- Executive director of multi-discipline, diverse marketing & communications teams
- Expert at growing brands with meaningful human insights and modern marketing practices
- Executive leadership team member at two large agencies
- Author of award-winning strategies and content
- Innovative thinker, practical solutions, and measured accountability
- Mentor, DEI advocate, and friend to many
SKILLS
Company/culture leadership
Brand and marketing strategy
Budget planning and management
Cultural insights
Audience segmentation
Social strategy & content development
Creative insights and brief writing
Research and analytics
Data, technology, and measurement
Community outreach
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | UM-Flint | 1/23 – Present
- Hired to develop an entirely new university branding campaign, which includes a fully-integrated plan, PR, outreach, social, grassroots, and enrollment strategies.
- Oversee all creation of marketing strategy and creative assets.
- Manage all agency partners and media relationships.
SVP STRATEGY DIRECTOR | GTB/VMLYR | 8/2016 – 6/2022
- Strategic lead on Ford’s regional sales events and partnership & promotional marketing strategies (nationally and locally)
- Key accomplishments:
- Instituted new annual strategic planning process for local (geographic) marketing groups
- Grew and mentored an all-new regional staff
- Helped build franchise-wide marketing effectiveness model
- Led development of regional growth strategies and marketing plans (AA, Hispanic, Millennials)
- Wrote all strategies for Ford sales events and promotions, all leading to strong sales quarters
- Volunteered with Detroit Experience Studio (DEI initiative for Detroit Public School children)
EVP STRATEGY DIRECTOR | LEO BURNETT | 1/2010 – 8/2016
- Executive Director of Strategy, Analytics, and Research team
- Executive agency leader (core management team)
- Key accomplishments:
- Increased agency revenue and new business
- Authored agency core mission document (handbook)
- Rebuilt entire department including personnel, process, and core competencies
- Head Strategist for the NCAA, United Way, Detroit Institute of Arts, Buick, GMC, and Chevy Silverado
- Created one of the top Facebook acquisition campaigns of the year (Purple Your Profile & Chevy – in support of World Cancer Day)
- Wrote the marketing strategy that made Buick the fastest growing luxury car brand in America
- Drove awareness and ticket sales for the Frida Kahlo/Diego Rivera art exhibit though a unique social media strategy
- Provided the NCAA with a brand platform to reinforce and grow its position as a student-athlete advocate
- Expanded United Way’s public perception to local communities
DIGITAL DIRECTOR | PEOPLE FOR CHERRY CAMPAIGN | 2009
- Joined the campaign to lead all Digital Strategy for the Lt. Governor’s gubernatorial campaign
- Key accomplishments:
- Widely credited for building a powerful social media footprint and innovative website
- Creative director for all print and online assets
- Led digital fundraising strategies and tactics
- Advised on communications/PR and messaging strategies
EVP STRATEGY DIRECTOR | BBDO | 1/1992 – 12/2008
- Executive Director of Strategy, Analytics, and Research team
- Executive agency leader (core management team)
- Key accomplishments:
- Led all strategy for Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep brands; developing some of the industry’s most memorable campaigns (e.g., “Grab Life by the Horns”)
- Developed the strategy for the famous Ram “Hemi” campaign which shattered sales and share expectations
- Helped Chrysler navigate two mergers/takeovers; providing strategic counsel and board presentations
- Instituted an entirely new strategy and insight development process using customer-centric principles
- Transitioned agency to new marketing practices (digital)
- Mentored a team of 15-20 strategists and researchers