April L. Catarella

*** ******* *** *** *******, LA 70124 504-***-**** adhp7s@r.postjobfree.com

INTRODUCTION

Results-oriented, high-energy professional with 15+ years of experience and a successful record of accomplishments in communications, development, project management and relationship building. Key Skills Include:

Marketing & Public Relations Development & Fundraising Team Building & Leadership Event Management External & Internal Communications Organization PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION, Metairie, LA

Executive Director (May 2010 – August 2015; June 2018 – present) Lead state MDA team by spearheading fundraising programs, strategy and events, marketing, operations and public relations to raise awareness about MDA’s mission and services.

• Fundraising - Responsible for meeting annual financial goals of district budget as high as $1.8 million; increased donations/sponsorships of district by 5-12% annually ensuring an increased net outcome for each calendar year.

• Event Management/Operations – Plan, manage and execute major fundraising events and programs including logistics, community outreach, participant involvement, sponsorship and supply acquisitions, corporate partnerships, volunteer management and fundraising elements.

• Client Relations - Maximize development opportunities by seeking new partners and fostering relationships through direct contact with corporate sponsors, community organizations and MDA families; execute return on investment for all corporate partners.

• Strategic Planning - Develop and implement strategic business plans ensuring achievement of income and health care goals while reducing expenses and executing event campaigns, manage CRM databases.

• Brand Awareness – Responsible for local awareness campaigns and messages including management of district social media pages and online presence; lead grass roots marketing through email targeting, social media campaigns, PSAs, media partnerships and appearances.

• Management - Responsible for recruitment, hiring and development of personnel, paid staff and volunteers while maintaining a climate that attracted, retained and motivated a diverse staff of top-quality people EINSTEIN GROUP, INC (Einstein Charter Schools), New Orleans, LA Communications/Operations Manager (November 2015 – June 2018) Responsible for development of engaging communication and marketing material for New Orleans’ charter school network and individual school locations.

• Communications – Created, implemented and oversaw internal and external communications with all stakeholders; managed and produced content across multiple platforms including website, social media, advertising and public relations; composed copy for and distributed network newsletter.

• Marketing – Developed and executed strategic marketing plans including online, print, radio and television footprint to leverage positive accomplishments and increase enrollment; head of community outreach efforts; designed and purchased internal and external marketing materials; head graphic designer ensuring consistent branding across school publications; served as in-house photographer & videographer.

• Branding - Procured all specialty items, signage and brand displays ensuring proper use of Einstein image; developed brand strategy within each individual school and Einstein network group.

• Operations – Reported directly to Deputy CEO and CEO; vital role in operations team to launch opening of three additional schools within four years; assisted with school operations including testing and facilities management; managed annual advertising and promotional items budget; purchased and coordination of uniform sales; coordinated school-wide events like open-houses, teacher fairs and dedication ceremonies. MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (Double A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays), Montgomery, AL Director of Fan Entertainment/Community Relations (September 2005 – February 2010) Oversaw all aspects of the Fan Experience and Community Relations, including additional marketing functions, for Biscuits minor league baseball organization.

• Management – Responsible for recruitment, training and scheduling of 50-member game day staff including control room, promotions and marketing interns

• Fan Entertainment – Produced entertainment and created game schedule/timeline for 70 home games including managing talent/guest entertainers, scripting, graphics and video; oversaw development of promotions and promotional calendar including theme nights, act appearances, children’s activities and special events; oversaw execution of sponsor contract elements in game promotions and stadium events

• Community Relations – Proactively arranged community opportunities and grass roots marketing/advertising opportunities for mascot, players and staff; oversaw review and creation of packages for in-kind donations; responsible for creation, monitoring, updating and management of team social network pages and community portion of team website; coordinated annual pocket schedule release party and delivery in market through corporate partnership

• Sales Liaison & Event Coordinator – Support Sales department in coordination and review of large events including pre-event planning, budgeting and execution; designed materials for sales initiatives including flyers, visual aids, emails and other needs; coordinated web automated sales force efforts by target and cycle focus

• General Marketing – Responsible for development and writing of yearly marketing plans and budgets; served as interim Media Relations Manager for team during two off-seasons including writing press releases, updating online team website and coordinating media partnerships LOUISIANA ICEGATORS (Professional Hockey - ECHL), Lafayette, LA Administrative/Sales Assistant; Game Operations Coordinator (June 2003 – May 2005) EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, Baton Rouge, LA

Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (Major: Public Relations, Graduated Cum Laude), May 2003 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Microsoft Office Suite CRM – Salesforce Adobe Creative Suite Mac Operating System X OneCause/BidPal Email Marketing Social Media WordPress ORGANIZATIONS/VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Swollfest Fishing Rodeo (Swollfest, Inc) – Board Member/Volunteer, January 2011 - present Young Leadership Council (YLC); YLC Leadership Development Series Graduate, December 2016 Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) – Volunteer, August 2015 - present