Senior Media Relations & Strategy Expert
Resume:
Passionate media strategist
with over ** years of experience
in securing top-tier
placements, developing
creative brand narratives, and
driving impactful earned
media coverage in the food
and beverage industry, with a
strong network of media
relationships across various
verticals.
ABOUT TOM PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
***.*****@*****.***
2545 W Catalpa Ave
APT 3B
Chicago, IL 60625
TOMASZ DONDA
Media Relations & Strategy Expert
EDUCATION
BA / Journalism & Mass
Communications
University of Iowa
2010 – 2013
2021 – 2025
Praytell Chicago, IL
Media Strategy Director
Led media relations for all food and beverage and CPG accounts, developing innovative strategies to maximize media exposure across both traditional and emerging media for brands including High Noon Hard Seltzer, Barefoot Wine, Fender, and Peet's Coffee. Spearheaded the launch of High Noon Tequila Seltzer, generating 430+ placements and 2.5B impressions.
Secured an average of four media stories per week in top-tier outlets like CNN, Business Insider, USA Today, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Developed proactive and reactive story angles to enhance executive visibility and expand audience reach.
Fostered relationships with top-tier media professionals through weekly meetings and strategic networking.
Mentored and developed junior team members, enhancing their media relations skills. Analyzed media trends to inform strategy and drive engagement with key reporters. 2023 SABRE Award nomination in food & beverage for Camarena Tequila’s Fiesta Flask and nominated in the publicity stunt category for Devils Backbone Buck Tattoo Challenge.
linkedin.com/in/tomdonda/
2020 – 2021
Praytell Chicago, IL
Media Strategy Supervisor
Managed media relations for key consumer accounts, overseeing strategy and outreach for senior clients on major projects. Oversaw the execution of earned media outreach for brands including Anheuser-Busch, Under Armour, Bacardi, Drinkworks Home Bar, and more.
Led outreach for seven Anheuser-Busch craft brewery accounts, securing placements in Food & Wine, Men's Health, Today Show, and Rolling Stone. Monitored daily news trends to identify opportunities for earned media coverage. Hosted weekly office hours to provide pitching guidance and PR strategy support. Developed a thorough understanding of complex industry systems, including the Three-Tier Alcohol Distribution model.
2019 – 2020
Praytell Chicago, IL
Senior Media Strategist
Directed media relations for Anheuser-Busch’s craft beer portfolio, driving strategic storytelling and media outreach. Assisted in media relations outreach for brands including Pernod Ricard, Monkey 47, Chivas Regal, and more.
Led media strategy for Goose Island Beer Co., securing 200+ placements and 4B monthly impressions.
Awarded the 2019 Provoke Global SABRE for Best in Beverage with Goose Island Beer Co.
Developed strong media relationships across food & beverage, lifestyle, tech, B2B, and wellness sectors.
Generated consistent earned media coverage for brands such as Pernod Ricard, Monkey 47, and Chivas Regal.
2018 – 2019
Praytell Chicago, IL
Account Strategist
Supported PR strategy development, media outreach, and account management for brands including Credit Karma, Zumba, Goose Island Beer Co., and Virtue Cider. Secured media placements in ABC News, CNBC, TechCrunch, Refinery29, and Thrillist. Contributed to a record-breaking media year for Goose Island Beer Co., generating over 2K placements and 1.5B impressions.
CONTACT
SKILLS
Pitching Traditional &
Emerging Media
Account Management
Material Development
(press releases, media
alerts, pitch packages, etc.)
Trend & Cultural
Newsjacking
Crisis Communication
PR and Digital Strategy
Media Monitoring Tools
(Cision, Meltwater, Critical
Mention)
Food, Hospitality & Alcohol
Industry Expertise
Contact this candidate