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Betsy Storm
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 421-1510
betsystorm@topdrawercommunications.com
- Established track record in strategic, high-visibility public relations
- Publications specialist
- Creative, results-driven communicator
- Top-notch written, verbal and organizational skills
- Excellent media relationships
EXPERIENCE
Principal
Top Drawer Communications
Chicago, IL
(December 2006-Present)
- Self-employed public relations consultant and freelance writer.
Director of Public Relations
Anixter Center
Chicago, IL
(October 2002 – November 2006)
- Developed and executed a multifaceted communications strategy to enhance visibility, image and reputation of this highly respected organization that annually assists more than 5,000 Chicagoans with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community. Used a diverse approach to optimize Anixter Center’s image and reputation for all audiences.
- Wrote and placed many articles on medical and health-related and policy issues, including autism, brain injury, funding for human services, voter registration, Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
- Wrote, created and managed production of a continuous flow of public relations materials including internal and external quarterly newsletters, annual reports, brochures, Web content, fundraising and program collateral and other materials. Supervised graphic design and photography.
- Directed media relations with an emphasis on positive, strategic relationships with the media, many of whom are unfamiliar with the field of disabilities. Fostered interest in disability stories through a polished style based on a journalistic framework blended with a human-interest approach.
- Generated more than 600 media placements in four years − considerably more media coverage than Anixter Center had garnered in previous years, including several placements in the Chicago Tribune; WLS/Channel 7 TV; WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight”; WBEZ Radio, Chicago’s NPR affiliate; and Parenting Magazine.
- Often reported directly to CEO and worked directly with agency’s top management. Contributed to long-range and strategic planning.
- Served as lead speechwriter.
- Created a state-of-the-art online media room that now is a valuable external and internal communications tool.
- Served as media spokesperson and conducted media training for CEO and others.
- Led special event and public relations responsibilities for a short-notice, high-visibility media event in March 2006 − the groundbreaking for an innovative residence designed for people with spina bifida in which Mayor Richard M. Daley participated and was keynote speaker. Served as a liaison with Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Press Office and other key players.
- Served as internal public relations resource for staff throughout Anixter Center’s 70 programs.
- Managed crisis communications and agency-wide awards programs.
- Honored with an award from Public Relations Society of America in 2004 for a public relations campaign titled “How the Illinois Governor’s Budget Will Impact People with Disabilities.”
Media and Public Relations Associate
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL
(October 1995 - April 2001)
- Played a key role on the communications team that was honored with the Golden Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago for a multimedia communications campaign. The campaign highlighted Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s 1999 move into a $580 million state-of-the-art medical center.
- Managed two award-winning, marketing-based publications dedicated to health and wellness; was the primary writer and directed production, graphic design and photography.
- Created media strategies and obtained placements for a host of initiatives, programs and medical treatments. Worked proactively and reactively with media. Developed and executed Northwestern Memorial’s strategic communications and media plan for Y2K-related issues.
- Managed media relations assignments and covered key “breaking news” developments; for example, Mayor Richard Daley’s April 2000 hospitalization at Northwestern Memorial. Promoted and placed stories with numerous prestigious media outlets, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” U.S. News and World Report (annual “Best Hospitals” issue), “NBC Evening News,” The New York Times, the “Today Show,” Self Magazine, Men’s Health, Good Housekeeping and CNN.com.
- Contributed to design and implementation of successful public relations and marketing strategies for hospital programs and initiatives to reinforce positioning of Northwestern Memorial as one of the country’s leading academic medical centers.
Public Relations Consultant/Freelance Writer and Editor, Wilmette, IL
(June 1980 - September 1995)
- Revitalized public relations for the Wilmette Chamber of Commerce; advised on marketing strategies, seasonal promotions and related efforts. Created a profitable 1994 holiday shopping promotion for the Village of Wilmette. Responsibilities included design of an advertising and editorial insert, development of a holiday window design program and coordination of holiday entertainment.
- As a board member of the Family Service Center of Glenview, Kenilworth, Northbrook and Wilmette from 1991-1996, focused on community, media and public relations. Wrote, edited and produced annual newsletters. Worked with local media regarding all activities aimed at raising organizational visibility.
- Wrote the “Food Forethought” column for North Shore Magazine; reported on a full spectrum of food topics. Published articles on diverse topics from interior design to stepparenting for several magazines, including Brides and Consumers Digest. Authored a children’s book.
Managing Editor
Madison Avenue Magazine
New York, NY
(November 1978 - May 1980)
- Coordinated all responsibilities involved in producing this magazine for the advertising industry. Managed a six-person editorial staff; led editorial planning; coordinated copyediting and proofreading; supervised production; coordinated ad placement with business staff; contributed articles on wide variety of subjects; and moderated monthly roundtables.
Associate Editor
Accent Magazine, Chilton Company
New York, NY and Radnor, PA
(October 1975 - November 1978)
- As one of two original editors on this successful magazine start-up for the fashion jewelry industry, responsibilities included extensive news and feature writing in addition to photography, production and layout. Promoted from assistant to associate editor in less than one year.
RELEVANT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
- Midwest Media Coordinator/Spokesperson
Million Mom March
(March 2000 – May 2003)
Created and executed plans to publicize the May 2000 Million Mom March in Washington, D.C; served as a spokesperson for the event and its objectives; generated publicity on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and in Newsweek, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Pioneer Press newspapers. Was interviewed by Illinois Senator Richard Durbin for his television program.
- Key volunteer for Heifer International (2003-present)
Work with the Chicago office of Heifer International, a nonprofit organization committed to alleviating world hunger and poverty. Contribute to diverse public relations efforts to raise awareness of and participation in this humanitarian organization.
EDUCATION
- BA, American University, Washington, D.C., 1975. Major: Communications with a journalism emphasis
- Certificate, Paralegal Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, 1990
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