Public Affairs Coordinator, CarMax, Inc.

June 2012 – Present

  • Project manager for “Road Rally” event at store grand opening media days
    • Leverages existing media relationships to obtain broadcast personalities for charitable competition gaining valuable televised coverage
    • Obtains local dignitaries to be VIPs and speak at the official grand opening celebration
    • Delivers invites to community supporters via Exact Target
    • Travels to event for successful execution
    • Developed and maintains post-event analytics report
  • Managed process improvements for an integrated communications campaign announcing store openings in existing CarMax markets
    • Worked with marketing department heads to brainstorm cross-marketing promotion
    • Developed strategy for and coordinates execution of online charitable event
  • Enhances company reputation by coordinating company-wide award entries
  • 2013 “FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For” list – #74
    • Won several local BBB Torch Awards and “Best of” awards
    • Training Magazine Top 125 list – #55
    • Awards of Merit – PRSA Richmond for Media Relations and Integrated Communications
  • Coordinates media interviews with stores including talking point development
  • Enhanced social media monitoring capabilities through Radian6 account management
  • Maintains and introduces new public relations vendor relationships
  • Developed social media matrix for CarMax Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages
  • Manages traditional and new media analysis reports
  • Produces national press releases for increased industry and community reputation
  • Writes and distributes company-wide emails to more than 18,000 associates using Lotus Notes
  • Researches, conducts interviews and creates creative content for internal newsletter
  • Photographs and videotapes company events for internal newsletter and social media usage

Late Collections Account Specialist, CarMax Auto Finance

June 2009 – June 2012

  • Effectively managed high tension situations using problem solving and crisis communication
  • Advised on customer accounts 31 – 60 days past due utilizing multiple internal databases
  • Worked with customers to find solutions benefiting both the customer and CarMax
  • Consistently exceeded all department standards for productivity, contacts, and financial earnings
  • Earned department “MVP” award for monthly highest standards

Public Relations Intern, Liz Lapidus Public Relations

January 2012 – May 2012

  • Wrote press releases and media alerts in proper AP style pitching to local media
  • Maintained social media matrices writing content for clients’ Facebook and Twitter accounts
  • Wrote blog posts for clients’ WordPress pages
  • Developed Pinterest plan for all clients
  • Tracked editorial calendars adn managed media list database utlizing Cision
  • Wrote and distributed calendar listings to online media outlets
  • Provided support for client events
  • Researched new business opportunities and brainstormed campaign ideas
  • Photographed client events and new client venues

Business Owner, Mary Kay Cosmetics

March 2011 – May 2012

  • Event planning and execution with products and public speaking that widens customer base
  • Led a team of consultants to teach valuable customer service and business skills
  • Business experience maintaining schedule, finances, Web site, inventory, and customer database
  • Customer service skills that increase customer loyalty

PRSSA Social Media Director, Kennesaw State University

August 2011 – May 2012

  • Developed and launched new organization website via WordPress
  • Moderated and updated all blog postings and page updates on ksprssa.wordspress.com
  • Managed Twitter and Facebook accounts by updating profiles and interacting with followers
  • Increased traffic to social media sites by encouraging follower interaction
  • Created online executive board memos