Suzanne Shoaf Ward

Experience

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  Capital Strategies (Formerly Crescent PR in Charlotte, NC)

  Jun 2001 - Apr 2002

  Project Coordinator

  • Coordinated and assisted with the community relations efforts for all clients• Researched events and trade show opportunities; scheduled speaking opportunities at trade shows and meetings with key legislators for executives • Wrote news releases and collateral pieces for clients; distributed and pitched releases to local, national and trade media

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  North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives

  Apr 2002 - Oct 2006

  Manager of Public Relations

  Manager of Public Relations (August 2005 to November 2006)• Acted as primary media contact and spokesperson for the Association on behalf of the 27 North Carolina electric cooperatives, in addition to all Community Relations Specialist responsibilities Community Relations Specialist (March 2002-August 2005)• Coordinated all community relations events and programs, including the Bright Ideas education grant program and the safety education program• Managed the company’s charitable giving program and determine philanthropic priorities, including sponsorships and community giving to organizations • Developed, wrote and distributed news releases, op-ed pieces, editorials and feature stories to North Carolina media and trade media• Served on the crisis communications team during severe weather and other emergency situations; wrote and distributed news releases to all NC media during crisis • Assisted with the Touchstone Energy branding campaign, including training, advertising, and community relations activities Show less

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  Self-Employed

  Oct 2006 - now

  Freelance Communications and Public Relations Specialist

  Work with various clients to fulfill their communications needs, including, but not limited to: social media, writing press releases, press kits and other collateral pieces; media pitching; newsletters, annual reports, advertising and brochure copy; web site copy; event planning; media training; editing; community relations and employee communications planning and execution; strategic communications plans, communications consultations, and client research that includes competitor reports, product research, media lists and editorial calendar researchClients have included: -Wake Electric Membership Corporation: acted as the primary public relations and communications specialist from October 2010-May 2014- Other clients have included: North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, EnergyUnited, Pure & Honest Kids, Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation, National Transformer Sales, Noah's Art of North Raleigh, Big Italy Restaurant, Union Power Cooperative, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, and Addis Jemari Show less

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  Addis Jemari, Inc.

  May 2016 - now

  Founder and Chief Operating Officer

  Addis Jemari is a nonprofit organization with a mission of working with teenage girls who are orphaned or find themselves in vulnerable positions in Ethiopia. We provide a safe home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where orphaned and vulnerable girls can be educated, learn life skills, and be taught self-worth through training and discipleship through local leaders and entities. Addis Jemari strives to encourage, educate, and empower these young women.