Visionary communications executive with 20+ years of experience driving brand elevation, stakeholder engagement, and institutional reputation across higher education, healthcare, public service, and private sectors. Proven success leading cross-functional teams, advancing enrollment and fundraising goals, and aligning messaging with strategic initiatives. Adept at navigating complex, regulated environments and scaling high-impact communications to support organizational growth and mission.
Master of Arts, Communication
Eastern New Mexico University – Portales, NM | 2023
Emphasis: Marketing & Public Relations Management
Bachelor of Science, Communication
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, WI | 2001
Emphasis: Electronic Media • Minor: Mathematics
Northland Pioneer College – Navajo & Apache Counties, AZ
Director of Communication | July 2022 – Present
Lead enterprise-wide communication strategy for a multi-campus, rural community college serving a diverse student body.
Oversee branding, media relations, executive messaging, digital marketing, and event promotion.
Serve as chief advisor on strategic messaging for accreditation, enrollment, donor campaigns, and legislative outreach.
Built and manage college-wide internal communication systems to support transparency and collaboration.
Led campaigns yielding double- and triple-digit growth in web traffic, student engagement, and program awareness.
Founder & Principal Consultant | Ranch Hand Marketing | 2020 – Present
Provide communications consulting and full-service digital marketing for nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions.
Design integrated campaigns aligned with client goals using SEO, PPC, email, and social media strategies.
Deliver branding, website design, and training tailored to rural and underserved markets.
Northland Pioneer College – Navajo & Apache Counties, AZ
Community & Corporate Learning | 2020 – 2022
Developed and launched online and hybrid programming during COVID-19, doubling enrollment in community education.
Built partnerships with chambers, workforce boards, and employers to expand adult learning and workforce development programs.
Blossom Digital Marketing - Show Low, AZ
Digital Marketing Specialist | 2019- 2020
Developed and executed targeted digital advertising campaigns, including display ads, keyword targeting, and social media promotions for local and regional clients.
Managed client relationships by providing campaign strategy, performance analytics, and ongoing consultation to optimize results.
Created engaging digital content and visuals aligned with brand guidelines to increase online visibility and customer engagement.
Marshfield Medical Center – Ladysmith, WI
Community Relations & Marketing Manager | 2017 – 2019
Directed internal and external communications, media relations, and community outreach initiatives for a rural hospital.
Managed a $250K regional marketing budget and contributed to strategic health planning reports.
Dove Healthcare – Chippewa Valley, WI
Employment Marketing Manager | 2016 – 2017
Developed innovative recruitment marketing strategies across multiple facilities; increased applicant engagement significantly.
Built partnerships with technical colleges and workforce programs.
Cornell Area Care Center – Cornell, WI
Manager of Market Development | 2013 – 2016
Oversaw marketing, fundraising, and public engagement for senior care services; secured grants and industry recognition.
Co-authored AHCA Gold Award-winning application.
Menards, Inc. – Eau Claire, WI
Advertising Production Manager | 2002 – 2013
Directed national broadcast production for 500+ TV and 200+ radio spots annually.
Managed the $64M Share Builder loyalty campaign and ensured brand alignment across media.
Co-Author, Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Report - Criterion II, Northland Pioneer College (2024)
Co-Author, Rusk County Community Health Needs Assessment (2019)
Co-Author, AHCA Gold Award Submission (2017)
Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society | Social Media Director
Mayor’s Citizenship Award, City of Cornell, WI (2015)
Strategic Communications Planning
Executive & Board-Level Messaging
Brand Development & Reputation Management
Public & Media Relations
Digital & Social Media Strategy
Crisis & Issues Communication
Legislative and Community Engagement
Marketing Analytics & ROI Reporting
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Internal Communications Infrastructure
Higher Education Governance & Accreditation
Grant Communications & Donor Relations
Member and partner of local chambers, senior wellness boards, and mental health coalitions
Led grassroots campaigns, educational initiatives, and grant facilitation across rural Arizona and Wisconsin
Active in 4-H leadership and rural education advocacy
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, Illustrator)
Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Salesforce
Website CMS (WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
Google Ads & Analytics, Meta Business Suite
Email Marketing (Mailchimp, Brevo, Constant Contact)
Social Media Management Tools (Hootsuite, Buffer, Later)
CRM & SIS: Jenzabar, Xenegrade
Event & Registration Tools: Eventbrite, Red Podium
EMR Systems: EPIC, Point Click Care
Please keep my resume on file in case you think I may be a good fit with your organization either now or in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions.