Internal Communications Public Relations

Erik Noriega

Houston, Texas ****.*.*******@*****.*** 713-***-**** LinkedIn

COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL & LEADER

Versatile communications leader with more than 30 years of experience driving internal, executive and external communications for major organizations in healthcare, business and nonprofit sectors. Trusted advisor to senior leadership with expertise in storytelling, strategic planning and crisis communications. Proven ability to translate vision into actionable messaging that engages, aligns and inspires. Experience in bringing organizational silos down to facilitate org-wide communications.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Executive, Internal & External Communications • Change Management Communications • Crisis Response • Public Relations • Journalism • Storytelling • Project Management • Organizational Culture Building • Team Leadership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas

Director of Internal Communications (January 2023 to April 2024) Led organization’s internal communications efforts for the hospital system’s transition to the Epic electronic health record system. Responsible for both strategy and tactics for communicating change to the system's 33,000 employees and almost 7,000 affiliated providers. Key Work & Accomplishments

● Led planning of master communications blueprint and oversaw its execution.

● Launched and maintained production of bi-weekly newsletter to 1,000-strong project team with open rate of nearly 70% as well as monthly newsletter to all employees and affiliated providers with open rate of nearly 60%.

● Produced successful video series highlighting project with 60% engagement. Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas

Lead Editor (November 2018 to December 2022)

Senior Editor (July 2013 to October 2018)

Took part in developing and executing strategies to communicate with the organization’s more than 30,000 employees and providers across multiple hospitals and locations. Served as ghost writer for the organization’s President and CEO.

Key Work & Accomplishments

● Served as project lead on the hospital system’s FORTUNE “Best Companies to Work For” applications.

● Crafted speeches for Dr. Marc Boom, system President and CEO, which were presented at various conferences such as Vizient Connection Summit, Becker’s Hospital Review Annual Meeting, Texas Hospital Association Annual Conference and more.

● Responsible for strategy and content of President and CEO’s monthly all-employee message, which saw a consistent open rate of 70%.

● Helped create crisis communications strategy and served as lead writer for organization’s internal communications efforts during COVID-19 pandemic.

● Key contributor to the organization's intranet redesign and rebuild project.

● Helped organize and executed multiple all-employee events including “Houston Methodist Fun Day” at NRG Stadium.

● Managed 15 local hospital communications professionals in a cross-collaborative environment.

Greater Houston Partnership, Houston, Texas

Manager, Communications (August 2010 to June 2013) Responsible for organization’s communication strategy and written communications for both external and internal audiences. In addition, served as public relations lead acting as media contact for local, national, and international media. Key Work & Accomplishments

● Drafted speeches for organization’s President and CEO and various board members including Patrick Oxford, Larry Kellner, Tony Chase, and Gina Luna.

● Authored opinion and editorial pieces for The Houston Chronicle and other publications for various board members.

● Placed stories in local, national and international publications such as The Houston Chronicle, Houston Business Journal, Texas Monthly, Time Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and more.

● Created the organization's first social media policy and communications plan. Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Houston, Texas

Associate Director of Communications (October 2007 to August 2009) In addition to continued responsibilities as editor of Texas Catholic Herald (see below), also assisted the Director of Communications with her duties, including developing and executing communications strategy, external and internal communications and crisis communications. Key Work & Accomplishments

● Assisted with local, national and international media coverage during Papal Consistory in Vatican City (November 2007); during dedication of new, downtown co-cathedral (April 2008); and in response to parish closings on Galveston Island

(September 2008) and archdiocesan school closings (February 2009).

● Managed organization-wide copy center and mail room staff. Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Houston, Texas

Editor, Texas Catholic Herald Newspaper (September 1999 to August 2009) Developed strategy and managed editorial content for 72,000 circulation biweekly publication. Contributed writing and photography, in addition to editing content. Key Work & Accomplishments

● Managed staff of seven full-time employees and a group of seven freelance writers.

● Responsible for a $1.2 million annual budget.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT

Staff Writer, The Texas Catholic Herald Newspaper (October 1998 to September 1999) General Manager, El Mexica Newspaper (July 1995 to October 1998) Assistant Editor, El Mexica Newspaper (June 1992 to July 1995) EDUCATION

● Bachelor of Arts, Communication, PR Concentration, University of Houston

● Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of Houston TECHNICAL SKILLS

Bilingual (Spanish) • AP Style • Adobe Creative Suite • MS Office • Email Marketing Tools

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