Management Manager
Resume:
BEVERLY L. ISOM
PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Communications & Management Executive
Over 20 years’ communication experience in strategic communication planning, implementation and
measurement of communication efforts designed to meet the goals of the organization. Proven
experience in corporate communications, public relations, partnership building, public engagement,
management, executive counsel and crisis communication.
Demonstrated success record in:
Developing and implementing internal communications strategy and planning that aligns and supports
organizational objectives
• Developed skills as a trusted communications advisor/coach/support relationship with the Mayor and
her senior staff/cabinet
• Enhanced the City of Atlanta’s internal communications to improve message coordination, relevance,
clarity, consistency, and context by formalizing the public information officers across 15 city
departments, including Watershed and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport
• Developed the City’s media and social media guidelines
• Work closely and effectively with the city attorneys, the cabinet and others in city government
working with or on City of Atlanta initiatives (Brand Atlanta, Peachtree Streetcar, Beltline, Water &
Sewer increase, etc
• Offered effective communications services:
Strategy and planning (aligned with the City and the Mayor’s objectives)
Advisory (key messages, tone and content)
Writing (talking points, scripts, speeches, op-eds)
Electronic media (e-newsletters, portals, video, web casts)
Television production and management of the City’s public access channel
Production and distribution (mail list development, handling distribution activities
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Public education & campaign Management • Multi media Marketing
• Staff Development/Management • Strategic Planning • Budgeting/ Forecasting
• Writing/editing • Public Affairs • Crisis Communication
HIGHLIGHTED CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Staff Management – During a dramatic revenue shortfall, responsible for reducing personnel
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and resources by more than 20% for two years
Beverly L. Isom
Public Affairs/Communications Professional
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Crisis Communication – Managed the media and the city’s communication response during
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Brian Nichols murder, murder of an elderly resident by Atlanta Police and the day to day
management across all city departments
First Responders – Facilitates and takes the lead for the City on emergencies like the floods,
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tornados and the City of Atlanta’s response to Katrina…in coordination with FEMA, GEMA, the
county and the state.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Communications Consultant January 2010 – Present
I currently work independently or on a team to provide communication assistance to mid to senior level
management professionals to develop accurate and timely employee communication strategies,
communication plans and materials as well as crisis communication counsel.
City of Atlanta, Mayor’s Office June 2004 – January 2010
Communications Director
• Planned and managed communication efforts, events, internal information programs, and public
information programs for the City of Atlanta’s 15 departments, including the airport.
• Served as spokesperson for the mayor and provided media training for senior level staff and
cabinet members
• Management responsibility the city’s public access television channel, website, production, and
crisis management.
• Supervised a staff of 18 professionals in the communications department as well the public
information officers across city government.
• Managed the staff reduction during the financial crisis for the communications department which
was reduced by half
• Staffed the negotiation of the Comcast franchise agreement with the City and outside counsel
• Planned and staffed high profile communications and public education campaigns and strategies,
like the Beltline, Streetcar, and property tax increase
• Directed and approved the production of printed publications, content for news releases,
newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, and other printed and web materials.
Beverly L. Isom
Public Affairs/Communications Professional
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Served as executive producer for television productions and public service announcements for the
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Mayor.
Wrote scripts and managed the purchase of the upgrade on television production equipment.
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Researched and wrote speeches and position papers on selected topics for the Mayor
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The Director of Communications also served as a member of the Mayor's cabinet and senior staff. The
director also manages the Office of Communications and supervises staff; directs, assigns, and reviews
work; approves leave; prepares and discusses performance evaluation; recommends hiring and firing and
promotions. Director prepares the operating budget for the Office of Communications, which is
submitted to the Chief of Staff and recommended to the City Council for approval.
Atlanta, GA June 2003 – May 2004
Communications Consultant
Recommended public relations strategies on public education campaigns and public relations
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efforts
• Interpreted programs for the media and public,
• Coordinated ceremonies, press conferences, events and special projects.
• Wrote materials for and directed the layout of informational materials such as news releases,
newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, directories, and posters.
Atlanta, GA May 1999– March 2003
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta Communications Manager
Wrote the narratives and stories for campaign materials
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Represented company officials at community meetings, media interviews, company meetings,
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and at local, state, and governmental functions.
Coordinated ceremonies, press conferences, and other events or special projects.
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Directed the production of printed publications and created content for newsletters and campaign
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materials
Conducted a communications workshop for volunteers through the United Way VIP program
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Atlanta, GA March 1995 – May 1999
Grady Health System Corporate Communications
Manager
Beverly L. Isom
Public Affairs/Communications Professional
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Management of internal and external publications, including public education programs for
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asthma, HIV/AIDS, TB, and smoking cessation
Arranged media interviews for senior staff and CEO on healthcare related topics, including
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marketing managed care in public health systems
Managed the day to day operations of the media team three staff members
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Represented company officials at community meetings, media interviews, company meetings
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Coordinated news conferences, and other events or special projects for Grady Health System and
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Hughes Spalding Children’s Hospital, and neighborhood clinics.
Directed the production of printed publications and created content for newsletters and the media
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Primary crisis communications team member during the 1996 Olympics bombing at Centennial
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Park in Atlanta
St. Louis, MO May 1992 – August 1994
Harris Stowe State College Director of Public Relations & Alumni Affairs
Management of all internal and external publications
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Arranged media interviews for college president and staff
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Reported directly to the President
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Represented the college at community meetings, media interviews, etc
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Coordinated news conferences, and other special projects.
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Harris Stowe State College Director of Public Relations & Alumni Affairs (cont)
Directed the production of printed publications and created content for newsletters and alumni
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materials
Speechwriting
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Media buys for advertising and recruitment
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EDUCATION
University of Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, Missouri
1975 1980
Other
• Strong leadership presence; personable and credible
• Strong independent thinker and worker
• Superlative project management skills, writing and editing skills
• Flexible thinker and creative problem solver
• Works well under pressure, able to manage multiple projects
Beverly L. Isom
Public Affairs/Communications Professional
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• Demonstrated abilities in effective issue resolution
National Association of Black Journalists
Created the press room for the annual convention over 15 years ago and continue to staff it every year
during the convention. This role also developed the communication function with the national
office in Maryland. In this capacity I have worked with over eight different White House advance
teams, dozens of celebrities, athletes and public officials. I am also the crisis communication
manager on site during the convention.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/beverly-isom/0/b79/65
Contact Information
************@*****.***
404-***-**** home
770-***-**** cellular
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