KAYLA M. BERGERON

**** ******** ***** • Suwanee, Georgia 30024 • 561-***-**** • ad18o5@r.postjobfree.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-bergeron-ba26569/

Seasoned communication strategist seeking a public relations position within a dynamic organization in the State of South Carolina, to be near family. Excellent history of generating positive stories in the news media and diffusing sensitive issues. Considerable experience building strong relationships among government officials, business leaders, nonprofits, and community influencers in furtherance of organizational objectives. A collaborator, an excellent multi-tasker, able to quickly shift gears. Single, able to work long hours, take pride in providing deliverables.

SENIOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE

CRISIS & ISSUES MANAGEMENT - MEDIA RELATIONS - MARKETING - SOCIAL MEDIA

Senior-level professional providing leadership, vision, and business acumen in supporting organizational initiatives and goals for high-profile governmental and non-profit organizations. Exceptional ability to provide effective crisis management strategies under extraordinary circumstances. Experience in strategic communications, government relations, collaborating with elected officials at all levels of government, community organizing, media relations, and public outreach. Built and directed high-performing cross-functional teams. Planned and managed million-dollar budgets. Demonstrated broad strengths and accomplishments in:

Public & External Affairs Government Relations Crisis Communications

Strategic Planning Event Management Social Media

Project Management Non-Profit Political Campaign Management

EXPERIENCE

The Connection Forsyth, Cumming, GA April 2020-present

Executive Director

Reports to the Board of Directors; runs the day-to-day operations of The Connection Forsyth and oversees the budget, fundraising, resources, marketing, community, and government affairs. Collaborates with staff to provide recovery support services for Forsyth County, including peer support, and referrals to residential and outpatient substance abuse and mental health facilities. Oversees a yearly calendar of local events to create awareness, and integrate those in recovery with the community at large, helping to end the stigma. Collaborates with local non-profits and judicial partners to share communal resources for families lacking necessities. Utilizing a Wellness Wheel, launched a “Wellness for Families” campaign in 2023 to educate and provide “tools” to strengthen families through equine-assisted therapy, art therapy, forums to educate parents on the Science of the Brain and Impact on Families, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), Trauma and Compassion, and Self-Care -- all evidence-based programs. Actively engages with grassroots organizations and is a frequent speaker. Initiates fundraising events, and research grant opportunities, and submits applications to potential funders. Responsible for financial reporting to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Liaison with the Georgia Council for Recovery.

Program Director

Developed programs and events for the recovery community and the community at large. Served as point of contact with facilitators who run weekly multiple paths to recovery meetings. Through shared experiences and as a Certified Peer Coach, provided one-on-one mentoring to assist individuals in need of recovery support services. Taught relapse prevention for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program (RSAT) in the Forsyth County Jail. Provided one-on-one case management for returning citizens for aftercare.

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Kayla M. Bergeron

Liaison with the Forsyth County Accountability Courts. Developed media relations opportunities and led an organic social media program.

Special Equestrians of Georgia, Milton, GA March 2019-present

Social Media Consultant – Volunteer photographer, and social media coordinator for a local non-profit that provides therapeutic equine-assisted therapy services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Twenty-First Century Engineering, Fort Lauderdale, FL January 2015-June 2016

Marketing & Outreach - Oversaw redevelopment of the company website. Introduced social media

program and integrated Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Wrote and disseminated press releases and electronic

newsletters. Liaison to Construction Association of South Florida, The Construction Underground, Florida Home

Builders Association, Florida Engineering Society, Florida Contractors Institute, and other community/governmental

entities. Developed a comprehensive database of clients, prospective clients, and opinion makers to enhance and to track

business development opportunities.

New York Yankees Pinstripe News, Suwanee, GA November 2013-present

Facebook News Page – www.facebook.com/NYYPN

Founder/Executive Editor - To keep writing, research, and social media skills up-to-date and to promote the New

York Yankees started a Facebook news page. Since launching in November 2013, the site has engaged over 60,000

followers. Researched biographical and statistical data on the team’s history, players, significant milestones, facilities,

photographs, quotes, graphics, and third-party sources. Cultivated relationships with Yankees’ beat writers and other fan

pages on Facebook and Twitter. Engaged followers through solicitation of input and debate on moves the team

should make to improve standing, scouting, player development and farm system, education via trivia, and historical

facts and photographs. Utilized Twitter to drive followers to the page. Achieved significant, measurable results in a

brief period.

