Meghann Gibbons

Experience

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  Visit Tampa Bay

  Jun 2001 - Aug 2005

  Marketing Coordinator

  Created, managed and implemented various components of the AAA Auto Club South integrated sales and marketing campaign valued at more than $11 million. Solicited and managed more than $1.7 million in promotions annually, exceeding goals by 150-200%. Generated coverage of the 100th anniversary of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest on CBS’ The Early Show and ABC’s Good Morning America.

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  Georgia Aquarium

  Sept 2005 - Sept 2015

  Managed reactive and proactive media outreach for the grand opening of the world’s largest aquarium, as well as all subsequent expansions; led all internal and external public relations and communications efforts, for Georgia Aquarium Inc., including personnel and outside agency counsel. Oversaw a communications team of four, which in 2014 garnered over 10 billion impressions and $21 million in media value; facilitated and led an average of more than 10-20 national news show appearances each year. Handled internal and external communications in crisis situations ranging from personnel to animal-related issues, coaching executive team on messaging for employees, stakeholders and media; positioned aquarium executives and experts as industry leaders during natural disasters to assist media with crisis coverage. Responsible for long-range planning and campaign development, exploring innovative avenues of promotion, and developing strong relationships with national, regional and local media influencers to support the aquarium's global conservation efforts, animal collections, exhibits, education efforts and events. Consistently adapted the department structure to address the way media covers news and how our target customer consumed content; incorporated sponsored content and influencer programs in key markets. In a single year, coverage increased 10% in the local market and 33% in the regional market. Conceptualized and managed brand integration for the Emmy Award-winning nationally syndicated TV series, Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin from Georgia Aquarium. The show aired for five seasons on 200 ABC-TV affiliates nationwide, was No. 1 in its time slot and reached nearly 2 million viewers weekly. Oversaw the creation of all brand assets, including video and photography, as well as a complete overhaul of news.georgiaaquarium.org to focus on a new digital storytelling platform. Show less

  • Senior Director of Communications & Public Relations

    Jan 2015 - Sept 2015

  • Director of Public Relations

    Sept 2008 - Dec 2014

  • Public Relations Manager

    Sept 2005 - Sept 2008
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  Gibbons Communications

  Sept 2015 - Mar 2017

  Principal

  Gibbons Communications provided public relations strategy and integrated communications counsel for not-for-profit, association and hospitality industries. Served as the vice president of communications and marketing for the Georgia Safari Conservation Park. Developed brand identity to support all business aspects of launching a new attraction; built communications platforms, and created marketing and digital media plans for groundbreaking and opening; provided thought leadership and introductions of executives to the zoological community. For the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, oversaw the development of content and execution for a new website for the international membership-based accrediting body; created content that shaped the narrative of how the organization presents its key messages and issues to stakeholders, policymakers, media, members and general public. For Brand USA, managed proactive media relations opportunities for promoting regional and state destination marketing video partnerships. For Biltmore Estate, provided proactive media outreach in the greater Atlanta area for a variety of campaigns and initiatives. For Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, assisted with the development of Chamber’s relocation announcement by leveraging digital and traditional media platforms; provided integrated communications and media relations strategy counsel; supported internal and external communications, as well as branded visual and multimedia strategy. Show less

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  Points of Light

  Apr 2017 - Jul 2022

  Vice President, Marketing & Communications

  Lead day-to-day activities of the marketing and communications team, including onsite and remote team members, contractors and vendors; manage a $1M+ budget and support strategic planning and enterprise operations, and serve as a member of the Points of Light senior leadership team. Develop and implement a cohesive marketing and communications plan that increases brand awareness and maximizes stakeholder acquisition and engagement; lead enterprise content and messaging strategies, digital marketing and brand alignment across web, social media and email. Build and manage a proactive national media relations strategy, including identifying, cultivating and managing effective relationships with key media.Play a leading role in identifying opportunities to develop and implement impactful marketing programs and strategies through existing and new partnerships. Lead the development and execution of strategies that engage greater support of corporate partners by understanding their marketing, business and CSR goals and target audiences. Show less

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  Atlanta BeltLine

  Jul 2022 - now

  Vice President of Communications & Media Relations