Education
Graduate Certificate, public relations 2005
Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, ON
Bachelor of Arts, religious studies
2003
McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Work Experience
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada, Toronto, ON
June 2007 – present
· Designed and executed elements of public relations campaign for Willow’s annual fundraising event; reach of over 9,000,000 persons in broadcast, online and print media and garnered media impressions valued at over $250,000
· Managed multiple agencies, partners and developed copy to create all marketing collateral for the organization’s annual signature fundraising event on time and within tight budgets
· Recruited and managed volunteer committee of five public relations professionals for fundraising gala; complimented by senior public relations professional on organization, professionalism and leadership
· Negotiated $91,000 in in-kind advertising for Willow through national magazine public service announcement campaign
· Collaborated with agency and executive director to produce customized annual report; report presented to the board of directors and used to increase corporate support
Communications / Marketing Services Manager
Scotiabank International, Toronto, ON
September 2006 – March 2007
· Lead the development and execution of the annual Deposits Regional Campaign Staff Incentive program for 29 countries across the Caribbean and Central America with a budget of $800,000; campaign to be launched April 2007
· Successfully coordinated various details of the Scotia Excellence Awards Celebration of Stars Awards Gala; attended by over 550 people
· Co-edited Scotiabank International’s International At A Glance quarterly newsletter which is distributed in two languages to over 40 countries
· Scripted executive presentations, organized logistics and partnered with special events company to execute the Keeping You Informed Town Hall Forum and Webcast; attended by 400 employees in Toronto and 300 colleagues from the field in 25 countries
· Managed details for the Senior Executive Fall Offsite conference; liased with large Toronto hotel to ensure all requirements were completed as directed; praised by executive vice president on the success and extraordinary execution of the week’s events
Intern Publicist
Pennant Media Group, Toronto, ON
September 2005 – November 2005
· Created press releases for high value customers at small size public relations agency to generate media excitement and awareness; release utilized in Globe and Mail newspaper
· Successfully trained two interns to write press releases, compile media lists and manage client relationships
· Developed and strengthened client relationships through creative, customized and strategic public relations campaigns targeted to specific needs
· Coordinated ad hoc interviews between celebrity attendees and local media at Toronto International Film Festival event
· Managed media guest list of over 200 for Lush magazine launch party; recognized, welcomed and briefed media at event attended by 800
Program Coordinator, York University and Community Colleges
Hillel of Greater Toronto, Toronto, ON
August 2003 – December 2004
· Created four new Hillel groups on college campuses with no previous Jewish programming; membership reached over 100 students in less than eight months through on-campus events and promotion
· Managed budgets efficiently for each Hillel group for all programming and promotions; saved over $2,000 on sound equipment by researching needs and negotiating with rental company
SKILLS
Computer Skills
· Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and all internet systems
· Trained in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, QuarkXPress and Macromedia Dreamweaver
Volunteer Experience and Interests
Public Relations Consultant
Salon Voltaire, Toronto, ON
March 2005 – December 2006
· Counselled a new venture on generating excitement and media coverage for events; average attendance grew from 40 to 60 attendees resulting in five consecutive sold-out shows in three months
Community Relations Consultant
Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., Belize City, Belize
March 2006 – May 2006
· Successfully solicited $100,000 for the betterment of Belize’s education system through creation of Scotiabank Belize Education Fund
· Conceived district specific projects through research and brainstorm sessions with Scotiabank’s managing director and UNICEF representative to Belize; projects implemented by end fiscal year 2009
Chairperson
Ontario Hillel Partnership, Hamilton, ON
September 2002 – June 2003
· Initiated grassroots organization by recruiting 20 Ontario student leaders from 10 campuses and solicited funds from various organizations
Interests
· Backpacked through Belize, New Zealand, Thailand, Israel, Costa Rica and the United States
· Blogging my travels; most recent adventures can be found at http://belizetelpner.blogspot.com
· Completed canoeing certification and enjoy camping trips
· Anything new
