ERIK K. ACKERSON

Gravois Mills, MO ● 913-***-**** ● ad2j0e@r.postjobfree.com ● linkedin.com/in/erik-ackerson Qualifications Highlights

With over three decades of experience in communications, media strategy, and media relations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the Senate Communications team. My strong communication and writing skills enable me to effectively convey accurate information and design concepts across various organizational levels. As a seasoned project manager, I excel at overseeing projects from a holistic perspective, ensuring timely and cost-efficient completion. My adaptability and creative problem-solving abilities, coupled with strong leadership and interpersonal skills, make me a valuable team member. I have a proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and am known for my confident and poised interactions with individuals at all levels. I am also a skilled negotiator and decision-maker, always maintaining trust and ethical standards in my work. My reputation in the field reflects a professional who is highly respected for their contributions and their ability to drive successful outcomes.

Career Highlights

Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, Public Information Officer (2020- 2023):

• Successfully expanded ALERT VI mass communications network by fifty percent to over 20,000 subscribers.

• Developed an interactive website, internal/external communications portal, and efficient messaging systems.

• Led communications liaisons with local and international media outlets.

• Certified in FEMA Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS) and EAS System.

• Featured guest lecturer on Hazards Communication Techniques at the 2022 National Hurricane Conference.

Alpha Mortgage Advisors Inc., Director of Compliance and Marketing (2017-2020):

• Managed US Virgin Islands branch, achieving a 20% increase in new client growth.

• Provided daily interest rate management and ensured compliance with labor, gross receipts, and government reports.

General/Sales Manager, Quality Food Corp. (1998-2008):

• Increased sales from $1.2 million to $12 million within four years.

• Established international distribution programs and cruise ship/mega yacht provisioning.

• Negotiated pricing to reduce payroll and benefits administration costs by 30%. WORK EXPERIENCE

Regional Planning Commission for Laclede, Morgan, Miller, and Camden Counties, Missouri, Transportation Planner and Hazard Mitigation Specialist (2023-present)

• Conduct data collection, research, and information compilation related to transportation and hazard mitigation, including transportation plans, planning projects, Hazard Mitigation Plans, FEMA funding opportunities, transportation grants, and traffic studies.

• Lead public engagements to facilitate discussions on transportation and hazard mitigation projects within civic and community settings. Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, Public Information Officer

(2020-2023):

• Expanded ALERT VI mass communications network by fifty percent, reaching over 20,000 subscribers.

• Designed and launched an interactive website with news, training exercises, an events calendar, and a virtual Emergency Operations Center.

• Established an internal/external communications portal for efficient messaging to staff and residents.

• Led marketing efforts for the Agency's outreach educational programs and initiatives, including community events and public awareness campaigns.

• Supervised Content and Media staff, collaborated with the Office of the Governor's Director of Communications to oversee Joint Information Center (JIC) operations.

• Managed communications liaisons with local and international media outlets and served as the Agency's liaison with the National Weather Service.

• Certified in FEMA's Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS) and EAS System.

• Featured guest lecturer on Hazards Communication Techniques at the 2022 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Alpha Mortgage Advisors Inc., Director of Compliance and Marketing (2017-2020):

• Managed the US Virgin Islands branch, achieving a 20% increase in new client growth.

• Directed a national client recruitment program, resulting in a 20% increase in client base.

• Provided daily interest rate management and mark-to-market position reports for local clients.

• Oversaw all relevant governmental compliance, including labor, gross receipts, and Economic Development Agency reports.

Shoreline Business Group (2015-2020):

• Owned and managed a marine marketing and business consulting firm serving the term charter, excursion, and dive industry in the US Virgin Islands.

• Oversaw a new client base of one hundred charter businesses.

• Conducted Economic Impact Analysis studies and testified to the USVI Legislature for marine economic expansion.

Marine Economic Advisor, VI Economic Development Authority (2013-2015):

• Advised various government departments and agencies on initiatives to stimulate economic growth.

• Facilitated the assessment of current indicators for the marine industries and identified regional and international marine event opportunities.

• Created an informational database identifying sectors of maritime industries and their local economic impact.

• Led efforts to formulate and fund a Maritime Academy Technical School and maritime curriculum.

• Served as a team leader responsible for changing international charter vessel laws, signed into law by President Obama.

• Established client marketing campaigns, oversaw stakeholder relationships, and managed creative teams and vendors, resulting in rapid expansion of the Virgin Islands marine industry.

Executive Director, Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League (2008-2013):

• Managed account and client relations, representing over 250 members as a marketing and business advocate for the marine tourism community.

• Created and directed the bi-annual St Thomas Boat Shows, generating over $250,000 annually in revenue through fundraising and donations.

• Effectively oversaw office operations, personnel, advertising, payroll, taxes, and permits.

• Enhanced member engagement as a webmaster, web designer, and newsletter publisher.

General/Sales Manager, Quality Food Corp. (1998-2008):

• Significantly increased sales from $1.2 million to $12 million from 1998 to 2002 as the general manager.

• Secured multiple national contracts from international resort properties.

• Initiated a cruise ship and mega yacht provisioning program and established an international distribution program, doubling sales each year.

• Reduced payroll and benefits administration costs by 30% through negotiations while enhancing services.

• Supervised a staff of fifty employees.

Education

Johnson County Community College, Economics

University of Kansas, School of Journalism

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher), Adobe Photoshop, IBM SPSS Statistics, Concur, ADP, Citrix, WordPress, Google Analytics, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Tumblr). Public speaking media relations, governmental relations, radio, and television broadcasting. Community Recognition

• Rotary Club of St. Thomas, Past President

• Paul Harris Society Member

• Texas Society of the Virgin Islands, President

• VI Hotel Tourism Association, Board of Directors

• Make a Wish Foundation VI, Board of Directors

• Vice President VI Children’s Museum Board of Directors

• Water Island Civic Association Board of Directors

• Water Island Search and Rescue Board of Directors

• 2016 Recipient of the Wilber “Bill” LaMotta Community Service Award from St Thomas/St John Chamber of Commerce

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