Samantha Halsema

Communications professional with more than 15 years of experience leading corporate communications, public relations, media relations, executive communications, internal communications, crisis communications, community engagement, stakeholder relations, and strategic communications across sports, entertainment, education, nonprofit, corporate, tourism, and retail organizations.

Brand & Communications Manager - SKYLAKE Adventures

(2026-03 - 2026-06)

Led strategic communications supporting the launch of Indiana's first large-scale adventure park.

• Managed public relations, media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, community engagement, and stakeholder communications.
• Directed messaging for grand opening events, partnerships, sponsorships, and reputation management.

Store Manager - Torrid

(2025-08 - 2026-03)

• Led daily store operations, hiring, coaching, employee communications, and customer experience.
• Managed change initiatives and developed high-performing teams.

Keyholder - Torrid

(2025-05 - 2025-08)

Supported store leadership with operations, merchandising, and customer service.

Corporate Communications & Media Relations Manager - Pacers Sports & Entertainment

(2023-02 - 2025-04)

Led corporate communications initiatives for one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment organizations.

• Developed and distributed nearly 100 press releases and organized dozens of press conferences and media events.
• Managed Pacers Foundation public relations and media requests for initiatives including State of Play and Drive & Dish.
• Partnered with the Indiana Fever communications team during Caitlin Clark's rookie season.
• Designed the organization's first fully digital annual report and directed communications for Bicentennial Unity Plaza.

Communications Manager - Project Lead The Way

(2018 - 2023)

Led strategic internal and external communications.

• Developed communications strategies contributing to a projected 90% customer retention rate.
• Supported executive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and change communications.

Solution Center Representative - Project Lead The Way

(2016 - 2018)

• Provided customer support for educators and administrators.
• Resolved complex issues while building stakeholder relationships.

Recruitment Specialist - Sigma Kappa Sorority

(2013 - 2016)

• Recruited, trained, and supervised 38 staff members and volunteers.
• Implemented the organization's first web-based recruitment management system and video training series.
• Partnered with national leaders on recruitment strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Administrative Director - Patriot Engineering & Environmental

(2012 - 2013)

• Managed executive support, proposals, communications, project administration, and financial reporting.
• Supported business development and organizational operations.

Digital Marketing Strategist - Gannett Digital Employment Sales Center

(2011 - 2012)

• Developed digital marketing and customer communication strategies.
• Supported business development through integrated campaigns.

Communications Manager - Chicago Tribune Media Group

(2010 - 2011)

• Developed internal and external communications, executive messaging, press releases, and stakeholder communications.
• Supported crisis and organizational communications.

Community Engagement & Media Relations Division Co-Chair - WWE Royal Rumble 2025

(2025)

Media Relations Committee Co-Chair - NBA All-Star 2024

(2024)

Master of Science - Integrated Marketing Communications - West Virginia University

Bachelor of Science - Communication Studies – Public Relations & Marketing - Indiana State University