***** ****** ****, ******, ** *****

Personal Cell: 225-***-**** ad1s8a@r.postjobfree.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya=gordon=58b48b7

Sonya T. Gordon, APR

Education:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism with a minor in American Studies (Societal Documentaries) University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Miss. Accreditation / Designations / Licenses / Training:

• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) -- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

• Meltwater PR Distribution Service – Trained

• PR Newswire, Experienced

• Senior Public Relations Practitioner – Southern Public Relations Federation

• Leadership, Social Media Marketing, Supervisor, Payroll, Excel and HR Law certificates city-parish in- house trainings by HR or external training and webinars.

• Federal Communications Commission – National On-Air Broadcasting License

• Orange Boy Analytics / Social Media Certification & Training

• Social Media Analytics, American Library Association

• Dashboards and Data (Analytics), PR News Webinar

• Social Media Analytics, American Library Association

• Leadership Training Program Graduate, Catawba Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina

• Coach Dean Smith Character Leadership Program

• Louisiana State University / Disney Leadership Excellence Initiative Program

• Louisiana State University Continuing Education course “Social Media Essentials for Business”

• Columbus High School Task Force PR/Crisis Communications Training with PRSA in Arizona Professional Experience:

Contract Public Relations Specialist, Sanford Barrows Group recruiters for ChenMed

(Remote/Home Office, FT Temp Contract) Headquarters-Miami, Operations-100 Centers in 12 States) (June 2022-Currently)

• Meltwater, PR Newswire release distribution, media contacts, analytics natonwide

• Division, region projects

• Writing and editing/proofing

• ChenUniversity Training: Marketing, OR leads, Promotion Policy

• Creating, maintaining media contacts, lists nationally

• Story pitched to media

• Press releases, business and promotion letters

• Marketing team, division projects and promotions

• Special events

• Talking points, speeches

• Scripts, fliers, outlines, media content

• News and coverage monitoring

• Patient, doctor, etc. Interviews and taping

• Staff biographies

• Strategic communications planning

• Marketing and advertising

• Research and documentation

• Media Responses

Strategic Communications Contract Writer (temp FT, remote) Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana

(Baton Rouge, La.)

(March 2020-April 2020 Freelancing)

• Writing and editing/proofing

• Scripts, fliers, medical descriptions, insurance and healthcare documents, internal and external messages, insurance and healthcare letters, releases, ads, newsletter, marketing and web and social media content

• Strategic communications planning

• Marketing and advertising

• Research and documentation

• Media

FREELANCE / CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT

• The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.) (October 2019-Currently),

• The Gonzales Weekly Citizen (La.) (Currently),

• The West Side Journal (Port Allen, La.),

• “Giddy” online national health magazine (August 2020-Currently)

• Vox Populi government news publication near Orlando (Currently) All free-lance work for publications: Features articles, community news, people profiles, events and government news

Private Investigator, Sly Fox Investigations PART TIME (Baton Rouge, La.)

(October 2015-November 2018)

Surveillance, Insurance Fraud, Custody/Divorce and Subpoena Server Public Relations & Events Manager, East Baton Rouge Parish Library (La.)

(April 2014 to February 2018-Then I took a health/family leave)

• Handles government relations/affairs, strategic PR planning, media outreach, community engagement, branding, etc.

• Responsible for the creation and implementation of monthly advertising planning and buys

• Creates graphics and art for print advertising, electronic advertising, billboards, fliers, website images, social media, brochures, etc.

• Social media and website content

• Creates scripts and related information for television and radio ads; coordinates production

• Assists with monthly TV show research, planning, production

• Media relations, talking points, speeches and “spokesperson” opportunities

• Updates and photos for social media, YouTube, the website and TV monitors in all branch libraries

• Monthly newsletter and events bookmark

• White papers, reports and research

• Crisis communications

• Press releases, PSAs, etc.

• Graphic design, art illustration, media buys, copywriting, etc.

• Speechwriting and lobbying/advocacy

• Digital photography and Photoshop editing

• Special events planning and implementation

• Calendar of events

• Presentations and PowerPoint pieces

• Marketing and communications planning and strategy and tactics

• PR counseling, planning, etc.

• Annual Strategic Plan research and writing/proofing

• Community partnerships and neighborhood meetings

• Databases for VIPs and select target audience groups

• Analytics and email targeting per Orange Boy System – specific audiences and monitoring outcomes, clicks, likes

Public Relations & Events Coordinator, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden (formerly the Burden Center)(Baton Rouge, La.) (August 2013-April 2014)

• Handles government relations/affairs, strategic PR planning, media outreach, community engagement, branding, etc.

