CREATIVE  IMAGINEERING
Copywriting & Creative Direction: Delivering Believers and Buyers

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resume

Yes, it's a resume. A traditional, conventional resume. I could have used this space to prattle on about my professional life, but I don't think that's why you clicked to this page. I think you just want the facts. So here they are  -- just the facts with a few highlights thrown in. If you want something more conversational, don't hesitate to call. I'll always make time to chat with a new friend.

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CAREER SUMMARY

Consistent award-winning achievements in writing, editing, layout, design and production of publications for corporate and professional organizations. Consummate ghostwriter and speechwriter for senior executives, foreign dignitaries and elected officials in state and Federal governments. Experienced meeting and convention planner. Award-winning creative direction and copywriting in advertising and marketing.  Recognized for exceptional performance in developing strategies and techniques to improve communication within and between the public and private sectors. In-depth experience concepting and developing web site content and targeted Internet marketing strategies. Distinguished career as creative problem-solver in advertising, marketing, journalism and education.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

KOHLQUEST    Rutherfordton, North Carolina     1980 - present
Independent creative writing and corporate communication consultancy serving both national and international clients in the public and private sectors.

President
Complete P&L, marketing, management and creative responsibilities for all client projects and services. Organized and directed project teams of creative imagineers and suppliers needed to fulfill specific client contracts. Established KohlQuest identity for quality and cost-efficiency. Consistently successful in applying creative imagineering expertise to the design and implementation of proactive internal and external communication, copywriting and public relations project.

• Redesigned and edited nine corporate and professional organization publications including  magazines, newspapers, newsletters, employee handbooks and capabilities brochures.
• Created the �Concept-To-Conclusion� approach to researching, writing and training for major domestic and international public policy speech presentations.
• Wrote the procedural manual on organizing and conducting international meetings and conventions for the World Association of Women Journalists and Writers (AMMPE).
• Authored 38 major speeches, keynote and campaign addresses, and position papers for senior executives, politicians and officials of nonprofit professional organizations.
• Recipient of 25 professional awards in journalism and communication including IABC Gold Quill, PRSA Golden Achievement and AIMEE awards.

LITTLETON ADVERTISING & MARKETING   New Bern, NC    1996 - 1999
Full service agency offering market analysis, print and video advertising campaigns, project and event coordination, collateral development and strategic planning for a distinguished portfolio of clients representing real estate development, education, hotel management, manufacturing, law, medicine and tourism.

Creative Director
Responsible for all creative activities involved in delivering a quality product to the client. Established agency hallmark for exceptional concepting and writing. Delivered creative plans for each client contract including concepting, copywriting and preliminary layouts. Consulted with media planner to assure maximum penetration with  media selection. Specialized in event planning, video and informercial spots, and public relations programs. Experienced with Macintosh applications. As contract employee, reported to President.

• Developed on-going campaign to change the public perception of injury lawyers. Increased sponsoring law firm�s case load by more than 100 per month while doubling agency revenues from client.
• Created and implemented �Kids Are Special,� a free regional videotaping/fingerprinting public service program for children.  Processed more than 2000 children in first 3 months.
• Developed and initiated a circular thinking operational approach for restructuring the agency�s physical organization, shifting emphasis from product to service.
• Repeatedly contributed to agency�s Addy award-winning tradition.

BALDWIN-WALLACE COLLEGE     Berea, Ohio     1991 - 1994
An accredited four-year liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as Executive MBA and International MBA degree programs, to 5000 traditional and 2500 non-traditional students.

Adjunct Professor of Communication
Recognized for exceptional performance in creating and implementing courses for traditional and adult weekend college students using experiential, case study and interdisciplinary approaches to participative learning. Reported to Chairperson of the Speech Communication Department.

• Taught Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Public Speaking, and Conflict Dynamics in Human Relationships courses and Independent Study Programs for high academic achievers.
• Named 1994 Panhellenic Council Teacher of the Year and Faculty Woman of the Year.

CYRANO GUILDMASTER PUBLISHING   Cleveland, Ohio    1987 - 1991
A wholly-owned book publishing subsidiary of KohlQuest serving all phases of book production, from author/publisher contract negotiations to the printing, marketing and distribution of book-related ancillary products.

Creative Director
Responsible for all editorial, design, print and sales activities. Created and implemented unique marketing and distribution programs for individual books. Edited manuscripts and proofed galleys through final press runs. Secured contracts with major publishers for CGP book sales and distribution. Knowledgeable in standardized copy editing, proofreading, style and grammar procedures.

• Authored and produced fine art photographs for Hole in the Garden Wall  and distributed the book to the national trade market. Production and marketing budget: $100,000. Executed marketing plan including gallery and juried art shows and visiting artist workshops in high schools, libraries and colleges.
• Received PICA Special Judges Award for Excellence and PTA Federation Gold Medal Award
• Negotiated author/publisher contract for Straight Talk AboutAlcoholism by Robert Liebelt, M.D.
• Wrote and produced artist portfolio for frescoist James LoParo. Planned and executed the gala opening of his Sogni d�Oro studio. Negotiated gallery contracts for his national tour.

EDUCATION

Master of Arts, Communication, Ohio University
Bachelor of Arts, Speech & Education, Denison University
Highly requested public speaker, experienced in organizing and presenting seminars, workshops, symposiums, public outreach programs and on-site training courses for business and professional organizations.