Katie Carrol-Whitton, APR, CHO

Experience

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  Aeroflex Systems

  Jan 1982 - Jan 1983

  Junior Systems Analyst

  ● Selected by the US NAVY to perform a physical configuration audit of the Trident Submarine.● First women to work aboard the Trident Submarine for any extended period.

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  Schultz and Company

  Jan 1983 - Jan 1985

  Senior Account Supervisor

  Developed and executed PR programs for clients in real estate, defense, hospitality and tourism, as well as for the United States Football League. ● Launched the HUMMER for the U.S. Army – one of the most successful product launches ever.● Received the TOTH award for the creation of The Franklin Square Association.

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  Fleishman-Hillard Communications

  Aug 1985 - Aug 1987

  Account Supervisor

  Created and executed national PR programs for consumer product corporations. ● Awarded the Silver Anvil for public relations program developed for Ralston Purina Program.● Wrote and presented proposals to acquire new business.● Managed $10 million in account billings. Supervised staff.

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  Theatre/Network TV/Films

  Jun 1988 - Jan 2003

  Actress/Spokesperson

  ● Lead actress in hundreds of classical and contemporary plays, commercials, industrials and film.● Member of the prestigious Circle Repertory/Circle East in NYC. Member of SAG, AFTRA & EQUITY.

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  Paoli Designs

  Jun 1998 - Apr 2001

  Interior Designer

  Created, managed and executed interior design plans for upscale residential clients.● Top revenue producer - $1.2 million annually. Managed budgets and supervised installations.

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  KEPR/Fisher Communications

  Feb 2003 - Nov 2004

  Television News Anchor and Reporter

  Served as primary anchor for the 6 p.m. news for this CBS affiliate, as well as medical and science reporter. Shot, edited and wrote breaking and feature stories. ● Increased ratings from a distant number three to a close number two in the market.● Awarded Media Partner of the Year for outstanding medical reporting.

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  Columbia Basin College

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2005

  Faculty Member

  Developed curriculum and taught acting, voice, diction, and audition classes and workshops.

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  The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado

  May 2005 - Jul 2013

  Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting

  Directed all facets of PR, marketing, advertising, social media, crisis communications and broadcasting division of this 3,300-member organization. Wrote and executed integrated marketing communication plans. Primary spokesperson. Achievements and Responsibilities•Reinvented the organization and established it as the “go-to” source for all consumer issues, resulting in its position as one of the most highly visible and respected organizations in southern Colorado.•Secured positive media coverage almost daily.•Wrote, produced, and hosted a profitable and highly popular television talk show and weekly radio program. •Generated 50K in revenue annually through negotiated trades and sponsorships. Developed and managed thriving social media program.•Successfully provided PR and marketing counsel to the CEO and board of directors on critical issues. Directed reputation, issues management, and crisis communications initiatives. •Created compelling marketing materials including print ad campaigns, brochures, direct mail pieces, website content, and monthly video newsletter that increased membership and engagement. •Designed and directed organization’s rebranding initiative to align with national system. Show less

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  Governor Hickenlooper's ID Theft and Financial Fraud Advisory Board

  Jan 2012 - Aug 2013

  Board member

  Appointed by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to serve on this board.

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  The Gazette

  Aug 2013 - Dec 2014

  Director of Communications and Public Relations

  Established public relations and communications department. Created video advertising product platform generating untapped revenue. Three-time winner of Colorado Press Association’s award for Best Use of Multimedia Advertising. Served as primary spokesperson, emcee, and public figure.Achievements and Responsibilities•Directed, produced and executed the first major revenue-generating event attended by 4,000. •Created the first video department for newspaper, generating $60K+ in untapped advertising revenue.•Established newspaper’s first public relations and communications department. Elevated status and reputation of paper. •Built and nurtured strong partnerships with influential community organizations to enhance organization’s reputation.•Worked with all divisions to develop and expand audience.•Provided counsel and direction to the leadership team on critical issues.•Conceived, produced and hosted weekly videos with accompanying digital ads for clients. Samples on request. Show less

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  Mary Lou Makepeace mayoral campaign

  Dec 2014 - May 2015

  Communications Director

  Developed and implemented strategic public relations plans to create awareness of candidate’s policies and platform and increase visibility among the electorate. Served as media spokesperson.Achievements and Responsibilities•Generated significant positive media coverage, resulting in increased visibility and candidate’s place in runoff election from among 10 contenders. Candidate lost to State Attorney General.•Identified critical campaign challenges and emerging issues. Worked with the leadership team to create solutions. •Cultivated and secured support from community groups, business owners, key influencers, and the public.•Provided effective communications counsel in highly competitive Colorado Springs mayoral race.•Wrote and edited all campaign materials, including speeches, talking points, position papers, and website content.•Planned, organized, and publicized special events including town halls, roundtables, debates, and presentations. •Evaluated benefit versus risk of participation at public events and recommended appearances that would be most beneficial to candidate and provide best opportunity to share platform effectively. Show less

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  Southwest Transplant Alliance

  Jan 2016 - Nov 2018

  Director of Marketing and Communications

  Directed all public relations, marketing communications, branding, advertising, social media, crisis communication, and volunteer programs for one of the largest organ and tissue recovery organizations in the United States. Wrote winning applications for Dallas Business Journal/BBB Torch Award for Ethics and multiple awards from D Magazine. Served as primary spokesperson.Achievements and Responsibilities•Increased state organ and tissue registry by more than 2.5M in less than three years via expert execution of public awareness campaigns.•Increased media coverage by 1,500% successfully boosting public awareness and organization’s reputation.•Slashed spending and labor costs by $400K by eliminating unnecessary programs.•Restructured and grew the department to exceed organizational objectives and goals.•Researched and wrote legislative advocacy materials to prevent passage of laws opposed by donation industry.•Created digital content telling captivating stories about the importance of donation. Directed the creation of videos and social media campaigns to substantially increase awareness and action. Spearheaded the development of new website.•Directed the creation of persuasive marketing materials including brochures, print ads, and signage that significantly increased awareness of STA and Donate Life Texas while ensuring all materials met brand standards.•Counseled C-suite on messaging. Developed key messages and talking points. •Led, coached, and mentored team of five, plus two part-time interns. Oversaw the management of nearly 250 volunteers.•Prepared and supervised budget. Monitored daily expenses and approved expenditures.•Created and implemented the organization’s first crisis communications plan.•Initiated positive relationships with hospital/transplant center partners, as well as businesses and other community organizations, that resulted in increased support of donation.•Negotiated and managed sponsorships. Managed contractors and vendors. Show less

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  Katie Carrol-Whitton

  May 2019 - May 2022

  Public Relations Consultant
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  Embrace Your Space, LLC

  Nov 2019 - now

  Owner

  Embrace Your Space, LLC is a professional organizing and home decor firm based in Heath, TX serving the Dallas metro area.