Public Relations Consultant - Self-Employed
(2025-04)
- Provide strategic media counsel across a range of verticals, including consumer, B2B tech, franchise, law, & finance.
- Lead PR strategy & execution, delivering sustained business growth through strategic media placements & brand positioning.
- Secure earned media coverage by leveraging existing relationships with reporters & executing results-driven strategic media outreach.
- Design & execute integrated PR programs tailored to client objectives–encompassing content strategy, social media campaigns, SEO, media training, expert storytelling, content development, & reputation management.
- Develop compelling media angles & strategic storytelling initiatives aligned with overarching business objectives.
Senior Communications Strategist - Northwestern Mutual - Hybrid/Milwaukee, WI
(2024-01 - 2025-04)
- Manage cross-functional Field PR teams & PR agency partners in building high-value media relationships within the personal finance & wealth management landscape.
- Collaborate with teammates to improve pitch strategy & maximize coverage opportunities.
- Deliver actionable media insights & trend analysis to enhance PR campaigns & improve client positioning.
- Foster a high-performing team culture, improving productivity & engagement through timely feedback.
- Develop compelling client stories by shaping narratives that align with & capitalize on relevant news cycles.
- Oversee PR campaigns that drive substantial business growth & support recruitment goals for Northwestern Mutual wealth advisors.
- Identify & secure new business by spearheading proposals & client engagement initiatives.
- Lead mentorship initiatives for interns & junior staff, driving professional development & strengthening team capability.
Senior PR & Content Strategist - Alliant Credit Union - Chicago, IL
(2022-05 - 2023-10)
- Partner with C-suite executives to elevate thought leadership, securing high-profile speaking engagements, podcasts, media interviews, & awards coverage in Tier 1 outlets including Forbes & Wired.
- Monitor & analyze PR performance metrics, delivering executive reports to inform strategic decision-making.
- Manage collaboration with external PR agencies to align media outreach with organizational goals, ensuring measurable results & accountability.
- Highlight B2B partner success through strategic planning, team coordination, & writing case studies.
- Oversee blog editorial calendar; plan & generate content aligned with sales & marketing initiatives.
- Leverage deep media relations expertise to identify news trends, anticipate opportunities, & advance PR objectives across personal banking & B2B sectors.
Vice President, Strategic Media Relations - Paragon Public Relations - Hoboken, New Jersey
(2021-11 - 2022-05)
mid-sized tech PR agency
- Act as primary client liaison in a PR agency setting, providing strategic counsel & guiding large-scale PR initiatives to exceed expectations.
- Strengthen long-term client relationships through proactive partnership & fostering trust & alignment on business objectives.
- Lead account teams, ensuring collaboration, efficiency, & delivery of high-quality client outcomes.
- Oversee development & management of comprehensive Statements of Work, aligning project scope, timelines, deliverables, & budgets.
Content Marketing Manager/Senior Technical Writer - Amount - Chicago, IL
(2020-01 - 2021-11)
high-growth fintech startup
- Partner with sales, product, marketing, & executive teams to craft pitch materials, go-to-market content, & B2B marketing initiatives to position Amount's white-label digital banking products in the market.
- Develop & launch the company's first intranet using Confluence, creating a centralized knowledge hub that increased employee engagement & information sharing.
- Manage & optimize IT support workflows for Atlassian products via Zendesk, improving response efficiency & user satisfaction.
Account Supervisor & Writer - Sanderson Public Relations - Chicago, IL
(2009-09 - 2012-05)
- Secured high-value earned media placements for franchise clients.
Account Executive - SS Public Relations - Glenview, IL
(2008-08 - 2009-09)
- Supported the execution of PR initiatives, programs, campaigns and events.
Digital News Producer - CBS Channel 2 News - Chicago, IL
(2018-05 - 2019-06)
- Produce & edit high-quality feature news videos for broadcast, social media, & web platforms while ensuring accuracy & timeliness in a fast-paced newsroom.
- Exercise strong editorial judgment & ethical decision-making to maintain credibility & trust with audiences.
- Manage digital content workflow to meet tight deadlines while maintaining consistency & news quality across platforms.
Reporter - The Chicago Tribune
(2014-10 - 2017-02)
- Cover local news beats, including breaking news, crime, courts, education, business, & government—consistently producing accurate, timely, & engaging stories.
- Built a trusted network of sources & maintained strong community relationships to enhance reporting depth & credibility.
Reporter - Chicago Sun-Times
(2010-03 - 2014-10)
- Report on fashion & lifestyle beats while also covering breaking news as needed, delivering compelling stories across print & digital platforms.
- Demonstrated expertise in storytelling, research, & deadline-driven content production.
Non-Profit Marketing & Communications Lead - Surgical Care Associates & One World Surgery - Honduras
(2017-01 - 2017-12)
Contract
- Capture patient stories through photography & interviews at a rural surgery center & orphanage, creating high-impact content for door campaigns.
