A B O U T
SERVICES DELIVERED
Marketing Plans
Public Relations Strategies
Project Management
Web Site Development
Video production
Graphic Design
Meeting Facilitation/Focus Groups
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 40-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 and other marketing materials. My background in graphic design 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. I have provided and implemented effective marketing and communications plans that have produced measurable results.
I serve as the program manager for the Council for Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR). With funding reduced dramatically from the Illinois legislature, C-FAR needed to maintain its presence even though it is not actively funding research. I work to keep C-FAR’s name in front of its audiences and facilitate the organizations activities.
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 state Fire Academy. 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. 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. The Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation has provided for and strengthened Illinois' leadership in agriculture industry. Only 30 candidates are chosen every two years to participate. In March 2002 I traveled with the group to China and Vietnam.. Click here to see the photos.
Member and Former President of the Heartland Chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)
Professional International All Breed Cat Show Judge
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Member of the Board of Directors and Midwest Regional Director for the Cat Fanciers' Association
Member of the Board of the Directors of St. Joseph Services, Marketing and Development Committee Chair
Member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Ag Leadership Alumni Association
Member Board of Directors for CU Independence and Prairie Homes, Inc. - organizations that provide residential alternatives to the developmentally disabled.
Member of the East Central Human Rights Authority of the State of Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.
Past board member for the Illini Prairie Chapter of the American Red Cross.
PAST PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
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
SOFTWARE
I have extensive experience in working with the following software:
Adobe Creative Suite
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Premiere Pro
- After Effects
I am a University of Illinois graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
