Communications & Events Specialist

DEBBY RABEOR

*************@*****.***

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Summary

A roll-your-sleeves-up leader, adept in strategic communications, project oversight, event coordination, and volunteer management. Creative talent, with leveraged skills, passion, and pride, promoting civic and social causes to assist government and non-profit organizations in achieving their missions.

Experience

DAVID E. MILLER FOR ILLINOIS CONTROLLER, Chicago, Illinois

Scheduler 2009-2010

Created and managed candidate’s statewide calendar, researching all public appearances and developing and executing events to maximize impact on voters throughout Illinois.

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION, Chicago, Illinois

Public Relations Representative 2001-2009

Served as public and internal communications resource, producing and promoting local and global initiatives on behalf of the City of Chicago. Performed a variety of roles, including:

External and Internal Communications Liaison – Created and supported communications strategies with media relations, senior management, aviation partners, and government agencies, garnering international publicity and awards. Responded to all public inquires on behalf of leadership. Developed and reproduced internal monthly bulletin and quarterly newsletter, and executed employee recognition and engagement events of staff of 1,200. Managed Volunteer Ambassador Program (2001-2004), providing assistance to the traveling public and doubling volunteer recruits.

Community Relations Liaison – Facilitated public relations initiatives with community partners, including Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges, government agencies that included the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA, non-profits, and the private sector. Increased education outreach for grades K-12 and reinstated private tour program after 9/11. Coordinated mentoring program for Chicago Public Schools’ After School Matters Program. Managed initiatives for USO Centers to accommodate U.S. Armed Forces, and coordinated National Honor Flight Network recognition with airlines and Homeland Security. Led department to first place out of 37 in donations to Chicago Gives and Meals on Wheels charitable giving programs. Oversaw budget, purchasing, and protocol for dignitary gift program.

Special Events Coordination and Arts Programming – Oversaw budgets, sponsorship, and logistics for more than 50 promotions and events. Served as host city intermediary to aviation partners for international conferences. Managed arts programming from application to installation with nationally known artists, Chicago Office of Tourism, and Chicago Sister City International Program.

Film-Shoot Supervision – Increased commercial film projects at Chicago’s airports by over 100% in two years by improving amenities. Coordinated and managed logistics for film, television, documentary, and photo shoots in conjunction with the Chicago and Illinois Film Offices, and served as direct report for producers, directors, location managers, production crews, airlines, and Homeland Security. Instrumental in persuading security to allow filming air-side after 9/11 to increase revenue and publicity.

Promotional Materials Project Management – Created content for www.flychicago.com. Collaborated on design of advertisements for trade publications and marketing collateral. Managed photo archives.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ILLINOIS, COORDINATED CAMPAIGN 2000 AND GORE FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN 2000, Chicago, Illinois

Volunteer Coordinator 2000

Recruited, trained, and supervised volunteer staff of more than 500, supporting Chicago headquarters and field offices throughout Illinois. Coordinated volunteer support around more than 100 activities, including voter-mobilization efforts, rallies, field strategies, and fund-raising projects, resulting in a +12.02% win in Illinois for Gore. Directed statewide telemarketing campaign to targeted database of more than 2,000,000 voters.

Additional Experience

MEGA MARKETING, Chicago, Illinois, Manufacturer’s Sales Representative, 1992-2000. Increased sales by 42% per year by expanding territory to independent retailers. Innovated product-specific marketing programs in unchartered regions. Represented manufacturers at international trade shows and demonstrations. VILLAGE LINENS, Oak Park, Illinois, General Manager, 1990-1992. ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, Chicago, Illinois, Public Relations Supervisor, 1986-1988. CONNIE ZONKA PUBLIC RELATIONS, Chicago, Illinois, Account Executive, 1985-1986.

Education

COLUMBIA COLLEGE, Chicago, Illinois, B.A., Public Relations and Arts Management

Certifications

Digital Media Program participant in Mayor Daley’s Chicago Career Tech Program. Working toward certifications in Adobe Creative Suite software.

Awards

2009: First-Place Award, Airports Council International Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest: Creative Innovations in Technology – Explore Chicago Tourism Kiosks.

2008: First-Place Award, Airports Council International Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest: Public Relations Campaign – Celebrate Chicago Music.

2007: Department of Aviation Employee Recognition Commissioner Award.

Memberships & Advocacy

Chicago Area Public Affairs Group

Columbia College Alumni Association Special Events Committee

Encouraging Words Writing Campaign for Global Compassion

44th Ward’s Lakefront Progressives Network

St. Vincent DePaul Seton Food Pantry

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