Kimberly Gardner

Marketing and communications professional with extensive experience developing multi-channel campaigns, managing social media and email marketing, creating website and visual content, handling media relations, and translating complex topics into clear, compelling stories.

Background includes nonprofit, government, healthcare, financial services, tourism, and small-business marketing. Skilled at moving between strategy, content production, project management, analytics, and hands-on execution.

Owner / Marketing, Communications & Design at JJ Oakley Creative (2019-02 – Present)

• Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies for service-based, industrial, construction, and small-business clients
• Create and manage social media content calendars, campaign messaging, visual content, audience engagement, and performance reporting
• Plan, write, design, launch, and analyze email marketing campaigns
• Create website strategies, landing pages, SEO content, calls to action, and ongoing website updates
• Produce written, graphic, photo, and video content for digital campaigns
• Review website, email, social media, and campaign analytics to identify opportunities and improve performance
• Translate technical and industry-specific information into clear, audience-focused content

Manager, Marketing & Communications at South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (2017-11 – 2018-11)

• Developed and managed strategic communications and marketing plans
• Developed all forms of communication including researching and writing about complex topics
• Email marketing
• Website design and content creation for four websites
• Graphic design and development of all marketing materials, including reports, brochures, fact sheets, etc.
• Social media marketing and analysis
• Developed, coordinated, and promoted educational programs including conventions, conferences, and webinars

Communications & Marketing Specialist at City of Mesa (2013-04 – 2016-03)

• Public Information Officer for departments of Transportation, Water Resources and Energy Resources
• Responsible for all media and citizens' questions and concerns; worked closely with media
• Developed communication and public relations strategies
• Managed marketing projects from inception to completion
• Website content management and design
• Social media marketing
• Drafted and issued press releases
• Designed and wrote copy for monthly newsletters

Vice President, Marketing at First National Bank (2007-04 – 2012-07)

• Developed marketing plans and strategies to meet growth goals for five bank branch locations and the Divisions of Insurance and Investments
• Participated in executive-level meetings and strategic planning sessions
• Created marketing campaigns; tracked ROI
• Led the business through a complete rebranding process
• Worked with vendors for production of printed and customized products
• Public relations; press releases; events
• Managed and designed all advertising (print, radio, billboards, and electronic signage)

Director, Convention & Visitors Bureau at Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce (2002-09 – 2007-04)

• Developed the tourism marketing program for the City of Yankton, SD
• Led marketing and communications for a nonprofit chamber and destination marketing organization Conducted market analysis and analyzed visitor trends
• Researched and promoted group tour marketing
• Managed visitor center, including content and staffing
• Managed budgets, events, public relations, website content, promotional campaigns, visitor services, and community outreach
• Designed promotional materials
• Issued press releases and wrote copy for articles and newsletters
• Completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership and association management program
• Built community partnerships and coordinated programs involving businesses, public agencies, tourism partners, media, and residents

Communications & Public Relations Manager at South Dakota Dept. of Transportation (2001-07 – 2002-09)

• Created the communications and public relations program for the South Dakota Department of Transportation
• Developed procedures and guidelines for media relations; trained and coached staff
• Developed employee recognition and rewards program
• Participated in executive team meetings and strategic planning for the department
• Increased public awareness of construction projects using press releases and public meetings
• Managed sensitive media and community inquiries involving public projects and government services
• Coordinated messaging among leadership, technical experts, public agencies, media, and community stakeholders

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Marketing – Mount Marty College