Karla Sluis

Experience

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  The Times-Advocate (now-defunct daily newspaper)

  Aug 1991 - Aug 1995

  Special Sections Editor

  Designed and edited weekly advertising sections; peformed public relations duties

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  The Contra Costa Times (now the East Bay Times)

  May 1995 - Jun 1998

  Editor/Designer

  Wrote feature stories; designed daily news pages; edited and proofread news copy

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  Durango Herald

  Aug 1998 - May 2016

  Wrote local feature stories; supervised photographers, models and freelance writers; designed and edited 10-15 publications per year; created marketing materials; directed contests and events Performed duties in writing, editing, page design, illustration and marketing; Food & Nutrition editor Wrote, edited and designed 8-10 special sections per year; created ads and promotional materials; directed contests; managed Newspapers in Education and public-service campaigns for nonprofits Supervised staff of six; wrote, edited and designed feature stories; paginated on nightly deadlines

  • Magazine Editor/Designer

    Aug 2010 - May 2016

  • Design Coordinator

    Jul 2005 - Aug 2010

  • Marketing Art Director

    Jul 2001 - Jul 2005

  • Assistant News Editor

    Aug 1998 - Jul 2001
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  Metamorph Coaching & Fitness

  Aug 2010 - now

  Zumba Fitness Instructor

  * Instructed 3-10 fitness classes per week for 10+ years, with certification in Group Exercise from the Athletics & Fitness Association of America (Zumba Fitness, PiYo, High Intensity Interval Training, strength training).* Provided empowering nutrition and fitness coaching to improve overall health of clients as American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified Health Coach.* Devised and deployed sales and marketing tactics to drive strategic growth and support revenue goals.* Wrote and produced weekly newsletter to 600+ clients, produced videos and curated content on social media.* Planned and hosted 1-3 "Zumbathon" fundraisers per year, raising $1,000 on average for local nonprofits.* Managed budget based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.* Remained up-to-date on current trends and attended national fitness conferences and events.* Used print strategies such as newspaper ads, business catalogs and marketing brochures to bring in and capture new customer business. Show less

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  Axis Health System

  May 2016 - Apr 2022

  Marketing & Public Relations Manager

  * Maintained proactive media relations and pitched positive stories to promote agency's services.* Produced SEO-optimized content for website and wrote 5 blogs per month for site.* Curated 10 social media channels daily, contributing 3-5 engaging posts per week.* Wrote and edited monthly community-facing newsletter and quarterly staff-facing newsletter.* Orchestrated 6-12 marketing campaigns per year to boost brand and attract patients.* Produced videos and created print ads, radio ads, PowerPoints, flyers, rack cards and digital ads.* Wrote successful grants and did presentations to secure funding from cities and counties.* Organized and managed 8-12 virtual and live events per year for public, staff and stakeholders.* Managed marketing budget to develop and execute marketing strategies, events and campaigns. Show less

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  Freelance

  May 2019 - Mar 2020

  Travel Journalist

  * Produced stories as a freelance travel focused on educational adventures and women’s wellness.

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  Durango School District 9-R

  Mar 2022 - now

  Public Information Officer

  * Developed and implemented high-quality proactive communications and marketing programs that promote the district and its services.* Developed and implemented marketing and branding strategies.* Directed strategic internal and external communication plans and activities.* Provided information to news media and developed press releases, arranged interviews and conferences for representatives of newspapers and other media for public information.* Provided leadership and training to district staff related to effective communications andmarketing.* Provided strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications.* Directed training for district leadership and staff in support of communicating the district’s key messages.* Served as spokesperson for the district.* Served on the district’s crisis management team for media and community relations.* Interpreted educational issues and positions to a variety of local and national media, and the public.* Implemented comprehensive public engagement plans centered on building relationships with external and internal, targeted audiences in order to shape public opinion and behaviors in support of thedistrict and its initiatives.* Listened to and analyzed the concerns of the public.* Maintained positive relationships with multiple stakeholders.* Provided leadership to communications staff and functions including overseeing public relations, marketing, strategic publications, social media, and the district’s website.* Conducted research on and incorporate cutting edge interactive formats to best engage internal and external audiences. Show less