Sales Customer

Kara M. Herron

**** **** ******

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

C: 678-***-**** H: 770-***-****

www.linkedin.com/in/karaherron

**********@*****.***

Creative, results-driven marketing communications leader with a record of delivering

award-winning national and global integrated programs designed to build brands, drive

awareness and increase sales. Recognized for being a strategic thinker and a collaborative

team player.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Marketing Strategy

• Brand Management

• Creative Development

• Strategic Planning

• Event Planning / Trade shows

• Public Relations

• Digital/Social Marketing

• B2B and B2C Marketing

EXPERIENCE

WestRock - formerly RockTenn and MeadWestVaco, Norcross, GA

Customer Communications Leader, Consumer Packaging Division, 2015 – present

Lead strategy, planning and development of internal/external communication initiatives that support WestRock’s winning together brand essence and positively impact the division’s sales efforts. Work with cross-divisional leadership and customer facing personnel to ensure strategies build value and enhance our CPG customer relationships.

• Developed a marketing center/portal that allows one-stop access to sales tools including market insights, presentations, collateral, infographics and other newly rebranded materials that build sales capability and reinforce our “winning together” strategy.

• Collaborated with our corporate communications team and digital agency to develop wire frames and division value platform messaging for new WestRock website.

• Direct annual trade show participation and national business meeting planning. Develop social media content and case studies to build our brand via our social channels.

Kimberly-Clark Professional*, Roswell, GA

Integrated Marketing Communications Leader, 2005 – 2015

Led the North American communications strategy, brand management, planning and execution for the Health and Wellness and Home Professional business units. Manage a multi-million dollar promotion budget to create integrated programs that drive sales of the KLEENEX® and SCOTT® brands through multiple verticals and channels.

• Successfully led the communication efforts for the commercialization of The Healthy Workplace Project*, the company’s most profitable product platform to date. PR programs drove media coverage by CNN, FOX News, The Today Show, etc., and increased awareness of germ hot spot research, the HYGIENIFY!* wash, wipe, sanitize protocol and the germ personality quiz. The program’s success led to expansion in schools (The Healthy Schools Project*) and high traffic locations (LiveWell) in 2012 and 2013.

• Directed numerous product launches including the market’s first electronic bath tissue dispenser. The campaign achieved extensive PR coverage from top-tier media outlets across the U.S. and Canada. The Alien Droppings video contest generated more than 50K visits to the website in just two months. The program was recognized by the Atlanta Advertising Federation and awarded an ADDY for B2B promotion.

• Collaborated with stakeholders around the world to introduce KCP’s first global sustainability program – Reduce Today, Respect Tomorrow*. Worked with key partners including the US Green Building Council, Forestry Stewardship Council and Greenpeace.

• Executed more than 30 trade show events focused on customer, chooser and end user targets in Janitorial and Sanitation distribution, Facility and Property Management and Sustainability segments. Created experiential engagements to bring key messages to life via the germ personality quiz, carbon offsets for trade show travel and car and scooter giveaways. Managed pre- and post-show follow-up for sales leads.

Acuity Brands Lighting, Conyers, GA

Marketing Communications Manager, 1995 – 2005

• Led the integrated communications efforts for the Fluorescent, Emergency Systems, RELOC® and the Control Systems product divisions. Developed programs to drive sales through agency and distributor/channel partners. Managed a team of two communications specialists.

• Directed the RT5 product launch, a revolutionary volumetric lighting system designed to replace the T8 parabolic units. Created an integrated program that included print, web, PR and experiential viewing locations throughout the U.S. that showcased the product’s performance and allowed potential customers to “see it” for themselves.

Literacy Action, Inc., Atlanta, GA

Marketing Director, 1993 – 1995

• Developed the marketing plan and promotional materials for the opening of a train-the-trainer center focused on adult literacy training. Promoted a series of courses and managed the center’s participation in educational trade shows.

EDUCATION

University of Florida, Bachelor of Science Advertising/Business

PERSONAL

• Four-time Marathoner – Chicago, NYC, Disney and Marine Corps

• Active volunteer with Girl and Boy Scouts and Norcross High School

• Member Horizon Toastmasters Club

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