Director of Marketing/Communications

CANDACE KOSKA, PMP

MARKETING / COMMUNICATION PROJECT MANAGER

Strategic Sales and Marketing ~ Brand and Image Development ~ Project Management ~ Advertising

Product and Service Enhancement ~Event Planning and Coordination ~ New Business Development ~ Interpersonal Relations

Dynamic and forward thinking marketing expert, with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, management and sales. Has in-depth background in maintaining profitable operations, capitalizing on growth opportunities, implementing marketing strategies, and preserving fiscal integrity. Management career reflects full collaborative and leadership responsibility for providing strategic direction to the organization’s public and corporate image and product-service lines. Exhibits distinctive skills in presentation, negotiation, and in building top-producing relationships with customers and global business partners.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Freedom2, Inc. - Cherry Hill, NJ

VP of Marketing and Communications / VP of Product Development 2006-2009

- Played a vital role in steering overall corporate growth through strategic leadership in initial business plan development, marketing campaign strategies, and PR management. Conducted extensive research and analysis on market and industry trends, and directed advertising in partnership with the advertising agency in New York. Partnered with PR firm in Boston and the creative development in Philadelphia. Fine-tuned all major corporate presentations and company communications to enhance the company’s marketing presence.

- Improved the company’s line of products through the successful management of a scientific research on high-loading particle encapsulation to create usable consumer products. Provided strategic direction to an international scientific team consisting of four PhDs and four PhD candidates. Orchestrated the first product testing. This research resulted to a main product that was named as one of Time Magazine’s Top 10 inventions of the Year in 2007 and led to press in the Wall Street Journal, all three major television networks, NPR, and The Colbert Report.

- Provided project management direction in creating a safer sunscreen ingredient. Coordinated with companies such as Estee Lauder and L’Oreal to develop a safe sunscreen additive for their product lines.

- Managed a group of UCLA MBA students and assisted them in their six-month class group project.

Behavior Education Services Team (BEST) - Northridge, CA

Director 2005-2006

- Spearheaded and streamlined operations of a start-up company that provided behavior management services to children with Autism and other related diseases. Determined areas with the greatest need for behaviorist through market research.

- Coordinated with California State Regional Centers and negotiated contract agreement with BEST to provide services to the Regional Centers that served Ventura County and San Bernardino County.

- Managed the development of all marketing collateral and all company communication after successfully securing a $5M service contract to provide behavior services to Clark County School District (Las Vegas, NV).

Sports Club LA - Beverly Hills, CA

Membership Director 2004-2005

- Increased sales of membership packages to Sports Club LA, an ultra luxury health club. Established and strengthened relationships with customers and developed the club’s public image.

- Administered marketing and special events budgets and represented Sports Club LA in membership events and community meetings. Creatively developed and approved all marketing pieces that best represent the club and ensured consistency in upscale brand identity through language used, logos, uniforms, logo wear, print and signage.

Apple One Employment - Valencia, CA

Executive Assistant (Family Business) 2003-2004

- Provided broad-based administrative support to three different companies, which included Advanced Bionics, Princess Cruises and AIG.

The Wellbrige Company - Denver, CO

Director of Sales and Marketing 1995-2003

- Promoted to realign all efforts in facilitating sales and marketing advantage for the luxury health club/spa segment of the health club / fitness / spa industry. Appointed to work at three different locations and directed operations of Calhoun Beach, a $33M historical restoration of the property.

- Improved the branding of all marketing materials and collateral. Generated increase in membership sales and was awarded “Top Producer” awards several times. Ensured the seamless development and production of marketing materials and collateral. Developed comprehensive advertising campaign and sales programs that led to new business development.

- Oversaw and maximized a staff of 5 sales reps at the Northwest Athletic Club and a staff of 7 sales reps at the Calhoun Beach Club. Key driver in meeting 150% of budgeted sales and sold more club memberships in the same year versus the previous record done over the past 25 years.

- Managed marketing and special events for the Calhoun Beach Club, including the grand reopening party with $100K budget, which was proclaimed as “the best party the club as thrown in 25 years.”

- Maintained the highest level of customer service through high visibility and member interaction. Ensured the successful facilitation of more than 400 meetings, social events, weddings and member parties on site yearly.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Promotions Director, Loew Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Free Hawaii and The Blaze), Honolulu, HI 1994-1995

Marketing Coordinator, Jeep Eagle Aloha Bowl, Honolulu, HI 1993-1994

EDUCATION

MASTER’S CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Villanova, Philadelphia, PA

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY / PRE-MED

University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

- PMP Certification (Project Management Professional) as of 2009

- Wellbridge Executive Training Program; a one year intensive management program (2001-2002)

- Center for Professional Advancement Certificate: Color additives and their use in decorative cosmetics (Amsterdam, 2007)

AFFILIATIONS

Project Management Institute (Member) | Project Management Institute, Mile High Chapter, (Member)

AWARDS AND HONORS

Employee of the Year (1996) - Wellbridge (Honolulu Club)

Top Producer Award (1996, 1997, 1999) - Wellbridge (Honolulu Club)

ACTIVITIES

- Four-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher

- Team Triumph Triathlon Club Board Member (2007-2008)

- Hawaii Literacy Board Member (1996-2000)

- Special Olympics Volunteer (1995-2000)

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