Creative Director Freelance Copywriter

Bill McElhiney

917-***-**** *********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/williammcelhiney New York, NY

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Freelance copywriter and editor with over 20 years of experience contributing to successful product launches with global revenues exceeding $2B, including Skyrizi and Lemtrada. Managed teams of up to 5 writers and editors, contributing to the 500% growth of a start-up agency in just 3 years. Delivered high-quality, multichannel campaigns using digital, print, and video for multibillion-dollar companies like Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and AstraZeneca. Resourceful, reliable, and loyal with a knack for situational leadership, team role adaptability, and disciplined work ethic. KROP.COM/MCELHINEY/

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Successful Pharmaceutical Drug Launches: Contributed to the successful launches and relaunches of several major pharmaceutical products, including Skyrizi for Crohn's disease (global revenue exceeding $2B), Lemtrada, and other top- selling brands for Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and AstraZeneca. 2. Long-Term Freelance Relationships: Consistently rehired by clients like agencies in the Havas Network, reflecting adaptability, and the ability to quickly master the messaging and creative direction for multiple brands. 3. Multichannel Campaign Expertise: Directed the development of highly effective healthcare campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, print, video, TV, radio, and web, for major brands such as Zomig and Crestor. 4. Leadership and Team Management: Managed and mentored teams of copywriters and editors, overseeing project development for high-profile accounts. Successfully led 2 product launches for Bayer as Associate Creative Director and played a key role in winning new business for multiple agencies. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Advertising • HCP Marketing • Websites • Annotating

• Copywriting • DTC Marketing • Emails • Referencing

• Editing • Print • Sales Material • AMA Style

• Concepting • Digital • Corporate Material • Team Leadership

• Messaging • Video • SEO Key Words • Launch Experience

• Strategy • Social Media • Market Research • Client Relationships WORK HISTORY

Healthcare Copywriter and Editor New York, NY

Freelance Copywriter and Editor October 2010 – Present Over 14 years of experience as a freelance copywriter and editor, specializing in healthcare and pharmaceutical drug advertising, crafting deliverables across various media forms (digital, print, video) for a broad range of clients.

• Consistently contributed to the Havas Network (H4B Chelsea, Havas Health & You, Havas Chicago) for 10+ years, working on major projects and product launches for Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams on product launches, including Lemtrada.

Played a role in the Skyrizi launch for Crohn’s disease, contributing to writing and concept development for a brand with global revenue exceeding $2B.

Rehired for multiple projects due to consistently high performance and adaptability in high-pressure environments.

• Worked for other prominent agencies, including, Arnold Health, Saatchi & Saatchi, inVentiv Health Communications, Concentric Health Experience, CDMi, The Bloc, Boundless, and Razorfish.

• Developed a wide variety of healthcare provider (HCP) and patient-facing materials across digital, print, and video platforms, managed teams, and fostered strong client relationships, providing direction on major campaigns.

• Worked on orphan drugs and treatments for rare diseases, with creative involvement in the launch of Skyclarys, a treatment for a rare genetic disease.

• Quickly adapted to new brands, mastering copy direction and editorial style to contribute effectively to both product launches and ongoing campaigns while ensuring alignment with overall brand strategy and creative goals. GWS New York, NY

Associate Creative Director May 2010 – November 2010 Managed a copy team of 3 writers and led the development of strategically targeted national campaigns for Bayer brands

(Natazia, Yaz, Beyaz, and Mirena), utilizing primarily digital tactics such as tablet presentations and web-based content.

• Principal writer for web copy, emails, and digital sales material, ensuring seamless integration across multiple platforms, including tablet presentations and hard copy sales aids.

• Quickly and effectively assumed responsibilities as Associate Creative Director, overseeing 2 highly successful product launches for Bayer.

Group Copy Supervisor April 2010 – May 2010

• Promoted to Associate Creative Director within 1 month. Lawrence & Company New York, NY

Creative Director, Copy and Editorial September 2005 – February 2010 Played a pivotal role in a rapidly growing start-up agency, adapting to the dynamic demands of a small team by wearing multiple hats and delivering beyond the traditional scope of responsibilities.

• Led creative efforts and drove new business pitches, serving clients located in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York while serving as principal creative (copy) leader, driving significant revenue growth for the agency.

• As one of the original 3 employees, contributed to the agency’s growth to 20 employees within 36 months. Directed the copy and editorial departments, overseeing a team of 5 and managing copy for 8 accounts.

• Supervised copy and editorial teams while playing a key role in winning new business and fostering strong client relationships.

Associate Creative Director, Copy and Editorial May 2005 – September 2005

• Led and managed the copy and editorial departments of a fast-growing start-up agency, providing strategic and tactical ideas that consistently won new business and helped clients achieve sales goals.

• Delivered copy and editorial services for key clients, fostering strong relationships and securing multiple accounts.

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

KPR Group Copy Supervisor May 2001 – March 2005

KPR Copy Supervisor May 2000 – May 2001

Merkley Newman Harty Healthworks Senior Copywriter September 1998 – February 2000 Merkley Newman Harty Healthworks Copywriter September 1997 – September 1998 TECHNICAL SKILLS

Adobe Discord HQ Proof Microsoft Office Suite Outlook Slack Teams Multiple Agency Network Apps EDUCATION

Hobart College Geneva, New York

Bachelor of Arts English

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