Marketing Manager, Corporate Responsibility, Dog and Cat Division - Central Garden & Pet - Neptune City, NJ
(2017-01 - 2026-01)
Led corporate responsibility, public relations, cause marketing, sustainability, partnership development, event marketing, influencer initiatives, and brand awareness programs. Managed integrated marketing campaigns, nonprofit partnerships, industry events, licensing relationships, advertising, social media strategy, reporting while overseeing budgets, agency relationships, and marketing team members.
- Expanded brand visibility and consumer engagement through national cause-marketing, media, and advertising campaigns that generated more than 10 million impressions across radio, podcast, digital, social media, experiential, and video channels.
- Strengthened brand reputation and industry recognition through award-winning initiatives, including the Pet Insight Vanguard Award, Pet Business Industry Recognition Award, and selection as a Top Performing Accredited Member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition.
- Elevated corporate social responsibility efforts by authoring the division's first Corporate Social Responsibility Impact Report and leading sustainability initiatives across multiple brands.
- Grew nonprofit and community impact through strategic partnerships with animal welfare organizations, guide dog programs, and adoption agencies, supporting adoption events, donation programs, and awareness campaigns nationwide.
- Increased brand visibility and willingness to collaborate with Walmart and Best Friends Animal Society Bentonville AR annual Super Pet Adoption Event.
- Increased consumer and retailer engagement and education by managing high-profile trade show activations and brand experiences at major industry events, including Global Pet Expo, Western Veterinary Conference, and VMX featuring Key Opinion Leaders speaking engagements.
- Secured extensive media coverage through television, podcast, radio, trade publication, and business press placements that highlighted brand milestones, product innovation, and community impact initiatives.
- Enhanced financial stewardship by managing $2M multi-brand marketing budgets, training cross-functional teams on budget management practices, and overseeing marketing investment performance.
- Expanded licensing and strategic partnership opportunities through management of major brand relationships, including national media collaborations and quarterly executive reporting to licensing partners.
- Validated and maintained key product positioning claims, strengthening brand credibility and supporting packaging, marketing, and sales initiatives across multiple product lines.
- Led and developed marketing talent by managing social media, SEO, and influencer marketing resources while driving integrated campaigns across consumer and professional audiences.
Dog & Cat Division Marketing Manager - Central Garden & Pet - Neptune City, NJ
(2017-01 - 2022-01)
Managed marketing strategy, product commercialization, promotional partnerships, licensing relationships, budget administration, and brand development initiatives across portfolio.
- Launched 10 new cat litter SKUs under the Four Paws brand, expanding product offerings and supporting growth within the category.
- Developed 2 dog toy product lines comprising 30 new products, increasing brand presence across grocery retail and e-commerce channels.
- Established and expanded an in-kind donation program that strengthened community engagement and enhanced brand reputation through philanthropic partnerships.
- Created and implemented social media influencer standards and promotional partnership strategies that improved campaign consistency, brand alignment, and audience reach.
- Negotiated and managed partnerships with leading animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA, American Humane Society, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and Southeastern Guide Dogs, driving awareness and cause-marketing opportunities.
- Managed trademark administration, press releases, licensing agreements, contract execution, and promotional programs, including the Four Paws Wee-Wee Pads with Febreze partnership and movie licensing initiatives supporting brand visibility and compliance.
Promotional Marketing Manager - Nylabone (A subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet) - Neptune City, NJ
(2014-01 - 2017-01)
Managed all promotional events, including MLB Bark at the Park- Manager and brand ambassador. Oversaw all marketing budgets and strategy execution as well as philanthropic in-kind donation program to build positive brand reputation for good will.
- Managed Manufacturer's coupon and retail strategy.
- Product development for Nylabone toys and edible treat products concept to shelf for sale.
- Received 2016 Pet Age Icon Award, Made in New Jersey Manufacturer's Day 2015 Trenton State House.
- Participation in local events in Monmouth and Ocean counties and volunteer opportunities for team morale and brand reputation and equity.
Project Manager of Product Development - Astor Chocolate Corp - Lakewood, NJ
(2012-01 - 2014-01)
Built Annual Strategy for Product Launch, composed timelines and budget, Managed product life cycle from inception to market. Managed product development with cross-functional team Sales, Design Studio, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, Manufacturing and Production.
- Achieved Sales Team need for innovative product: Developed new Foodservice Seasonal, specialized Retail Gift with Purchase, Corporate Sales, and Hospitality products resulting in over $2M sales annually for Sodexo, MGM Las Vegas properties minbar, Ralph Lauren Romance Valentines's Day gift set at Macy's nationwide, Dylan's Candy Bar, Hudson News.
- Optimized and initiated Product Development company-wide proposals for efficiency.
- Collaborated with Product Development Engineer on manufacturing capabilities for structural design.
- Sourced/ sampled components dealing directly with local vendors- materials.
- Interfaced with Factory/ Plant Manager in the testing of machinery and production procedures.
- Oversaw and proofed new product Marketing material.
Product Development Coordinator - Astor Chocolate Corp - Lakewood, NJ
(2009-01 - 2011-01)
Built Annual Strategy for Product Launch, composed timelines and budget, Managed product life cycle from inception to market. Managed product development with cross-functional team Sales, Design Studio, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, Manufacturing and Production. After 2 months taking on all responsibilities of product development management, assembly labor, cost analysis.
Office Manager - Urner Barry Publications, Inc - Bayville, NJ
(2006-01 - 2009-01)
Leader in commodity market reporting publication and comprehensive market coverage across all major center-of-the-plate proteins. Publication editing and improving systems and standards of practice. Managed sales team of 6. Direct report to the Vice President of Marketing.
- Customer Service- Systems improvement, Sale management, Credit collection.
- Operations Assistant- Data entry and publication layout, proofing market quotes.