South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, FL November 2006-June 2011

Director, Media Relations - Oversaw the agency’s media relations activities, ensuring efficient use of communication tools in relaying the district’s programs, policies and objectives Ensures message consistency and coordination. Monitor state and national press for developing trends, opinions, and environmental news coverage. Identifies and develops agency positions and strategies. Acts as the primary point of contact and spokesperson for the news media on the Governing Board, policy, and high-profile issues, including significant litigation. Ensures effective coordination of media strategy with partner agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Interior, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Lead on communication for emergency management operations, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and water shortages.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York, NY April 1999 – October 2006

Operates some of the highest-profile public facilities in the United States, including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty airports, George Washington Bridge, Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, PATH rapid rail system, and the World Trade Center site.

Chief, Public and Government Affairs (June 2005 – October 2006), Director, Public Affairs (June 2001 – June 2005) Director, Media Relations (Apr. 1999 - June 2001) - Supported organizational initiatives through planning and execution of comprehensive media, advertising, marketing, and public relations strategies focusing on public, business, and regulatory consensus building and issues management. Direct staff of sixty-three and manage the budget of $23 million in media relations, government and community relations, marketing, special events, audio-visual, and employee communications. Oversee Washington, D.C., lobbying firm and outside advertising agency of record. Led agency efforts to develop global media strategies to gain public support for rebuilding the World Trade Center site, including the Master Plan.

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Kayla M. Bergeron

Headed agency-wide "Change Management" initiative that included a review of best practices, streamlining of procedures, identifying, and rooting out duplication/waste, and consolidation of marketing and customer service functions. Survivor of 9/11/2001 Terrorist Attacks on World Trade Center. Narrowly escaped the collapse of the North Tower and immediately went to work. After dusting myself off, within three hours The Port Authority’s press-crisis communications center was up and running and staffed around the clock. Managed responses and strategies for sensitive inquiries with potential legal implications (World Trade Center design, fireproofing, safety, and building operations). Managed the Port Authority’s crisis response to EgyptAir Flight 990 & American Airlines Flight 587 crashes, which included closely coordinating with senior executives, airline officials, Governors’ offices, NTSB, FAA, and the FBI. Conducted agency-wide re-brand campaign to align business units under the corporate umbrella; directed advertising and marketing for all business areas, including the development of the award-winning corporate annual report, collateral material, radio spots, and media placement; provided strategic direction to outside. Provided strategic communications counsel to Chair, Executive Director, other senior executives, and chief agency spokesperson.

New York State Housing Finance Agency, New York, NY February 1998 - April 1999

Director, Public Information - Reported to Chief Executive Officer with full responsibility for media relations, special events, news conferences, and groundbreakings. Liaison to Governor’s office in Albany. Wrote press releases, talking points, and media advisories; responded to public inquiries and issues. Promoted New York State’s below-market interest rate mortgage program for first-time homebuyers. Publicized affordable, rental housing opportunities in multifamily dwellings available to low-income New Yorkers and financed by the Housing Finance Agency under the Federal 80/20 Program. Developed media archives to monitor relevant issues in the news.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Trauma-Informed Care Training, Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, January 2022

Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council, Regional Representative, 2021-present

QPR Gatekeeper Training, QPR Institute, May 2021

Impact Leadership Training, The Communities Project, July 2021

Certified Peer Specialist-Addictive Disease (CPS-AD), Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, September 2020 to present

Certified Addiction Recovery Specialist (CARES), Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, September 2020 to present

Emergency Management Institute: Homeland Security/FEMA, IS-00700, National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction, December 28, 2006

Emergency Management Institute: Homeland Security/FEMA, IS-00100, Introduction to the Incident Command System

Emergency Management Institute: Homeland Security/FEMA, IS-00200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

St. Louis Community College at Meramec, Kirkwood, MO; County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ, Liberal Arts Studies, 1984

OTHER

Speaker, National September 11 Museum Dedication; met President and First Lady, NYC, May 2014

Former Member, Public Relations Society of America, North American Airlines Public Relations Association, and International Association of Business Communicators

REFERENCES FURNISHED UPON REQUEST

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