Skills, Strengths & Assets

Proficient in Branding, Messaging, Consulting, Writing, Producing, Media Training, Client/Media Relations, Business Development, Multi-tasking, Managing & Mentoring, Crisis Communications, Strategic Planning, Research and Development, Story Development and much more.
Strengths: Strong Communicator, Able to Persuade and Influence, Detail Oriented, Successful in a Fast-Paced Environment, Self-starter, Leadership Driven, Strong Analytical Skills, Consumer of News and Media, Problem Solver, Established Press Contacts, Creative and much, much more!

Resume

Edelman Public Relations (January 2022 – present) Atlanta, GA
Earned Media Strategist
- Develop media strategies across a portfolio of accounts in CPG, QSR, EdTech, F&B, and more, including brands such as Publix, Disney, Newell, lululemon, Albertsons Cos., LEGO Education, KFC, Girl Scouts of USA, and others.
- Mentor, advise, and collaborate with teams to execute communication strategies, showcasing client’s brand, mission, executives, and subject matter experts in areas of industry, highlighting initiatives in leadership, CSR, DEI, and ESG
- Drive media coverage with brand storytelling development, strategy, and outreach
- Generate national, local, online, print, and broadcast media coverage around activations, including integrated campaigns, influencers, paid editorial, SMT’s, RMT’s and more
- Construct reactive counter-narrative for crisis communications and develop war room scenario
- Provide media and message training for brand spokespeople and executive presentation
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and journalists
- Develop and write content for materials including press releases, pitches, talking points, advisories, social and owned channels- Monitor industry news and audience trends, track and report earned media metrics
- Mentor and manage junior team members
- Contribute to business development including RFPs and proposal presentation
- Pro bono work for non-profits
Guarisco Group PR & Media Relations (June 2014 – January 2022) Atlanta, GA
Media Director
- Manage teams and operations for communications including media strategy, material development, and outreach- Secure coverage with national, local, and trade media outlets including, broadcast, print, radio, and digital
- Media training and consulting, including crisis management, for brands, executives, and subject matter experts
- Develop compelling, newsworthy story angles highlighting clients’ expertise, while offering unique insight for the media
- Work closely with clients and media to build and maintain successful relationships and manage expectations- Advise and communicate daily with clients and team members to ensure business objectives, goals and KPI’s- Business development, research, analysis, presentation, and proposal development
- Mentor and manage teams
Contract Writer, Producer, Media Relations – (2005-'06 & 2007-'14) Atlanta, GA
Producer - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Walsh Productions, Lifetime Network, Fox Network, HDNET, People's Choice Awards, c21pr and more
- Responsible for coordinating video shoots, conducting interviews, managing schedule/crew for America’s Most Wanted, NCMEC program segments, in-house productions, documentaries, writing, etc.
Media Relations
- Training and consulting clients with A-Block Media Consulting, Duffey Communications & C21pr
Writer
- Examiner.com, Demand Studios, Livestrong.com, Time Warner, Patch.com, Gwinnett Business Journal
Manning, Selvage & Lee Public Relations MS&L PR (2006 – 2007) Atlanta, GA
Media Relations Specialist/Sr. Account Executive
- Develop unique campaigns with newsworthy story angles, highlighting brands and positioning executives as experts, while offering unique insights to media
- Media training, consulting, and pitching for clients, including Coca-Cola, Best Buy, ING, Philips, The Home Depot
- Secure top-tier coverage with local, national, and trade outlets including print, broadcast online- Consult team members on media strategy and best practices
- Mentor and manage junior team members
Broadcast Journalism Experience
FOX - WAGA Ch. 5 (2003 – 2006) Atlanta, GA
Emmy Award Winning Reporter - Develop, research, write, edit, and report stories, including exclusives, breaking news, live shots, and special features
CNN (2002 – 2003) Atlanta, GA
Anchor - CNN Airport Network – Produce, write, and anchor live to taped newscasts covering general, travel, and feature news.
Associate Producer- Assist in research, writing, producing, and video placement for American Morning
ABC - WAAY TV Ch. 31 (2000 – 2002) Huntsville, AL
Reporter/Anchor - Produce, anchor, and report live for prime-time newscasts. Assigned beats: Health and Education.
NBC - WJFW Ch. 12 (1999 - 2000) Wausau, WI
Anchor/Reporter/Producer – Produce, write, and anchor morning show. Report, write/edit stories for p.m. newscasts
CBS - WDTV Ch. 5 (1997 - 1999) Bridgeport, WV
Reporter, Anchor, Producer - Report, anchor, write, edit, and produce newscasts and stories, including Health beat
Matlock & Associates PR & Advertising (1995 - 1997) Atlanta, GA
Account Executive - Multi-cultural marketing and client services for Publix, Grady Hospital, Georgia-Pacific, W-H Smith, and BellSouth- Execution of campaigns, branding initiatives, marketing strategies, media relations, creative writing, and crisis management
EDUCATION - Bachelor of Science - Communications - Cum LaudeFlorida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Major: Media Communications, Minor: Film