• Responsible for the creation and implementation of annual marketing, communications and media buying plans

• Creates logos, graphic designs, newsletter and advertising layouts, fliers, brochures, posters, etc. as needed

• Digital photography of all events and PhotoShop editing

• Media relations, talking points, speeches and “spokesperson” opportunities

• Special events sponsors, planning, implementation (including marketing and publicity aspects)

• Writes copy for advertisements, fliers, posters, press releases, brochures, speeches, presentations, editorial columns and pieces, calendars, etc.

• Maintains overall events and property calendar for marketing

• Works on marketing, branding and communications efforts and planning in tandem with the LSU Communications, LSU Foundation, LSU AgCenter and its Communications Office, LSU Rural Life Center, Windrush Garden, numerous garden organizations and volunteers, Burden Foundation, Burden staff, corporate sponsors and others

• Partners with community and business supporters on special programs

• Markets and creates education program for Trees & Trails / Project Learning Tree

• Provides PR counseling and planning, strategic and otherwise

• Provides content for social media, websites, etc.

• Creates marketing packets and other communications publications and promotional items Interim Director of Communications (Summer 2012) / Public Information Officer, East Baton Rouge Parish School System (La.)

(June 2008 – August 2013)

• Handled government relations/affairs, strategic PR planning, media outreach, community engagement, branding, etc.

• Responsible for the creation and implementation of annual marketing plans for district news.

• Responsible for providing and managing content to update website pages.

• Maintained current list and calendar of all upcoming district events and meetings.

• Wrote, reviewed, proofs and edited stories for internal and external publications, press releases and other information pertinent to the district and its services, programs, students, staff, issues and school sites.

• Provided public relations and communications advice, planning and consultation, including crisis communications, to administrators, principals, teachers, the School Board, etc. within the district.

• Coordinated with communications director to act in director’s capacity in the director’s absence.

• Assisted in coordinating media relations efforts and handled requests from media as necessary.

• Created and evaluated public relations/marketing campaigns, coordinating efforts with other school district departments, schools, administrators, School Board members, superintendent and key audience members as appropriate.

• Served as managing editor/writer/photographer/graphic designer for district publications: eNews online newsletter, Education Matters bi-annual newsletter magazine, Great Things legislative brochure, Fingertip Facts brochure, Fast Facts brochure

• Responsible for media relations, PR consulting, crisis communications (hurricane, legal matters, Human Resources issues)

• Planned and implemented special events, press conferences

• Writing, editing – Press releases, editorials, white papers, call-out announcement phone scripts, video and radio PSA scripts, brochure copy, talking points, speeches, newsletter copy, etc.

• Worked on media buys, marketing plans, branding, ad/billboard promotions and design

• Conducted PSA, radio and TV scriptwriting plus production, voiceovers

• Created call-out scripts, does voiceover for parental and community phone messages

• Created graphic designs (Adobe InDesign and Illustrator for newsletters, magazines, billboards, print ads, brochures, etc.), presentations (PowerPoint), illustrations, photography, Photoshop

• Responsible for social media (Twitter and Facebook) and Website content, information maintenance as needed

• Helped oversee, manage and give input on marketing/PR campaigns

• Organized special events and programs as needed.

• Created promotional materials, e.g., web site, media releases, newsletters, flyers and brochures.

• Coordinated and oversaw the work of two full-time, departmental employees. Free-Lance Writer, Editor, PR Consultant, Advertising Copywriter, Special Events Planner, Photographer, Marketer (All Baton Rouge, La.)

(March 2007-September 2013)

CATS, BR Parents magazine, 225 magazine (byline pseudonym), InRegister magazine, Alpha Media Public Relations and Marketing (Todd Sterling), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana/Communications and WRKF public radio

Marketing & Public Information Specialist, Gaston College (Gastonia, N.C.)

(January 2005-March 2006)

• Responsible for PR, marketing, design and graphics

• Created and implemented special events

• Responsible for newsletters, press releases, cable TV slides, website updates

• Marketed public radio station

• Wrote, edited and produced PSAs, brochures, media relations and photography

• Assisted with event and communications planning, along with White House communications staff, for the visit and speech by U.S. President George W. Bush

Public Relations Consultant & Free-Lance Writer (Gastonia/Charlotte, N.C.)

