A B O U T

SERVICES DELIVERED

Marketing Plans
Public Relations Strategies
Project Management
Web Site Development
Graphic Design
Meeting Facilitation

My research goes beyond the study of marketing data and product specifications. It's not unusual for me to totally immerse myself in my clients' products. I've suited up in firefighter gear and entered a burning building to get a first-hand perspective on what firefighters encounter in their jobs. I've been known to jump on a combine at soybean harvest time.

The nuts and bolts become the basis for the bells and whistles— the finished products of effective marketing pieces, whether it's a logo or direct mail program.

Mission: To develop comprehensive strategic marketing and public-relations plans that will successfully promote clients' products and services.

During my 30-year career, I have worked with a diverse range of industries— fire service, agriculture, petroleum, chiropractic and manufacturing, among others. My clients have included private and public organizations, plus domestic and international companies. I have developed complete marketing plans and produced publications, newsletters, industry training films and other marketing materials. My background in graphic design also enables me to bring a visual perspective to the work I produce.

With extensive public relations experience and an understanding of the legislative process, I have organized numerous grassroots efforts. Working with all media, I have written hundreds of press releases and news articles. With well-honed marketing skills, I have provided and implemented effective marketing and communications plans that have produced measurable results.

In addition to my work with agricultural clients, I also serve as a marketing and public relations consultant for the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, the statutory training agency for firefighters in Illinois. In that role, I am responsible for developing all marketing materials and public relations activities to reach every firefighter and first responder in the state. I have also produced materials for the Illinois Terrorism Task Force Training Committee and have a clear understanding of the role of interagency response under Homeland Security.

In 1999, I was Director for Global Soy Forum, the first international assembly of all segments of the soybean industry. Deemed a great success, the conference drew more than 1800 participants from 63 countries and created a venue for international trade. My background includes development and management of a communications program for a national agriculture referendum.

My work also includes a wide range of projects for civic and environmental organizations. I have been a marketing and communications consultant to the city of Sacramento Neighborhood Services Department, Sierra Community College in Rocklin, California, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Center for Natural Lands Management, a non-profit organization dedicated to land conservation. My work with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service included the development of a strategic communications plan. And I facilitated a series of statewide public forum meetings for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Graduate of the 2002 Class of the Illinois Ag Leadership Program. As the premier leadership program in Illinois, the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation has provided for and strengthened Illinois' leadership in agriculture industry. The IALF's mission— to develop knowledgeable and effective spokespersons to become policy and decision makers for the agriculture industry. Only 30 candidates are chosen every two years to participate. The IALF has served approximately 270 men and women from every region of Illinois and from every facet of Illinois agriculture. In March 2002 I traveled with the group to China and Vietnam. Click here to see the photos.

Member Heartland Chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Sit on East Central Human Rights Authority of the State of Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

Member Board of Directors for CU Independence and Prairie Homes, Inc. - organizations that provide residential alternatives to the developmentally disabled.

PAST PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Ag Advisory Committee for Bill Brady in his Spring 2000
   bid for the Illinois 15th Congressional District
President of Capitol Agri-Women (Sacramento, CA)
Vice-President of Sacramento Valley Chapter of California
   Women for Ag
State Co-Chair for Public Relations for California Women for Ag
Secretary for the Sacramento Pet Overpopulation Committee

SOFTWARE

I have extensive experience in working with the following software:

Microsoft Word
PageMaker
PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
InDesign C3
Photoshop

I am a University of Illinois graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.