As a highly skilled marketing communications strategist, I believe it is important to get the right information to the right people at the right time to help them make the best decisions. Effective community outreach, media relations, and social media engagement can also make the difference in how employees and the public engage with your brand image. It all starts with a strategy that leads to success! Check out some highlights of my work.
Transforming a City From the Inside Out
The City of Gastonia is transforming its image from a historic mill town to a economic development player, just 30 minutes west of Charlotte, NC. Attracting visitors, new business, investors and developers is no small feat. And keeping residents who grew up here and believe in the city’s great people and its great promise, is a top priority for city leaders. As Director of Communications and Marketing, I lead a talented team of marketing communications professionals who are dedicated to telling the great stories about this City.
Photo credit: Tom Hauer Photography
Communications Plans
TRU+E Comms Plan (FINAL-2)
FIRE Recruitment Marketing Plan
Media Relations
I have pitched a LOT of news stories about the City. Here’s a story that was very unlikely to get any coverage: replacing old railroad lines! Media advisory: ADVISORY_Rail Train Unloading
The reporter interviewed me for the news story here.
And another surprise news story here about Amtrak rail improvements in the City.
——————————————————————————————-
When the City launched its Social District in the downtown area, it received good media coverage. Here’s the news release: NR_Social District-4.2023
News stories:
https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/gaston-county/gastonia-launching-social-district/
https://www.qcnews.com/news/local-news/gastonia-sees-first-weekend-with-new-social-district/
An Academic Journey
Attaining a college degree is still popular among many students — whether attending courses while in high school, after graduation, or returning to school after an absence — higher education is still a dream most students want to see come true. As Director of Marketing & Communications at the Community College of Aurora, it was very rewarding to lead a team of passionate marketing communications professionals who were dedicated to higher education and to helping others realize their potential.
Communications Planning
HSI.CommsPlan(1)
SWFI_Marketing Communications Plan
SWFI Marcom Plan
Guided Pathways_Comms Plan
RegisterEarlyComms Plan
Register Early Video-1
Register Early Video-2
News Releases
NR_Camino al Colegio 2017-ENG
NR_Camino al Colegio 2017-SPAN
NR_75 year-old grad.2017
NR_Mother-DaughterGrads.2018
News article: Mother-Daughter Grads
NR_Dalpes.BookContributor
NR_CCA-ANANSIProduction
NR_YoungestGraduate.2018
NR_T.White-AVP
NR_C.Tombari
NR_B.Pace_Dean-CE
Creating a Culture of Care
A highlight of my career was to establish the Marketing & Communications Department for a $200 million medical center in Lafayette, Colorado. More than creating structure, policies and procedures, the most rewarding part was to help create a culture of care for some of the most incredible caregivers, including nurses, physicians, volunteers and support staff I have ever met.
Good Samaritan Medical Center | Lafayette, Colorado
Photo credit: Altitude Arts
Communication to your key stakeholders must be clear and concise as well as memorable. Whether it’s planning and communicating an employee event, your
re-branding strategy, changes within your organization, or crafting a message for the C-Suite staff, I can make it happen.
Community Relations Plans
CmmtyRelsPlan_3.29.04
10 Year Anniversary EVENT PLAN2
NR_10 Year Mural
NR_Sister Carmen Center Donation
Event Photos_GSMC
Business Development
Case Study.GSMC Pharmacy
GSMC COMMUNICATION PLAN_Mail Order Pharmacy
Foundation Communications
NR_Roby-EGSMC Fdn VP_6.14.13
NR_Bike Jam Canceled.9 13 13
Bike Jam_Denver Post-Mile High Style.9.16.13
Media Relations
Subject: Human Interest – Harmonica Therapy
This program offers a fun way for patients with obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to get the crucial exercise they need.
Situation: Pulmonary Rehab Department at Good Samaritan Medical Center wanted to increase awareness about the program to gain more interest and increase patient volume.
Tactics: Press release with video link to patients at therapy session. Communication plan also included distribution on social media platforms including hospital website, Facebook and Twitter.
Media Mentions: Boulder Daily Camera, Denver Post, Reporter-Herald, Colorado Hometown Weekly, Catholic Health World.
Social media: hospital website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter
NOTE: Good Samaritan Medical Center is the only hospital in Boulder County and the second hospital in Colorado to offer this type of therapy.
Mary J. Elliott 