(June 2004-January 2005)

Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s Charlotte Ventures magazine, The Charlotte Observer, Chris Jensen Public Relations and Evergreen Media Productions (video)

Communications Director / Public Information Officer & Grants Writer, Catawba County Schools

(Newton, N.C.)

(February 2002-June 2004)

• Trained in OptiPhoto, PhotoShop, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Aldus PageMaker, Adobe Acrobat, Aldus Illustrated

• Raised more than $1 million in grants and donations

• Completed production taping and scheduling work for Pat Summerall Production’s profile on the district for The Discovery Channel show “The Education Station”

• Established the first fully developed communications office and served on superintendent’s Cabinet

• Participated in No Child Left Behind Committee

• Developed communications plans, including one for crisis communications

• Established local and regional media relations and served as district spokesperson

• Created internal and external newsletters, calendars of events

• Responsible for PowerPoint presentations and website updates

• Took photos, video and assisted with productions

• Wrote and edited press releases, PSAs, speeches, brochures, etc.

• Created and designed publications, including a parent handbook and newsletters, on a regular basis

• Designed slogans and icons and created slogans, marketing and branding

• Wrote and maintained grant applications and grant awards Senior Communications Coordinator / Editor, Belk Stores Services (Charlotte, N.C.)

(May 2001-November 2001)

• Created a glossy, external monthly magazine for customers and others – writing, editing, photography and layout

• Responsible for digital photos and website updates

• Wrote and edited speeches, press releases, video scripts, etc.

• Responsible for special events and community outreach

• Responsible for PR strategies, planning and presentations Communications Specialist, Washoe County School District (Reno, Nev.)

(January 1997-April 2001)

• Worked with national, regional and local media, ranging from “Hard Copy,” “ABC Nightly News” and

“Dateline” to the Sacramento Bee, the Wall Street Journal and Nickelodeon television shows

• Served in a leadership role on 1998 school bond issue marketing campaign, “Yes, Yes for Kids!” -- leading to passage of a $178-million bond issue

• Trained speakers for speakers bureaus on district topics

• Responsible for photography, design and website updates

• Wrote and edited press releases, newsletter copy, speeches, editorial columns, brochure copy and more

• Responsible for monthly and weekly newsletters

• Served as spokesperson for the district

• Held public speaking engagements and media interviews

• Responsible for media relations and PR consulting

• Helped create and maintain general and crisis communications plans Public Relations Coordinator, John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel-Casino-Resort (changed name, Reno, Nev.)

(November 1995-January 1997) Entertainment and gaming promotions and PR, newsletter, greeting letters for homerooms, press releases, etc. Worked with high-end acts like Smokey Robinson, Barbara Mandrell, the late Rich Little, the late Red Skelton, Tony Bennett and many more. Organized the annual Best of the West Nugget Barbecue Cookoff, which brought in about 1,200 visitors from around the region. Free-lance PR, video script, advertising/journalism copywriting, special events planning and photography (Reno, Nev.)

(early to mid-1990s)

R&R Partners (“Whatever Happens in Vegas …) – For clients including: Nevada Commission on Tourism, Sierra Pacific Power Co., and Nevada Community Federal Credit Union; Reno Gazette-Journal; Reno Rodeo magazine (full-color, glossy); Kruse/Parker & Associates (Now KPS3) – For clients that included University of Nevada, Reno athletics and KUNR-FM 88.7 public radio projects; KNPB/Channel 5 (public television); Truckee Meadows Community College (also taught Journalism for two semesters); Dunn Reber Glenn Marz Advertising – For clients that included The Silver Legacy Resort-Casino, the Silver Club Hotel-Casino and the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority; Minor Advertising – For clients that included Nevada State Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa (re-election campaign), Boomtown Casino, QuadraVision, Reno Mazda- Kia, Model Dairy and 7-Up Bottling; and Western Nevada Community College Former Print Journalist (editor, reporter, photographer) and Radio On-Air News Host (In Several States)

(mid 1980s to early1990s)

In Mississippi, Georgia and Ohio (won several national and regional/state press association, United Press International and Sigma Delta Chi awards) – associate editor statuses. Freelance reporter/editor for The Columbus Observer, The Daily Reporter, Suburban News Publications, The Savannah News-Press, Picayune Item, Hattiesburg American and The Itawamba County Times. Radio AM-FM radio news reporter and host. As a senior in college, I pursued Secret Service clearance and obtained an exclusive interview with then US presidential candidate the Rev. Jesse Jackson in his limousine. Awards / Honors:

