Nov 2021 – Mar 2025 · 3 yrs 4 mos

• Passionate about fostering thriving communities and staying ahead of industry trends, I am the Head of Community & Customer Advocacy at Firstup. With a strong background in marketing, corporate communications, and internal communications, I bring a unique perspective to this role.
• My focus is on enhancing the employee experience through strategic community-building efforts. By leveraging my expertise in communication excellence, I empower organizations to drive collaboration, innovation, and employee satisfaction.
• Collaborating closely with stakeholders, I align community efforts with broader organizational goals, integrating community insights into decision-making processes. This approach drives positive outcomes for employees and the organization as a whole.
• Since 2022, I have led Firstup's Attune event strategy, growing it from one singular event to now a series of experiences for customers and the larger community.
• With a commitment to revolutionizing community building, I utilize technology and data-driven insights to optimize engagement and foster strong, resilient communities.
• As the Head of Community & Customer Advocacy at Firstup, I am dedicated to empowering organizations to create thriving communities that foster collaboration, drive innovation, and elevate the employee experience.

Jul 2021 – Nov 2021 · 4 mos

• Putting people first to lift companies up.

Jun 2019 – Jul 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

• Creator and host of the Culture, Comms & Cocktails podcast.

Aug 2017 – Jun 2019 · 1 yr 10 mos

• Firstup helps organizations connect every day. With Firstup, companies are able to connect and align their teams, power organizational initiatives and measure the business outcomes. Designed for every worker from head office to the front line, our solution enables the Fortune 100 and leading brands like Ford, Hilton, Abbott and J.Crew to deliver on the promise of a more informed, connected and supported workforce. For more information, please visit Firstup.io.
• Worked with clients like Love’s, MGM Resorts, AT&T, Ford, American Cancer Society, CP Railway, Allergan and more.

May 2018 – Present · 8 yrs · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• Worked with the amazing team at Alive With Ideas to develop an industry-adaptation of the popular children's book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In our book, follow the hungry communicator's amazing transformation. Travel a fruitful travel of development, commitment and spirit, guided by a hunger for success a desire to prove worth.

Jan 2017 – Jul 2017 · 6 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

Mar 2016 – Dec 2016 · 9 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

Sep 2015 – Present · 10 yrs 8 mos · United States · Remote

• If internal comms is your passion, ICology is your community.
• ICology is an online community build by internal communicators for internal communicators.
• But the truth is it's more than a community - it's a movement dedicated to empowering internal communicators to create exceptional employee experiences. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and involve professionals who understand that great communication is at the heart of every successful organization.
• Through engaging events, insightful resources, and meaningful connections, ICology helps communicators sharpen their skills, share innovative ideas, and elevate the impact of their work. From thought-provoking webinars and workshops to our thriving platform, we provide the tools and network to help you grow in your career and amplify your influence.
• Whether you're leading the charge in employee experience, navigating the complexities of hybrid work, or crafting communication that drives change, ICology is your go-to destination for support, collaboration, and fresh ideas.
• Get out of the echo chamber! Join us to stay ahead of the curve, learn from industry leaders, and connect with peers who share your passion for impactful communication. Together, we’re shaping the future of internal communications - one meaningful connection at a time.

Feb 2014 – Feb 2016 · 2 yrs · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• I worked directly with our clients to improve all of their internal communication activities, not just digital signage. It's when you truly integrate all of the communication vehicles will a company reap the rewards. When it comes to digital signage, the masses focus on hardware and software. That's the easy part. The fun challenge is building an engaging and all-encompassing content strategy plan. That's where I come in.

Aug 2012 – Feb 2014 · 1 yr 6 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• As a VP with RMG Networks, my job as the Global Practice Leader for employee communications and hospitality was to help educate and lead the digital signage industry, while guiding RMG Enterprise Solution clients to take advantage of digital technology.
• I authored posts on RMG's blog about digital internal communication, employee engagement, social media, and other topics of interest for employee communication pros. I'm passionate about helping companies better communicate and engage with employees. I developed the first ever ROI calculator focused on digital internal communication messages. I got to work with the likes of AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Paychex, Coca-Cola, Southern California Edison and others.
• As a representative of RMG, I spoke regularly at digital signage industry events, as well as association meetings like IABC, PRSA and Ragan.

Apr 2009 – Jan 2016 · 6 yrs 9 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• Indy Social Media is a non-profit merges networking, education and awareness for Indianapolis area non-profits and arts organizations. Marketing, public relations and social media professionals are invited to attend, as well as those simply interested in learning more about what social media can do for their organization.

Nov 2007 – Aug 2012 · 4 yrs 9 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• With MediaTile, I led our enterprise sales efforts. I worked one-on-one with customers, using my unique experience of running my own digital signage network to help them deploy theirs. I take a very consultative, no-rush approach to sales, as with many of our customers this is their first type of signage deployment. I also managed marketing efforts, including being the primary blogger on our corporate blog.
• I got to work with the likes of Nordstrom, Victoria's Secret, Eli Lilly & Company, National Grid and others to improve their digital employee communications.

Aug 2005 – Dec 2007 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• As a member of the global corporate communications team, I developed internal communications plans, strategies and programs to support the goals and objectives across North America. I created and launched brand new efforts to improve communications, including face-to-face communications tools and strategies for front-line supervisors and managers. I also supported the redesign of the North America and Indianapolis intranets, along with the local e-newsletter published twice a week, resulting in measurable visits and readership. But my favorite project was launching a new internal digital signage network, which was a first of its kind. I loved working with the manufacturing floor to improve employee communications.

Jun 2003 – Jun 2005 · 2 yrs · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• I implemented the GM North America internal communications improvement process for the Indianapolis Metal Center. Working in manufacturing certainly presented some fun challenged. I ran five communications processes: weekly team meetings; quarterly business reviews; state of the business presentations; Diagonal Slice; and newsletters. I also worked closely with the on-site executives as part of the plant management team. I formed an employee recognition program that pointed back to the organization’s key business strategies, rewarding those employees who supported business objectives.

Jan 2003 – Jun 2003 · 5 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• I managed the company’s public relations efforts through local media, national media and trade magazines, but most of my time was spent writing speeches for the company leadership. With a population of nearly 2,500 employees, I made sure that employees knew company news at the same time the public knew, if not before. I was the acting editor for an employee publication that was sent to 4,000 active employees and retirees.

Jun 1999 – Nov 2002 · 3 yrs 5 mos · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• I produced and coordinated branded marketing materials and advertisements for use throughout the states of Indiana and Michigan. I also created content for Cancer.org, the organization’s national Web site. My favorite part of my job was working with the online brand management tool, empowering volunteers to create their own local materials.

Jun 1998 – Jun 1999 · 1 yr · Indianapolis, Indiana Area

• Initiated product rollouts, which included creating direct mail pieces and advertisements.
• This was my first job out of college and I made a lot of mistakes. Fortunately though, I learned from all of them. I primarily wrote consumer and agent branded marketing materials and developed product-specific branded advertising for use in national publications.
• Early on, I was fortunate to lead a new product marketing effort, including the creation of marketing collateral and external press releases, within six months of joining the company.