Expertise

• Media relations
• Internal/external corporate communications
• Special events
• Issues/crisis management

Industries/Organizations Served

• Foodservice
• Health care
• Retail
• Nonprofit
• Education
• Financial services

Prior Professional Experience

• Campaign Assistant, Jerry Kooiman for State Representative Campaign, Grand Rapids, MI
• Marketing Assistant, Alternative Lending Department, Old Kent Mortgage Company, Grand Rapids, MI
• Campaign Staff, Grand Rapids Public Schools Bond Proposal Initiative, Grand Rapids, MI
• Customer Service – Issues Management Representative, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Rapids, MI

Education

• Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, Master of Arts in Public Relations
• Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, Bachelor of Arts in Business and Political Science

What do you consider to be your greatest PR or business accomplishment?
Last year, our McDonald’s team planned and executed nearly 50 events in one day! In order to launch the “Caught Being Safe” initiative, we planned helmet giveaway events at McDonald’s restaurants across the state. We managed hundreds of volunteers and secured media coverage of the events. At the end of the day, more than 7,000 children had received a properly fitted helmet.

What do you see as your primary area of expertise?
The planning, implementation and day-to-day management of PR efforts and campaigns.

What do you love most about S&A?
How the people are extremely adaptive and enjoy the challenges of serving as counsel to a variety of clients.

What is the expression that you use most at work?
"I'll find out!"

Who is your most admired leader and why?
I admire a number of leaders for different reasons. I admire their vision, ingenuity and ethics. I admire leaders who are great listeners.

How do you define success?
Success is accomplishing your goals at levels beyond what you thought you were capable of doing.

What is your general philosophy on life and work?
"It has always been done this way" is not a good enough answer for me.

What are your favorite sports or recreational activities?
Running with, or without, my Weimaraners, boating, snow skiing, playing volleyball and the occasional round of golf.

What is your favorite movie?
The Princess Bride.

What is your favorite food?
Anything Mexican.

What is your greatest vice?
White chocolate iced mochas.

What is an interesting factoid about yourself?
I was voted "most likely to be president " by my senior class.