Senior Communications & Marketing Leader

Crystal Thigpen

Senior Communications & Marketing Leader

Houston, TX • 713-***-**** • **********@******.*** • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/crystalthigpen

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic communications and marketing leader with 8+ years of experience driving internal communications, executive messaging, and digital engagement across multi- office organizations. Trusted partner to executive leadership, HR, DEI, IT, and business stakeholders to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling communications that strengthen culture, align teams, and support business strategy. Known for building scalable communication frameworks, developing high-impact storytelling, and leading multi-channel campaigns that increase engagement, clarity, and adoption. CORE SKILLS

• Strategic Communications

• Executive & Leadership Communications

• Internal Communications & Change Management

• Marketing Communications

• Content Strategy & Storytelling

• Social Media Strategy & Management

• Thought Leadership Development

• Employee Engagement Campaigns

• Intranet & Digital Channel Strategy (SharePoint, Teams, CMS)

• Conference & Event Marketing

• Brand Messaging & Positioning

• Analytics & Communication Performance Insights

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Marketing & Communications Consultant (Part-Time Contract) — SiteEngage Solutions Feb 2026 – Present

• Develop strategic marketing and messaging materials supporting clinical research site alliance development and site enablement initiatives.

• Create high-impact conference materials including executive presentations, one pagers, and branded marketing collateral used for partner engagement and industry events.

• Manage and develop social media content that promotes company initiatives, strengthens thought leadership, and increases visibility within the clinical research community.

• Translate complex clinical research operations, feasibility strategy, and site performance concepts into clear, compelling messaging for sponsors and research partners.

• Collaborate directly with company leadership to refine value propositions, positioning, and marketing narratives supporting business development efforts. Communications Lead — VHB May 2023 – Jan 2026

• Led enterprise internal communications supporting strategic initiatives across a multi office engineering and consulting organization serving 2000+ employees.

• Partnered with executive leadership, HR, DEI, Sustainability, Legal, and IT to align messaging with company priorities and organizational transformation initiatives, and change communication strategies.

• Developed executive presentations, leadership messaging, town hall communications, and internal campaigns supporting high visibility corporate programs and employee engagement initiatives.

• Managed multi channel communications across SharePoint intranet, Staffbase, Viva Engage, email, video, and live events to ensure consistent storytelling and message clarity.

• Advised senior leaders on messaging strategy, communication planning, and employee engagement best practices.

Marketing & Communications Director (Contract / Part-Time) — TOTAL Diversity Clinical Trial Management Jan 2023 – Mar 2025

Transitioned from full-time to part-time upon accepting a full-time role at VHB; retained to provide ongoing marketing strategy and communications leadership.

• Directed marketing and communications strategy for a full service clinical research organization focused on increasing diversity in clinical trials.

• Developed messaging frameworks, marketing campaigns, conference materials, and social media strategies to strengthen brand visibility.

• Produced thought leadership content including blogs, podcasts, and industry messaging supporting executive visibility and company positioning.

• Partnered with sales leadership to align marketing initiatives with business development priorities.

Corporate Communications Specialist — RS&H Feb 2022 – Nov 2022

• Managed internal communications supporting People & Culture initiatives across email, intranet, and Microsoft Teams channels.

• Developed executive presentations, scripts, and training materials supporting employee programs and organizational initiatives.

• Created messaging frameworks that improved clarity, alignment, and consistency across departments.

• Advised executives and internal stakeholders on communications planning and best practices.

Communications & Missions Specialist — Refined Technologies Aug 2018 – Feb 2022

• Managed internal and external communications including newsletters, intranet content, social media, and video storytelling.

• Developed communication strategies and content calendars supporting company initiatives and employee engagement.

• Built analytics dashboards measuring communication performance and audience engagement.

• Produced CEO communications, webinars, employee events, and company-wide updates.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts — Applied Communications Regent University Associate of Arts — Mass Communications Lone Star College

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