Director of Communications
Resume:
Lori L. Harrison
Downingtown, PA 19335
******@*****.***
610-***-**** (home)
484-***-**** (cell)
WORK HISTORY
Director of Communications, American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association
Rockville, Md.
September 2008 – February 2010
• Designed and managed monthly newsletter, the leading publication for the association. Duties included researching, writing and editing articles, creating editorial calendar, and maintaining advertiser database
o Increased pages of newsletter content 100 percent in six months
o Developed an advertising plan to incorporate into newsletter for increased revenue. Within a year, the newsletter included 25 percent ad pages and incurred more than $15,000 per month in ad revenue
• Designed, wrote and edited communications pieces for use on web, social media and traditional mail
• Managed and supervised website content and updates
• Managed special projects including writing Annual Meeting scripts, reference materials and other pieces as needed
• Developed and managed social media and social marketing programs on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
Director of Communications, American Bus Association
Washington, DC
September 2002 – June 2006
• Developed and implemented a media strategy to position American Bus Association as the leading trade association for the group travel industry for legislative, consumer and industry audiences that included increased, positive industry messaging and enhanced media outreach
o ABA increased its visibility on Capitol Hill with members and staff on issues of security funding, ADA grants, fairness in public/private competition and other industry issues. The result increased federal resources for the industry.
o ABA enhanced outreach and reputation with trade and national press which resulted in increased media focus.
o ABA’s membership increased, despite downturn within larger industry.
• Identified opportunities in the media and within the membership to maximize ABA brand extension of products and services including ABA’s Top 100 Events, ABA Bus Marketplace and Annual Best and Rest
o Media attention and focus increased for ABA’s Top 100 Events, an annual listing of 100 events for group travelers.
o Media attention and delegate attendance increased for ABA Bus Marketplace, the leading industry business appointment show for buyers and sellers of travel.
o Membership interest grew for ABA’s Best and Rest, an annual ranking of the best cities, restaurants and lodging facilities for large groups.
• Supervised ABA blog, website content and managed website team in redesign
• Developed and produced 80th anniversary 10-minute commemorative video
• Designed ads, brochures, and other member communication pieces
• Managed weekly newsletter communications to 3200-member organization
• Special project: Assisted in producing a national television commercial on behalf of industry
Director of Communications, Beer Institute
Washington, DC
January 2000 – September 2002
• Created and implemented a media strategy to position Beer Institute as the dominant trade association for the brewing industry. Strategy resulted in:
o Increased, balanced media attention in trade and national press. Media inquiries/placements on tax, advertising and drunk driving issues increased nearly 50% from 2000.
o Greater visibility within and outside industry. Beer Institute became a ‘leading voice’ in Washington and across the nation on issues affecting the brewing industry.
o Stronger media contacts. Within media, Beer Institute built a reputation as a credible source for information
• Developed and implemented internal communication program for members to coordinate industry messages. Strategy resulted in:
o Increased membership. Beer Institute experienced a record increase of new members and increased memberships.
o Improved unity on industry issues. As a unifying force in the industry, Beer Institute secured a ‘seat at table’ on public policy issues affecting the industry.
• Managed communications strategy and served as the principal contact for communications staff in member companies
• Coordinated agency searches and managed agency relations
• Coordinated special events including press conferences, meetings, and receptions
• Designed and wrote quarterly newsletter
• Supervised website content and development
Media Relations Manager, American Insurance Association
Washington, DC
June 1997 – December 1999
• Worked with industry trade and general press as part of overall communications goal in enhancing AIA’s role in the media. Strategy resulted in:
o Increased media attention in stories presenting AIA as a leader in helping pass landmark financial services legislation
o Improved AIA’s positioning on Capitol Hill as necessary ‘player’ in developing financial services legislation
• Coordinated national and state press activities with regional offices
• Served as communications liaison for AIA at National Insurance Commissioners quarterly meetings
• Designed issue ads, publications, issue pieces, etc.
• Coordinated special events including monthly press breakfasts, briefings, and press conferences
• Designed monthly newsletter, as well as quarterly PAC materials
• Provided editorial support for press releases, talking points, statements, etc.
EDUCATION
University of Maryland, College Park
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism
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