Ernst Lamothe

Analytical professional with success in driving organizational visibility and shaping public narratives through executive engagement, media relations, and strategic storytelling across healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors. Track record of strengthening brand reputation, expanding media reach, and improving public messaging. Astute at cultivating executive relationships, securing national coverage, and executing multi-channel communication strategies across public and private sectors.

Adept at enhancing campaign performance, developing messaging frameworks, and delivering integrated communications across marketing, legal, and advocacy functions. Well-versed in increasing digital engagement, audience growth, and community impact by designing social media strategies, managing content calendars, and executing high-performing digital campaigns. Known for advancing organizational initiatives and supporting culture transformation by leading internal engagement programs and facilitating leadership communications.

Public Relations and Social Media Director at American Osteopathic Association (2022-03 – 2026-04)

Strengthen stakeholder engagement and organizational visibility by cultivating relationships with internal and external leaders, including CEO, President, and President-Elect, to elevate Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine profession. Elevate brand reputation and media impact through serving as primary public relations and social media liaison, securing high-value media placements and driving corporate campaign visibility. Improve media communications effectiveness and public messaging consistency by building journalist relationships, developing messaging frameworks, coordinating interviews, and delivering targeted talking points.

• Increased digital engagement and content alignment by designing social media strategy and editorial calendars to support brand storytelling and audience growth objectives.
• Enhanced cross-functional execution and campaign cohesion by collaborating with marketing, membership, publications, executive communications, graphics, legal, and Washington D.C. advocacy teams.
• Strengthened employee engagement outcomes and workplace satisfaction by contributing to multi-year Employee Engagement Committee initiatives focused on strategic organizational improvement.
• Enhanced brand visibility and secured high-impact media coverage through placements in US News & World Report, The Washington Post, NPR, CNN, and other top-tier outlets, driving 33% year-over-year increase in media exposure.
• Expanded digital reach and amplified audience engagement by growing social media performance, achieving 138% engagement growth, 171% follower increase, and 614% rise in video views over a two-year period.
• Exceeded annual goal of 40 by achieving 130 news stories within 10 months, securing placements in Men's Health, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, and U.S. News & World Report.
• Elevated video production value and social media engagement through execution of quality-focused improvements, driving dramatic reduction in errors and typos and earning "Exceeds Expectations" rating for Productivity and Quality of Work.

Managing Partner at Lamothe Consulting Group (2014-03 – Present)

Drive strategic growth for corporate and nonprofit organizations by developing initiatives that optimize resource utilization and accelerate goal achievement across diverse industries. Improve campaign effectiveness and brand engagement by delivering digital marketing, event planning, and social media strategies for multiple client organizations.

• Expanded digital presence and audience reach across industries through social media platform development and campaign execution for restaurants, plumbing services, nonprofits, mentoring programs, and large enterprises.
• Restored program performance and exceeded pre-pandemic participation levels by reviving a stalled nonprofit youth mentoring program impacted by COVID-19 disruptions.
• Elevated student engagement and institutional branding by partnering with college leadership to launch first student appreciation week, resulting in new mascot, slogan, and marketing assets.

Public Affairs, Government Liaison and Communications Manager at Thornton Township (2016-08 – 2021-06)

Directed public relations, media relations, event planning, and communications for Thornton Township, driving community engagement through integrated outreach strategy, digital campaigns, and print marketing. Strengthened executive messaging and communication clarity by developing official content, refining strategy with consultants, and serving as primary speechwriter for Township Supervisor.

• Improved regional coordination and program alignment by managing initiatives across 17 municipalities and enhancing intergovernmental collaboration.
• Enhanced public engagement and departmental branding by creating brochures for 10 departments, redesigning websites, and launching community-focused events.
• Earned statewide recognition for communications excellence through consecutive Illinois Township Officials social media awards (2017–2018) and Illinois Communication Manager of the Year (2018).

Public Relations, Marketing and Government Affairs Manager at Advocate Aurora Health (2014-03 – 2016-07)

Optimized employee engagement and brand loyalty by supporting hospital-wide "I Take Pride in What I Do" initiative, strengthening alignment among physicians, staff, and community stakeholders. Enhanced maternity service branding and patient experience by developing hospital maternity marketing programs and introducing branded newborn onesies for new mothers. Strengthened healthcare advocacy and funding efforts by collaborating with State Senators, Aldermen, and Representatives to support Chicago-area health initiatives.

• Increased media visibility and public awareness through secured coverage in Chicago Sun-Times, Crain's Business, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and additional major outlets.
• Improved employee satisfaction ranking from 7th to 1st within Advocate Aurora in under two years through execution of internal engagement campaign.
• Expanded social media reach by increasing X and Instagram followers by 10% within the first two years through targeted digital engagement strategy.
• Earned Advocate Public Affairs and Marketing Award in 2015 for excellence in healthcare communications and campaign performance.

Education and Government Reporter at Democrat and Chronicle

Delivered high-impact education and government reporting for Major Gannett newspaper, increasing audience awareness across multiple municipalities through coverage of socioeconomic, crime, financial, school, and community issues.

• Expanded regional news impact and journalistic responsibility through promotion to cover large municipalities and major events, including former President George W. Bush visit and Pope Benedict XVI U.S. tour.
• Strengthened national media presence and commentary reach through appearances as guest analyst on MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN for breaking national news coverage.

Master of Arts in Communications – Governors State University

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – University of Illinois