Experience

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  Ketchum public relations

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2002

  Account executive

  Ketchum is one of the world's leading public relations agencies.; Conducted outbound cold calls to reporters selling clients position within the marketplace. Developed rapport and maintained relationships with media contacts to generate current and future media coverage for clients. Coordinated all media activities including interviews and special events for clients.Performed comprehensive industry research using current technology and standard research tools.Wrote and proofread press materials.Managed clients and colleagues in crisis situations. Multi-task specialist. Show less

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  The sage agency

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2004

  Director

  • Manage and conduct activities for multiple accounts including speaking opportunities, analyst relations, media relations and strategy. • Develop media and analyst relations strategy to generate current and future coverage for clients. • Perform comprehensive industry research using current technology and standard research tools.• Write and proofread press materials.

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  M street agency, ltd

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2012

  Principal

  The M Street Agency, Ltd. is public relations and special events consulting, production and design company.PrincipalResponsibilities include:Develop and implement media relations and marketing strategies for clients.Execute and manage media relations and marketing programs i.e. writing and producing promotional materials, thought leadership programs and media related content.Manage all media relations interviews and communication.Develop and manage extensive national media lists and editorial calendars.Manage and conduct activities for multiple clients including strategic event planning, design and goals analysis. Prepare and maintain budgets. Review and negotiate contracts.Develop and maintain extensive and precise timeline for events. Show less

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  Cpr party™

  Dec 2011 - now

  Founder

  After the near death drowning of her 3-year-old son, Laura Metro started CPR Party™ (a program of The Clay Foundation) a 501C3 non-profit organization that teaches CPR, promotes water safety & drowning awareness and advocates for FloatFirst™ swim curriculums. They empower people to save lives through prevention then emergency first response. MissionThe mission of CPR Party™ is to provide CPR training and water safety tips to all Americans regardless of financial ability.PurposeThe purpose of CPR Party™ is to empower ALL Americans with the life-saving skills of CPR and water safety education in a fast, fun and free way.The more people trained in basic CPR and the more people learn to be safe around the water; the more lives saved. Responsibilities include:Develop and implement media relations and marketing strategies for foundation including all social media and content strategyImplement fundraising and marketing software for the foundation (i.e. Network for Good, Bidding for Good etc.)Held and conducted annual board meetings and fundraisers (small and large events.)Targeted and developed strategic relationships and partnerships with key people and organizations.Execute and manage media relations and marketing programs i.e. writing and producing promotional materials, designing logos, thought leadership programs and media related content.Manage all media relations interviews and communication. Show less

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  Wink bags

  May 2012 - Mar 2015

  Owner

  WINK sells fashionable toiletry bags with fun products inside. When you buy a WINK bag, one bag (filled with the basic toiletries) will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms across the U.S. If a parent is in that room, things are not good. These basic necessities are sometimes all a parent needs when confronted with a critically ill child. When In Need of Kindness. A loving WINK. Isn't that all we really need? A knowing smile, acknowledging nod or a comforting wink during tragedy or just everyday life. Life can be hard. We all need some kindness everyday. Further, a portion of the proceeds will also go to our non-profit arm, CPR Party (formerly the C.L.A.Y. Foundation) teaches CPR, promotes water safety & drowning awareness and advocates for FloatFirst swim curriculums. We empower people to save lives through prevention then emergency first response. www.thecprparty.org Show less

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  National drowning prevention alliance

  Jul 2015 - Sept 2022

  Director of marketing and public relations

  Laura first joined the board of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance prior to transitioning into a full-time role. As a board member, she created the NDPA's social media strategy post their rebranding. After producing a custom branding exercise and member audit, she developed the first ever brand book for NDPA and has built a dedicated & engaged following on their social channels. Currently, Laura is overseeing the implementation of an updated brand that includes a secondary brand, Water Safety Champion.Laura is responsible for marketing strategy and brand management for the organization. In addition to the overall marketing plan for NDPA, Laura is responsible for content strategy, marketing partnerships, and optimizing the budget with a goal of funding marketing initiatives that will result in maximum impact for the cause. One of the aspects Laura enjoys most about this position is being both an educator and practitioner of marketing and social media strategy. There are varying degrees of knowledge and expertise and some are not all are familiar with current marketing tactics. Laura enjoys teaching these skills while demonstrating quantitative value.Responsibilities include:Working alongside counsel, to advise and support the Executive Director, and board members as spokespersons representing the NDPA brand in the marketplace, thought leaders and advocates.Analyze current programs and processes to have maximum impact and improve efficiencies. Analyze current member base for demographic and behavioral trends.Interpret above mentioned data to predict future trends and develop specific programs targeting priority focus areas. Work with the community of NDPA members and organizations to solicit feedback and report on this feedback.Work as the primary contact for media, partners and organizations. Develop and implement editorial calendar.Manage comprehensive marketing budget with the executive director. Show less

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  Hzdg

  Sept 2015 - May 2016

  Account executive

  Laura decided to go back to her agency roots and join the fast-paced, creative environment at HZDG on the account services team. Hirshorn Zuckerman Design Group, Inc. (HZ) is an independent, branding and design company specializing in high-impact, integrated marketing solutions. Some of Laura's responsibilities include:Day-to-day support/services to assigned clientsResponsible for delivering quality materials on time and on budgetResponsible for driving projects forward to completion once scope has been defined and approvedManage aspects of campaign inception to executionFacilitates status meetings, client meetings and client callsParticipates in marketing planning and execution of operational/tactical aspects of campaignsActs as a liaison between all departments and the client to ensure a timely completion of projectsCollaborates with members of the account team on tactical and strategic aspects of the accountManage and mentor account coordinatorTasks include but are not limited to: Developing campaign strategy, digital content, media materials, client messaging and thought leadership programsIntegrated competitive analysisSocial media strategySetting yearly goalsSetting meeting agendasScoping projectsStatus reportingWorking on competitive analyses and trends research Show less

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  The marketing spirit

  Sept 2018 - now

  Chief strategist | pr-led marketing and public relations expert

  At the marketing spirit, I lead PR-led marketing strategies that elevate small businesses and nonprofits, empowering them to compete with industry giants. My work integrates the core principles of my upcoming book, PR Uprising: earned media, authentic storytelling, and ethical marketing. We specialize in using public relations as a revolutionary tool to disrupt traditional advertising, drive impact, and restore credibility in media.