• United Way Major Campaign Coordinator (school district) Award of Appreciation (2010 and 2011)

• Women In Media Baton Rouge’s 2011 Award of Excellence in Public Relations

• SPRF Award of Excellence for Reputation/Brand Management/Issues Management, 2010 and 2011 SPRF Lantern Awards for the district’s “We’ll Make Your Think” marketing campaign (department)

• National School Public Relations Society of America’s Golden Achievement for successful bond issue marketing campaign, “We’ll Make You Think.” (department -- 2010 and 2011)

• Baton Rouge Advertising Federation Addys in 2010 for marketing campaign. (department and Zehnder Communications)

• National Telly Award for marketing campaign in 2010 (department and Zehnder Communications)

• National School Public Relations Society of America’s: Golden Achievement for marketing campaign, Award of Merit for newsletter and Honorable Mention for writing in 2009 (department)

• The North Carolina School Public Relations Association’s (NCSPRA) Blue Ribbon Award for Effective Communications, Outstanding Handbook Category. (individual) in 2004

• North Carolina Association of Government Information Officers 2003 Excellence in Communications Award, Logo Category. (individual)

• Edited and researched “Good News,” a book of PR guidelines for public school districts, with author Gail Conners My work was used as examples throughout the book. (individual) in 2001

• National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) National Gold Medallion Award (bond marketing).

(department)

• American Marketing Association’s (Reno chapter) ACE Award (bond campaign). (department)

• Two PRSA Silver Spike Awards for Community Relations and People’s Choice (bond campaign). (department)

• Recognition by: Census 2000/Northern Nevada Count Committee, YWCA and Camp Fire Boys & Girls boards.

(individual)

Organizations and Committees:

MULTIPLE STATES

• Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) – Current APR Committee Chair, former Vice-President

(twice) and former President Elect, Baton Rouge Chapter; Former State Chapter, Vice-President, Secretary and Board member; Former Baton Rouge Chapter, Vice-President, Board member, member Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) Candidate Review Panel and former Publicity/Newsletter Committee Chairman; Current Member PRAL.

• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – National and Baton Rouge chapters, member: Charlotte Chapter (N.C.), former member; Sierra Nevada Chapter (Reno, Nev.), former President-Elect and Board member

• Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) – Member (La.)

• Press Club of Baton Rouge – PR Member

• Black Press Club. (La.)

• National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) – National Chapter, member; North Carolina Chapter, former member

• Mayor’s Healthy BR Initiative Board – Former participating proxy member on behalf of school district superintendent (Baton Rouge, La.)

• Zoo Advisory Committee of the Baton Rouge Recreation Commission (BREC) – Former Member, 3 years

(Appointed by BREC Commissioner

• Baton Rouge Social Media Club -- Member

• Junior League of Greater Baton Rouge – Former member (grants and underwriting committees), 4 years

• Baton Rouge Cinderella Project – Former Advisory Board member

• Neighborhood Place Project of Baton Rouge Steering Committee – Former member

• Adopt a School Zone Initiative for Istrouma High School Steering Committee – Former member (Baton Rouge, La.)

• Baton Rouge Women in Media (WIM) – Member

• East Baton Rouge Census Committee 2010 – Member

• Red Magnolia Theatre Company’s Reading Committee – Member

• Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS)/Partners In Education (PIE) Board – Former member (Nev.)

• North Carolina Government Public Information Officers Association – Former member

• Gaston School of the Arts (Gastonia, NC) – Former Board member

• Catawba County Citizen Corps Committee – Former Secretary and Board member (North Carolina)

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hickory (NC) – Former Secretary and Board member

• Rotary Club of Newton/Hickory, NC – Former Secretary and Board member and former Communications Committee Chairman

• Key Players Inc. for At-Risk Kids – Former Board member (NC)

• Catawba County Health Department’s Teen Health Advisory Committee – Former member (NC)

• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) – National Chapter, former member; Charlotte, NC, Chapter, Awards Committee judge

• Secret Witness Board of Reno, Nev. – Former Board member

• Crisis Communicators Council of Reno, Nev. – Former member, chairman of the Y2-K Committee for public TV

• YWCA Board of Reno, Nev. – Former member

• American Marketing Association, Reno Chapter – Former member

• Northern Nevada Women’s Fund – Former member, PR volunteer

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