Experience
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY, University Park, Illinois
Marketing and Media Distribution Coordinator/Faculty
Develops and executes marketing/distribution plans for GSU-produced, media-based courses as well as the PRIDE Digital Curriculum. This includes guiding the development of proper marketing and support tools including two web sites and all marketing creative and print needs. Maintains close and supportive relationships with existing clients and strategic partners to make sure we are meeting their ongoing needs. Attend relevant conferences to research marketing opportunities and expand brand identity. Also build and strengthen support and competitive relationships. Oversees the proper maintenance of accounts with clients, royalty calculations and other financial matters associated with the marketing of GSU materials. Provides leadership & guidance through research and observation to identify emerging areas of opportunity for present curriculum materials as well as for future developments. Also developed and teaches a Marketing and Media Communications Workshop for GSU.
EMPRESS CASINO CORPORATION, Joliet, Illinois
Advertising - Public Relations - Customer Service
Managed $4 million-dollar advertising budget involving media buys, invoicing, monthly accruals and accountability. Responsible for all customer communication via billboard, print, radio, television, point of sale material, audio messaging and customer relations. Managed development for creative process including photography, videography, website, production schedules, property promotions and cost efficiencies. Responsible for all media placement and negotiations concerning flights, offers, content and added value. Acted as liaison between ad agency for all support creative and media buys. Responsible for all media relations including press releases, press conference, media events, interviews, press tours, company media spokeswoman. Developed and executed property-wide customer service tracking and recovery programs.
TRUMP CASINO HOTEL, Gary, Indiana
(Currently Majestic Star Casino)
Marketing and Advertising Manager
This position provided leadership and management of many departments within Marketing. Planning and implementation of new programs, direct marketing, promotions, advertising, public relations, communications, and creative design among others. Development of new marketing directions to increase revenue was essential in this position and in this competitive industry. Direct media contact and corporate liaison. Responsibilities also include managing $2.8 million-dollar advertising budget. Direct liaison for Donald Trump during property visits. United Way Campaign Manager 2002 and 2003. Increased contributions from $14,500 to $102,000
HARRAH’S EAST CHICAGO CASINO, East Chicago, IN
(Currently Ameristar Casino)
Marketing Communication Specialist
Responsible for coordinating and managing advertising and related projects with agencies and local vendors. Monitors advertising budget and expenses averaging 3.6 million annually. Supervises creation of all collateral material and signage for property. Researches, writes and edits employee communications materials. Coordinates and executes professional property photo shoots. Attends weekly Marketing Incentive meeting with Sr. Vice President and department heads to discuss marketing tactics to increase revenue. Deals directly with senior management in preparing written and verbal communications. Direct liaison with communication partners at other Harrah’s properties including corporate headquarters. Coordinates and supervises audio/visual creation of television messaging for employees and guests. Supports publicity initiatives and external communications. Maintains relationship with local media and management of media messages.
EMPRESS CASINO HAMMOND, Hammond, IN
(Currently Horseshoe Casino)
Corporate Advertising Supervisor
Worked directly with Corporate Vice President of Advertising, Vice President/General Manager and Marketing Director to coordinate media content, design and advertising placement. Arranged, coordinated and supervised photo requirements. Maintained media print schedules and coordinated with ad agency. Supervised department personnel in the creation of promotional and information products used to support casino operations. Tracked advertising for local and out-of-state magazines and newspapers. Worked with a variety of vendors to obtain competitive bids, communicate desired quality levels and on-time delivery of final product.
VISUAL DIFFERENCE, Munster, IN
Owner/Marketing and Design Director
As the owner and creative designer of a successful company, my responsibilities were diverse. They include design consulting, product creation, and marketing and account management. Providing a quality/creative service in a timely manner has been my key to customer satisfaction.
THE TIMES NEWSPAPER, Lansing, IL
Community News Editor – Responsible for evaluating press releases and edit for relevance, content and clarity. I utilized these releases for design and layout of the daily and weekend Community News pages for the Illinois times. Coordinated photo assignments for special features.
January 1989
Graphic Designer – I provided graphic support for the Promotional Art Department and Advertising Departments. Responsibilities include designing and typesetting tab inserts as well as ad creation and placement of all promotional events.
