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Professional info
 

Whether it's an employer or client's story, or that of a media source—I'm passionate about crafting messages that are both intriguing and relevant. I have more than 17 years of experience across diverse industries in public relations, marketing, advertising, writing/editing and social media.

 

 

E-mail: kai.sdnews@gmail.com

Work experience
 
Freelance Journalist

2011 - present

As a lifestyle journalist, I have published hundreds of articles focused on travel, dining, arts and culture.  AP Style proficient.

Corporate Communications Manager

2020 - present

Sony Electronics

 

Communications & Public Relations Manager

2015 - 2020

West Health

Supported the execution of strategic communications plans for the West Health Institute, West Health Policy Center, and Gary and Mary West Foundation 

  • managed key internal and external websites and social media channels

  • collaborated with senior leadership and human resources to support employee engagement efforts

  • wrote and edited communications content consistent with branding and messaging standards

  • provided project management support for all communications initiatives

 
Social Media Director

2011 - 2015

CACI Inc./LSInc.

Government contractor assigned to U.S. Navy, Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Public Affairs Office

  • Managed social media program for three-star command—providing information to sailors and their families, veterans, Navy recruits and media outlets through Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, YouTube and flickr

  • Provided ongoing social media training and support to prospective commanding officers, public affairs officers and ombudsmen

  • Generated content for command blog and website

  • Live-tweeted from various command-sponsored functions

 
Sr. Specialist - Advertising/CRM (contractor)

2010 

Sharp HealthCare

Planned and developed system advertising and customer relationship marketing (CRM) initiatives

  • Implemented strategic system and entity print, broadcast and electronic advertising

  • Prepared reports that measure and quantify effectiveness of system advertising and CRM campaigns

  • Oversaw budget and reconciled invoices 

 
Sr. Publicist, Publicity Manager, Marketing Assistant

2006 - 2010

Arcadia Publishing

Involvement in every aspect of the sales and marketing lifecycle of new books

  • Served as the primary point person for staff publicists

  • Managed marketing and public relations campaigns for multiple titles and authors with special and/or long-term needs 

  • Identified appropriate media contacts and distributed press kits for frontlist titles, and followed up with media contacts to determine and track coverage

  • Scheduled events for 150+ books annually to maximize book sales and exposure

  • Worked as the primary liaison between authors and the company, media and retailers

  • Developed professionally branded press kits for all new titles

  • Solicited marketing questionnaires and other author materials

  • Generated publicity materials for all events, authors and retailers 

 

2010 - present

Education
 
University of North Carolina, Wilmington

2002 - 2006

B.A. in Communication Studies; English

Certification in Professional Writing

 
Honors and awards
 
Society of Professional Journalists

2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 , 2020 San Diego Journalism Awards

First place, food story

Second place, business story

First place, food story

Third place, food story

Second place, food story

Second place, feature story

Second place, multicultural story

Third place, feature story

Second place, food story

 

San Diego Press Club

2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Excellence in Journalism Awards

Second place, food and restaurant story

First place, architecture and design story

Second place, food and restaurant story

Third place, food story

Second place, food story

Second place, military story

Second place, travel story

Second place, history story

Third place, food story

First place, magazine feature story

Third place, domestic travel story

South Carolina Chapter of Public Relations Society of America

2007, 2008 Mercury Awards

Mercury Award, community relations category

Silver Wing Award, advertorials category

Silver Wing Award, press/media kits category

Silver Wing Award, advertorials category

Silver Wing Award, press/media kits category

 
 
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