Kelley A. Finan

**** ******** ***** *****, ******, OH 43016

Phone: 614-***-**** E-mail: adipql@r.postjobfree.com

Summary: Accredited, successful communicator who plans and implements results-driven external and internal communications, public relations and marketing communication programs for agencies, public and private companies, government entities and nonprofits. High-level, award-winning writer and content strategist/developer. Also provide training and coaching on media relations, crisis communications and business writing.

EXPERIENCE

FINAN COMMUNICATIONS, Columbus, Ohio 9/2016-Present

Owner of this small agency that provides strategic communications and writing services:

B2B and B2C communications plan development, including goal-oriented strategies and tactics for:

oPublic relations/media relations

oInternal and employee communications

oCrisis communications

oCommunity relations and advocacy programs

oSocial media/content

Senior-level writing and content development:

oNews releases, talking points, ads, brochures, social media posts, blogs, by-lined articles, letters to editor, white papers, case studies, newsletters, ghost writing, more.

On-site or off-site training for staff and executives in media relations, business writing, crisis communications.

Serve as off-site communications team, providing quick turn-around, reasonable rates, connections to other services including photography, graphic and web design, more.

COMMUNITY HOUSING NETWORK, Columbus, Ohio 12/2014-9/2016

Director of Communications for this nonprofit that provides low-income housing:

Directed content for all social networks.

Managed and edited internal and external newsletters and stakeholder communications.

Strategically planned and implemented public relations programs to position CHN as a thought leader, educate audiences and promote the company's work.

Served as a community affairs liaison with neighborhood commissions, advocacy groups and like-minded organizations.

Oversaw website content, photography and video production.

Conducted both reactive and proactive public relations, served as PR counselor to senior staff.

SBC ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS, Columbus, Ohio 9/2012-12/2014

Director of Content, Public Relations for this mid-size public relations and advertising agency:

Direct content strategy and development for consumer, retail and business-to-business clients, including Elmer’s, OTTA/College Advantage, AARP, Thirty-One Gifts, Whirlpool and others.

Manage editorial and content, overseeing quality and writing high-level editorial and public relations copy.

Oversee media relations, ensuring national, regional, local and trade pitching is on target (angles, reporters and publications), is performed effectively, and that client media placement goals are met. This includes traditional and online media as well as bloggers.

Serve as client service director on several accounts, guaranteeing client satisfaction and actively engaging in strategic account planning and progress toward goals.

OHIO UNIVERSITY, Athens, Ohio 1/2009-9/2012

Director, External Communications and Marketing for this renowned university of 20,000 students:

Achieved a 30% increase in positive media coverage under my direction through targeted and active pitching, development of an online media room, strategic news release writing, distribution and SEO, use of HARO and other online tools, and a Twitter account specifically for media. Also created an online expert directory with videos for reporters to find experts for interviews and sources for news stories.

Managed institutional advertising, branding and marketing efforts. Developed a system-wide (Athens and five regional campuses) marketing calendar and ROI benchmarking tool. This initiative resulted in synergies in advertising and marketing among the regional campuses and methodology to track and measure Athens-campus marketing and advertising initiatives. Also directed an ongoing three-year branding effort that resulted in solid market research, development of a message platform, value proposition, and brand essence.

Directed the university’s social media efforts including Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Followers, likes and interactions increased 200% under my direction.

Supported university leadership (president, provost, vice presidents) through strategic counsel and messaging, and planning strong internal and external communications programs aimed at faculty, staff and students. Achievements included a first-ever email newsletter to stakeholders and several health and safety campaigns public relations campaigns that increased awareness dramatically.

WENDY’S INTERNATIONAL INC., Dublin, Ohio 2/2003-12/2008

Director, Internal Communications for the world’s second-largest quick-service restaurant:

Developed and communicated key messages through targeted written and electronic communications that supported company goals and objectives. Developed, authored and implemented the first-ever series of monthly Webcasts featuring senior leaders communicating important information that were taped and made into Webcasts and podcasts for franchisees and field employees to view at their leisure.

Set strategic direction and tone for monthly employee/vendor magazine. Also wrote feature stories, edited articles, developed editorial calendar, managed freelancers and oversaw photography, advertising and graphic design/printing.

Produced high-impact, effective scripts and PowerPoint presentations for senior executives for internal and external use at company conventions, meetings and community presentations.

Designed and implemented effective communications programs to engage employees, convey information, build job satisfaction, improve understanding, and call to action.

FAHLGREN MORTINE PUBLIC RELATIONS, Columbus, Ohio 7/1998-2/2003

Director of Editorial Services/Executive Counselor for one of the largest independent public relations firms in the Midwest:

Managed four-to-six B2B and B2C account teams at any one time to ensure client satisfaction, to improve quality of writing and strategic thinking, and to keep projects on time and within budget. Performed strategic account reviews periodically with client to make sure they were happy, our programs were effective, and that we were performing in alignment with their goals and vision.

Directed the agency’s writing through editorial services including high-level writing, including CEO speeches, news releases, media pitches, newsletters and feature stories, white papers, Web sites, position papers, business cases, testimonials, and other print and electronic communications. Also served as chief editor for all accounts and taught writing courses to help mentor younger team members.

Provided strategic public relations planning, counsel and leadership to team members as well as to client contacts and client leaders (CEOs, directors of sales and marketing, etc.). Planning and counseling included media relations, public relations, Web communications, civic events and community giving, government relations, crisis communications, internal communications, special events and marketing communications.

EDUCATION & SKILLS

B.A. in Journalism, News-Editorial and Public Relations, The Ohio State University.

Accreditation in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America.

Media relations training certification, media coaching experience. AP style is a strength.

Proficient in:

oAll Microsoft Office applications

oInDesign (basic)

oMany CRM and email-based programs, including NetSuite, Salesforce, Mail Chimp, HubSpot, Constant Contact, more

oCMS applications, including WordPress and SharePoint

oGoogle Docs

Strong working knowledge of graphic and Web design, photography and printing processes.

Past board member, Ohio Council on Economic Education.

Licensed REALTOR© and certified in employee sourcing and recruiting.

Involved in many charitable and civic causes, lending my time and expertise to help others.

Contact this candidate