDS, Winter Park, FL                                                                                                                  Sept 2020 – Present

Freelance Writing, Advertising & PR

Using proven versatility across a wide variety of genres and subject matters, I generate and develop advertising and marketing materials including advertising copy, blogs, Web site and Social Media content, books (ghost writing), newsletters, brochures and more. Lead and execute Public Relations strategies to ensure client’s expectations align favorably with public opinion. Oversee all facets of the company, including business development, idea generation, writing and editing, production, and hiring and utilizing third-party service providers when necessary … all with the ultimate goal of complete client satisfaction.

Key Contributions:

• Highly skilled at cultivating positive professional relationships, using excellent communications abilities with clients, vendors, interview subjects, etc.

• Ability to multitask allows me to work with multiple clients while meeting deadlines and preserving top-notch quality for each Weis Words client.
   

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PROCONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL, Colorado Springs, CO                                                                        Jan 2007 – July 2009

Director of Writing & Research, Automotive Division

Managed editorial portion of all automotive projects from initiation to completion in accordance with contractual obligations. Researched trends, wrote and edited copy, devised schedules and helped manage project production and fulfillment. Provided support to sales staff where necessary. 

Key Contributions:

• Drafted and edited effective marketing materials produced by publishing company recognized as one of Inc. magazine’s 500 Fastest-Growing Companies in 2006 and 2007.

• Supported 40+ clients through writing, research and media relations to maximize brand awareness for automotive clients.
  
   

DEBEAUBIEN, KNIGHT, SIMMONS, MANTZARIS & NEAL, Orlando, FL                                                     Oct 2005 – Jan 2007

Title One / Referral Inquiry Specialist

Planned and prepared legal letters for firm’s attorneys; utilized effective communication proficiencies to liaise with clients with regards to referral attorneys aimed at executing actions to resolve legal matters. Communicated with clients and key stakeholders, while composing and issuing legal letters and correspondence.

Key Contributions:

• Assisted clients with prepaid legal memberships with the goal of improving their individual situations.

• Composed legal letters in a wide variety of areas for firm’s attorneys.
  
   

PROGRESSIVE COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL, Lake Mary, FL                                                     Mar 1999 – Sep 2005

Senior Account Manager

Forged productive relationships with automotive/healthcare clients across the US and Canada, while drafting/editing newsletters that supported multiple clients, including nationwide Infiniti Newsletter Program that won a Gold Ink award. Delivered projects, received approval, and coordinated with printer persons pertaining to payment of newspapers, ads, brochures, postcards, direct mail pieces, and all other types of printed material. 

Key Contributions:

• Led a team of more than 5 writers and 6 graphic designers to ensure smooth running of routine operations.

• Played a key role in formulating creative communication materials, resulting in enhanced customer loyalty and improving experience.

• Established and oversaw creative team throughout direction, planning and coordination processes to produce effective customer retention publications such as newsletters, brochures and direct mail marketing programs.
   

Additional Experience as Broadcast Coordinator at Orlando Magic (NBA) Radio Network, Orlando, FL | News Reporter at WDBO 580-AM, Orlando, FL. Selected to serve as Telly Award Judge in 2018-2020.

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