Manager Director
Resume:
Maura J. Kownacki
Tinley Park, Illinois 60477
*******@*******.***
March 23, 2011
To Whom It May Concern,
The communications world is continually changing. Technology, the Internet
and social media sites have changed the way the public receives
information. Communicating effectively with the public has become one of
the most critical and visible functions of a successful organization. A
qualified communications candidate must be a strategist, writer, public
speaker, experienced manager, and more.
This is the expertise that I can bring to the Marketing Communications
Manager position for Panduit. With over two decades of professional
experience working as a spokesperson, writer, designer, and manager, I have
demonstrated my abilities in the communications field.
The breadth of my experience includes managing external and internal
communication
strategies and encompasses all areas including writing, editing, brand
management,
crisis communications, media relations, and public speaking.
Working in government has afforded me the opportunity to know who the key
political
players are and how local government operates. I have helped lobby to pass
assessment related initiatives at both the county and state level. In
addition, I have
written budget and productivity reports and annual budget presentations in
order to help
pass the Assessor's $25 million dollar budget.
I would welcome an opportunity to discuss my background and qualifications
with you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Maura J. Kownacki
Maura J. Kownacki 7924 W. 160th Street
*******@*******.*** Tinley
Park, Illinois 60477
708-227-
4930
SUMMARY Strategic communications professional with more than two
decades of experience managing external and internal
communication strategies for corporations, not for profits
and government agencies. Professional portfolio encompasses
all areas of communications including brand management,
crisis communications, media relations, speech writing and
public speaking.
EXPERIENCE
1989 to present Cook County Assessor's Office; Chicago, Illinois
2010 to 2011 Director of Communications
1995 to 2000 Served as spokesperson for the Cook County Assessor,
fielded and researched media inquiries and spoke to Chicago
and suburban media. Planned news conferences, wrote annual
reports and wrote and edited all material disseminated by
the office. Managed staff of five.
1995 to present Spokesperson for the Cook County Assessor
Serve as Spokesperson for the Cook County Assessor.
Research and write publications. Write and design internal
employee newsletter, news releases, letters, office
brochures and the assessor's speeches. Write text and aid
in the design of the assessor's Web site. Represent office
and serve as guest speaker at all assessment related
meetings. Prepare budget presentations to aid in passage of
Assessor's $25 million budget. Help lobby for assessment
related initiatives at county and state level.
1993 to 1995 Director of Community Relations; Community Relations
Department
Served as liaison to elected officials and community
groups, managed assessment requests and coordinated
Speakers' Bureau. Served as primary source of communication
between 30 township assessors and downtown Cook County
Assessor's Office. Provided speaker training to
employees. Managed staff of three.
1992 to 1993 Supervisor; Taxpayer Advocate Department
Acted as an ombudsman for Cook County taxpayers,
responsible for
determining if further decreases in assessed values were
warranted. Managed staff of seven.
1989 to 1992 Assessment Analyst
Reviewed residential assessment appeals.
2000 to present Independent Public Relations Consultant/Freelance Writer
1988 to 1989 Reporter; Southtown/Star Newspaper; Chicago Heights,
Illinois
1987 to 1988 Reporter and Columnist; Normalite Newspaper; Normal,
Illinois
EDUCATION
1996 Master of Arts Degree/Media Communications; Governors
State University; graduated with honors
1989 Bachelor of Arts Degree/Journalism/Political Science;
Illinois State University; graduated with honors
Portfolio Available Upon
Request
References
Eric Herman
Director of Media Practice
Burson-Marsteller Public Relations
James M. Houlihan
Former Cook County Assessor
Michelle Kucera
Public Relations Consultant
Ronald Messina
Retired Executive Director
of the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB)
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