Creative, performance-oriented professional with track record of designing succe

ssful solutions to diverse marketing and communications challenges. High-energy,

focused leader who moves easily from vision and strategy to implementation, pro
blem-solving, and follow-through. Able to generate enthusiasm, participation, an
d support from individuals and teams at all levels, both internal and external.
Skilled in operations, P&L management, and staff/team leadership.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Falls Church,
VA 2008-Present
Trade association representing the interests of 50,000 insurance and financial a
dvisors across the United States.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLISHER, ADVISOR TODAY MAGAZINE
Ensure key corporate messages are appropriately communicated in Advisor Today ma
gazine, maintain support for brand identity, and promote profitable growth. Prov
ide strategic management, assessment and positioning of magazine, such as creati
on of budget and financial controls, staff hiring and development, and supervisi
on of all publication functions. Coach and mentor editor-in-chief, production di
rector, and two advertising sales reps.
Hold full P&L responsibility for managing $2M budget, plus an additional $1.4M i
n advertising revenue. Actively participate in assisting Vice President of Commu
nications and Marketing with additional communications functions, such as acting
as co-liaison to Communications Committee, writing columns for CEO, and authori
ng press releases, board reports, and other ad-hoc reports.
* Attracted, recruited, and hired two talented editors along with an in-house ar
t director to stabilize the magazine, shape vision, and bring direction to a flo
undering publication.
* Spearheaded first magazine redesign in 10 years, revamping magazine look and c
ontent, including complete rebrand of companion Web site, www.advisortoday.com.
* Developed and designed company's first media kit, creating attractive advertis
ing packages, and offering sales reps alternative promotional offerings for thei
r clients.
* Diversified the magazine, expanding advertising options to the Web site and mo
nthly email newsletters, utilizing new platforms to promote the publication.
* Won the highly coveted Bronze Excel Award from Association Media and Publishin
g, receiving the seal of excellence for the redesign of the magazine's media kit
.
American Land Title Association (ALTA), Washington, D.C. 1999-2008
A national trade association representing 2,300 title companies with a $4.5M bud
get.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Recruited to direct and implement integrated communications to members, external
audiences, and the media to increase awareness and understanding of title insur
ance, the industry, and its value to consumers.
Planned and managed $800K budget for communications activities. Coached and dire
cted production manager. Guided maintenance of office style manual, governing th
e outer appearance and brand identity in both print and electronic media.
* Directed and actively participated in the bi-monthly production of Title News,
ALTA's 4-color magazine including developing the budget, content, cover image,
articles, editing, soliciting advertising, and managing printing and distributi
on.
* Instrumental in winning Most Improved Award from the Society of National Assoc
iation Publications for implementing the first magazine redesign in more than a
decade. Successfully transitioned magazine from 2-color to 4-color format, expan
ding options and providing significant cost savings.
* Built and maintained relationships with press and key industry contacts.
* Directed PR firm in day-to-day activities of campaign to educate various audie
nces about the value of title insurance.
* Orchestrated redesign of an innovative Web site, implementing navigation and c
ontent areas, and creating opportunities for banner advertisers.
* Leveraged expertise in communications to write and edit speeches, letters, pre
ss releases, matte stories, and convention scripts.
International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus, Washington, D.C. 1998
-1999
A professional organization comprised of 465 convention and visitor bureaus, wit
h 1,000 individual members and a $3M annual budget.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Selected as creative expert to direct overall marketing strategy and a variety o
f communications to members, non-members, and the media. Coached, guided, and me
ntored a well-equipped communications assistant. Worked closely with creative ta
lent to implement highly effective membership promotions, convention promotions,
directories, and surveys. Held accountable for $270K annual operating budget. P
layed a major role acting as liaison to Public Relations Committee.
* Conceived and created themes, wrote articles, edited article submissions, and
worked with designer and printer to publish a 32-page, bi-monthly, 4-color magaz
ine for membership distribution.
* Teamed with outside vendor to redesign Web site, refocusing brand strategy to
meet changing consumer demographics and preferences.
* Spearheaded design, development, and production of a series of high-profile co
rporate communications, creating a fully integrated corporate identity, includin
g monthly emails, membership directory, directory of destinations, and show time
events.
* Collaborated with Board of Directors, PR Committee, staff and outside vendor t
o design, produce, and launch a new association logo and brand.
* Defined new corporate vision and authored marketing plan for conventions, vend
or database, and education seminars, resulting in 200 additional convention atte
ndees.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
American Society of Association Executives, Washington, D.C, 1984-1998
* ACTING VICE PRESIDENT, 1995-1996
* DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, 1987-1998
* MARKETING ASSISTANT, 1984-1987

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television, and Film Communications
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, College Park, MD
HIGHLIGHTS OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION:
* Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course
* Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Former Board Member and Committee Chair, Public Relations Society of America (PR
SA), National Capital Chapter
Former President and Board Member, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR)
Committee Member, Association Media & Publishing (AM&P)
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)