Public Relations Brand Marketing

CYNTHIA SUTHERLAND

Cell: 845-***-**** * ***.*****************@*****.*** * Liberty, NY

An accomplished and experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the public relations and brand communications industry, while delivering optimal results & business value in high-growth environments and establishing key relationships with business segments globally. Result oriented and highly motivated Public Relations, Brand Communications, Events, and Diversity leader with over 20 years of successful experience in a variety of industries and roles. Skilled in strategic communications planning, media relations, influencer management and team management. Strong business development professional seeking successful PR strategies and enhancing brand visibility. Developing and leading crisis management efforts by establishing resources and procedures to be called upon to manage all public and internal communications properly. Strong problem-solving skills with strong executive leadership abilities and superior organizational talent.

Skill Areas: Public Relations Brand Communications Strategic Planning Talent Development Crisis Management Social Media Management Budgeting and Finance Event Strategy / Management Business Development Advertising Strong Interpersonal Skills Team Leadership Critical Thinking Problem-Solving

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1CCU PR + Communications (December 2013 – Current)

Founder/CEO

Successfully manage and operate a full-service public relations and communications agency catering to a diverse range of clients including stablished and emerging brands - corporations, global, consumer companies, emerging to established companies, high-profile individuals and regional businesses.

Drive new business revenue growth by 25% and increase lead generation by 35% annually.

Appen (March 2022 – August 2023)

Global PR Manager (Contractor)

Increased the company’s brand visibility globally in key media platforms and enhanced their share of voice by 43% in 5 months.

Secured top-tier media opportunities with prominent technology publications such as TechCrunch and TIME Magazine, Fortune and more.

Lead external PR agency efforts and develop strategic communication plans across global internal departments.

Elle Communications (October 2022 – February 2023)

Managing Director

Increased C-suite awareness through thought leadership efforts and elevated key leaders' platform and visibility.

Secured top-tier media placements for social impact clients in publications like ESSENCE, TIME Magazine and Fortune.

Develop and lead all PR strategies for leading social impact NGO's and drive KPI results for client initiatives.

Wilks Communications Group (May 2022 – October 2022)

VP, Media Services

Within two months, I spearheaded a corporate nonprofit campaign for one of the largest NGO’s, World Vision, garnering over 1.1B top-tier media impressions and generating National recognition resulting in over $100k raised in donations. Secured over 105MM media impressions for emerging CPG brand & sofi Award Winner, Sunday Night Foods. Oversaw media campaigns for World Vision, Living Water, TCS Education System, and Nielsen Massey Vanilla.

Spearheaded multiple corporate nonprofit strategic campaigns for top social impact organizations.

Oversaw media campaigns for global corporate nonprofits, higher education institutions, and CPG brands.

BELMOND – ‘21’ CLUB, NY, NY (September 2018 – March 2021)

Director of PR, Sales & Marketing

Developed and executed successful event Sales, Marketing, Branding & Public Relations strategies for ‘21’ while serving as the brand leader for the international hospitality and leisure company.

Developed and executed successful sales, marketing, branding, and PR strategies for international hospitality and leisure brand '21'.

Developed third party partnerships including community and philanthropic outreach such as City Harvest, NYC Food Bank, The Paley Center, The Breeder's Cup, and NYC Wine & Food Festival.

Assisted the HR Director with internal corporate communications, Diversity & Inclusion efforts.

Managed and oversaw all event planning and sales generation for over 2,700 small, mid-size & large-scale corporate, entertainment and social clients including the NBA, NFL, LVMH, Bank of America, Facebook, Christian Dior, US Bank, TD Bank, and more.

PR & Brand Communications Executive Consultant – October 2015 – March 2018

Lexington Plastic Surgeons & Catscape Productions, New York NY

Director of Public Relations (Contractor), May 2017 – March 2018

Developed multiple successful Public Relations & Marketing strategies for a TV/Media production company & a national Plastic Surgery practice, increasing sales & brand visibility. Directing all media, communications and branding. Increased company revenue monthly.

Secured National exposure in print, trade, & broadcast media, including FOX and ABC News.

Generated $4MM in sales through effective lead generation and targeting media marketing.

Increased Social Media engagement through new targeted content creation across all existing platforms by 23%.

Secured retail product distribution for skincare line on Walmart.com in 5 months.

Reduced the advertising budget by 30%, while increasing leads by securing earned media.

135th Street Agency, New York NY

Public Relations Senior Account Manager (Contractor) September 2016 – May 2017

Managed PR & entertainment events for (OWN)Oprah Winfrey Network, Fox, & Odyssey Media.

Secured media placements with ABC Radio, Sirius XM, ESSENCE, Latina.com, & Great Day Houston.

Business Development: Completed proposals/RFPs to secure new business, which resulted in successfully winning a contract for PR services for the Fox TV show, Shots Fired.

Eric Javits Inc., New York NY

Public Relations Manager (In-House to Consultant) – Luxury Brand, November 2015 – February 2017

Secured numerous high-profile editorial/product/celebrity placements in a variety of national media.

Celebrities: Lady Gaga, Margot Robbie, Beyoncé, Kristin Cavallari, and Melania Trump.

Monitored current events and latest industry trends and recommended strategy adjustments.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CERTIFICATION, & AFFILIATIONS

Certified Public Relations Specialist (CPRS)

Business Training Institute – (2013)

Luxury Marketing Council – (Member since 2019)

Public Relations Society of America – (2015 – 2024)

National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals, Inc. – (Board of Directors Founding Member 2020-2023)

ColorComm – Women of Color in Communications (2020-Current)

CHIEF Member (2022 – 2024)

National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NCSC)

Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce,

MuckRack, and Cision

Proficient in developing successful PR and marketing strategies for TV/media production companies and national Plastic Surgery practices.

Skilled in securing national exposure in print, trade, and broadcast media, leading to increased brand visibility and revenue growth.

Experienced in managing media campaigns for luxury brands and global corporate nonprofits, driving impactful results and elevating brand profiles.

Strong leadership skills in managing teams, overseeing PR strategies, and achieving client KPIs.

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