MARY ANN BESSER

1008 Saint Croix Street, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016 mabesser@yahoo.com; cell: 651-253-7030; work: 651767-4817

Innovative marketing leader who improves results by embracing new tools and technologies. Demand-generation expert, with rare combination of analytical and creative skills to maximize impact. Proven pacesetter, with track record of directing measurable, results-charged initiatives tied to corporate strategy.

AREAS OF EXPERIENCE
Branding/Product Positioning Lead Generation

Content Marketing

Promotional Material Development Social Media

Marketing Communications Public Relations

Direct Mail/Email Marketing Marketing Services Management Search Marketing

Trade Show/Event Management

Web Site Development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LAWSON SOFTWARE, St. Paul, Minnesota Marketing Manager, 2005 - present Marketing management, including demand creation, brand and awareness building for $700 million provider of Enterprise Resource Planning software solutions. Focus on Human Capital Management market segment. Supported the largest, most successful product launch in Lawson history Lawson Talent Management. Drove a 750% increase in product pipeline and $6.7M in product license revenue in the first year. Added $100M in marketing-sourced pipeline growth over a period of four years. Number one marketing team in lead generation and pipeline growth for all of Lawson four years in a row. Developed social media/ inbound marketing strategy to drive greater HCM product demand and awareness. Wrote and presented Inbound Marketing & Lead Generation, a whitepaper describing the growing role of inbound/social media marketing in the lead generation space.

MINDWEBS, St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota Marketing and Communications Consultant, 2003 - 2005 A broad range of marketing and communications projects for a variety of clients, including Cambria USA, Medtronic Corporation, Minnesota Public Radio, Evantage Consulting and Hotline Products (formerly Hoyle Products).

Reorganized marketing function and implemented annual plan for Allen Interactions Inc., including trade shows, collateral development and sales support functions. Planned and executed seven trade shows in seven months.

Developed and implemented Internet marketing campaign for the Medtronic Corporation Fast Heart Beat Web site www.fastheartbeat.com including search engine registration and site optimization components. Increased first-page search engine placement by 150% in first month of campaign. Wrote Marketing and the Internet, a Corporation for Public Broadcasting white paper describing integration of Web marketing into the Minnesota Public Radio marketing structure (a component of a $1.8 million CPB integration grant).

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MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO, St. Paul, Minnesota New Media Marketing Manager, 1999 - 2002 Brand and marketing management for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) online and on-air content for local and national programs, including MPR News and Music, Marketplace, A Prairie Home Companion and The Splendid Table.

Developed marketing programs and activities, including search engine placement, site optimization and Web component development. Launched site sponsorship program, subscription newsletters and online pledging to meet online revenue goals. Created and coordinated online programs and partnerships for greater exposure, including participation in online service network with NPR(over 150 stations accessing and using service within six months of launch). Directed marketing specialist activities, with responsibility for both new and traditional program marketing, new media marketing, communications, special events and publications.

MOORE DATA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, Minneapolis, Minnesota Marketing Communicaitons Manager, 1997 - 1999 Marketing services and communications management for market-leading software developer, Internet applications and systems integrator to the residential real estate industry, supporting over $90 million in North American sales.

Responsible for marketing materials and online content to optimize market position and product profitability. Designed brand-building initiatives to increase product awareness after several corporate acquisitions. Recruited/supervised technical and marketing writers; developed systems to increase productivity and accountability.

EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Master of Science Degree Business Administration, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee Bachelor of Arts Degree English major, Business minor, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire Software Tools: Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop; HTML; Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, SnagIt; Eloqua (marketing automation), Salesforce.com

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Inbound Marketing & Lead Generation, Inbound Marketing White Paper Online Marketing: Theory and Practice, Speaker, MPR Integrated Media Fellowship Marketing Your Web Site, Panelist, Public Radio Development and Marketing Conference Web Site Marketing for Free (or Almost Free), Panelist, NPR/PBS Interactive Summit Introducing MPR New Media, Presenter, MPR Regional Development/Advisory Committee Meetings Public Radio and the Internet, Research White Paper, Corporation for Public Broadcasting Marketing and the Internet, Internet Marketing White Paper, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Direct Marketing Association; Electronic Marketing Association; American Marketing Association National Association of Professional Organizers