Experience
Director, Public Relations & Physician Outreach, July 2018 to present
Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Serve as liaison between hospitals and health care providers to foster partnerships for patient care. Work with other health care providers to produce new patient referrals for the practice nearly doubling the number within 12 months. Foster relationships with state legislators. Create and execute campaigns to create media opportunities (traditional and social). Serve as liaison to community and nonprofit partnerships. Maintain employee relations between CEO and employees. Organize annual healthcare conference growing from 30 participants in one year to 250 the next year. Foster community partnerships. Serve as company spokesman.
Director, Communication, Membership & Development, July 2012 to July 2018
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society/Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Serve as liaison between hospital, physicians, and health care providers to promote health care initiatives and campaigns within the community. Maintain and recruit physician members for the organization, including creating marketing campaigns. Foster relationships with state legislators. Create all press kits and media releases. Handle promotions for programs and special events. Serve as Web master. Maintain social media accounts for four internal entities. Design and create monthly newsletter and email communications. Plan, execute and evaluate all organization fundraising, outreach projects and special events. Obtain sponsorships to grow organizational programs. Foster community partnerships. Serve as company spokesman.
Manager, Communication, Membership & Development, July 2008 to July 2012
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society/Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Create all press kits and media releases. Handle promotions for programs and special events. Serve as Web master. Design and create monthly newsletter and email communications. Plan, execute and evaluate all organization fundraising, outreach projects and special events. Obtain sponsorships to grow organizational programs. Foster community partnerships. Serve as company spokesman.
Director of Public Information and Community Outreach, November 2004 to July 2008
WTCI-TV 45, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Create all station press kits and media releases. Handle promotions for programs and special events. Serve as station Web master. Design and create monthly program guide. Plan, execute and evaluate all station outreach projects. Serve as on-air talent during pledge drives and auctions. Write broadcast promotional spots. Design and buy all advertising for the station. Supervise college interns. Foster community partnerships. Serve as company spokesman.
Sales Development Coordinator, July 2004 to November 2004
WDEF-TV 12, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Write and create sales pieces and promotional materials for television sales staff. Event planning. Provide research on demographic trends and ratings for the local viewing market. Produce plans to attract new business clients.
Freelance/Consultant, December 2002 to July 2004
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Write freelance stories for area magazines, brochures and manuals. Serve as consultant for a national non-profit organization, coordinating marketing, public relations, program development and event management.
Public Relations Writer, August 2003 to April 2004 (Special Project Basis)
University Relations, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Write copy for University Reports, news releases and Web site. Write script for television magazine. Handle inquiries from the media.
Features Reporter, July 2000 to December 2002
Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Responsible for coverage of technology and health related issues. General assignment features, news, business, sports and entertainment reporting. Coordinate technology and College Life 101 sections. Coordinate newspaper’s outreach project to local high schools and colleges
Police Reporter, December 1999 to July 2000
Cleveland Daily Banner, Cleveland, Tennessee
Responsible for coverage of emergency-related agencies and court hearings/trials in Bradley and Polk counties. Responsible for coverage of Charleston City and Polk County government. Write weekly stories and design page layout for home section. Edit copy. Take photos for publication.
Public Relations Assistant, December 1998 to September 1999
University Relations, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Handle inquiries from the media. Write press releases and media advisories. Assist with the production of campus publications.
Professional
Organizations
Awards
Board Experience
Education
Public Relations Society of America – 2003 to present
Southeast District – Director at Large 2011-2012, Regional Conference Chair 2011
Lookout Chapter - President – 2010, Vice President – 2009, Secretary – 2008, Public Relations Director – 2007
Leadership Chattanooga, Class of 2013
Smokefree Chattanooga Hall of Fame Inductee – 2016
Tennessee Medical Association Community Service Award – 2014
PRSA Lookout Chapter Peer Award – Excellence in Public Relations - 2012
PRSA Incline Award – Public Service Campaign - 2007
American Heart Association – HeartWalk 2020 Executive Leadership Team
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Alumni Board – 2018-present (Public Relations Chair 2020)
American Cancer Society - 2014 to present (Board Chair 2019)
Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Board, 2015-2017 (Professional Development Chair)
Smokefree Chattanooga, 2009-2018 (Chair 2011-2016)
WTCI Community Advisory Board, 2010-present
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, December 1998
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga