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Director of Communications &

Community Engagement

Lorain City Schools
September 2015 - December 2017

The Lorain City School District serves 6,650 students in grades PreK-12 residing in the “International City” of Lorain about 25 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio. Our team transitioned the district through academic distress and the complexities of House Bill 70, while increasing enrollment, improving academic achievement, decreasing discipline and expulsions, and bringing wraparound services into our schools. During this time I was responsible for Community Engagement, the development of the Lorain Community|Business|Schools Partnership, Marketing & Communications, Public Relations and Leadership Development. Click here for the full picture

Director of Public Relations &

Co-facilitator of parma C|B|S Partnership

Parma City Schools
May 2012 - August 2015

The Parma City School District serves more than 11,500 students in PreK-12 residing in Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills. Our team transitioned the district through consolidation, redistricting, restructuring the school day, instituting inclusive schools to ensure Least Restrictive Environment, opening a STEM school, and fulfilling a 1:1 device program. During this time I was responsible for Public Relations, Communications and Community Engagement, Leadership Development, and co-facilitation of the Parma Community|Business|Schools Partnership. Click here learn more

SUPERVISOR

Lorain County JVS Adult Career Center
2010-2012

Responsible for day program oversight, program development, business and community relations, grant writing, staff evaluation, marketing and public relations for the Adult Career Center. Secured $110,000 grant for the creation of the Industrial Maintenance job development program.

MEDIA & COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools
2009-2011

Responsible for planning, implementing and analyzing public relations and marketing strategies that advance the district's mission and goals. Coordinated and fulfilled district-level communication through media relations, print newsletter, e-newsletter, website, district cable news show, and social media networks. Responsible for research, writing, photography, and design of district publications. Nurtured connections with individuals, businesses and organizations to increase understanding and support of district's goals.

PUBLIC INFORMATION & GRANTS MANAGER

Midview Local Schools
2005-2009

Set annual objectives for and evaluated the communications program. Served as information liaison between the school system and the community through the district website, print publications, e-newsletter, local cable show and social media. Served as liaison for the media. Provided public relations council to superintendent and Board in areas of sensitivity or controversy. Assisted district administrators and other staff members in publicizing and promoting performances, exhibitions, displays, dedications or special programs sponsored by the schools and open to the public. Coordinated public engagement forums for the Board of Education and Administration. Conducted recognition programs for employees; created and managed employee intranet and newsletter. Conducted information campaigns for levy support. Researched and wrote grants for school technology and programming. Coordinated strategic planning sessions for the Board and Administration. Created and coordinated Midview Hall of Fame program.

grants manager &

communications coordinator

The Hattie Larlham Foundation
2003-2005

Built new and maintained ongoing donor relations. Researched and wrote Foundation inquiries and proposals for general operating and programmatic expenses, increasing grant awards by 12%. Wrote, edited, and prepared articles for the Foundation’s primary communication vehicle with donors, the FOCUS newsletter.

account executive

The Creative Group
2001-2003

Part-time consultant through The Creative Group with Donor Advertising. Transitioned to a full-time Account Executive for clients including Eaton Corporation, Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Westfield Insurance Company, Wyse Advertising, Dix & Eaton, STERIS Corporation, and Marcus Thomas LLC.

account executive &

public relations specialist

Stewart Advertising
1997-2001

Account Executive for clients including Community Health Partners (Mercy Health), Ohio Medical Group, United Way, Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County, and others. Researched, wrote, and edited print and online materials for education, health, non-profit, and various other client specialties. Created media packets for special events. Assisted with photo shoots and campaign development. Built and maintained client and media relations.

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