Georgia State University

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Creative Content Specialist at Banyan Communications

In this role, I performed work as a publicist, outsourced marketing director, writer, and senior communications professional as needed. My direct clients included authors, national and regional book festivals, university presses, and other events. Other clients included professional services providers: attorneys and law firms, CPAs and accounting firms, financial planners, and veterinarians. 

Key Project: 
Alice Walker’s 75th Birthday Celebration: Marketing and Publicity Director for The Color Purple author’s sold-out birthday celebration benefitting the Georgia Writers Museum. Responsible for media relations, event branding, event and ticketing website development and management, and all signage and sponsorships.
•	Managed special guest list including speakers, celebrities, authors, and performers, and coordinated all schedules. 
•	Sold sponsorships in $500-$2500 increments and developed media partnerships.

Alison Law Communications LLC

President

Banyan is a woman-owned, cause-driven creative agency with more than 27 years of experience developing and implementing social marketing campaigns and innovative communications solutions for nonprofits, government agencies, foundations, and community organizations. Banyan’s work is driven by a belief in the potential for evidence-based, human-centered, equity-focused communications to illuminate thinking, inspire action, motivate positive behavior and social change, disrupt oppressive systems, and enable individuals and communities to create positive, lasting change in the world.

In this role, I am responsible for content strategy and writing all content for public health practitioners and a broader public audience with oversight of four direct reports. I assist in defining the target audience or creating personas for all content such as training for educators, public service announcements for federal agencies, and various diverse clientele. 

•	Performs complex and technical research to synthesize data into easily understood and engaging messaging. 
•	Leverages journalism background to conduct superlative interviews that capture comprehensive information from executives, public figures, scientists, and other subject matter experts. 
•	Covers sensitive topics with empathy, sensitivity, and integrity.

Banyan Communications

Content and Media Strategist

As a part-time English instructor, I taught writing and literature to students enrolled in ENGL 1101 Composition I (3 hours) and ENGL 1102 Composition II (3 hours).

Georgia State University Perimeter College

Adjunct Professor

Atlanta is a Book Town, home to avid readers and host to some of the finest writers and storytellers on the planet. That was the thesis statement of the Literary Atlanta podcast, and for two amazing years, I was proud to provide the supporting details. I interviewed more than 100 writers, authors, storytellers, literary and book festivals organizers, and other creatives–live in front of an audience of hundreds or remotely.

Literary Atlanta Podcast

Host

In my role as For Momentum's marketing director, I partnered with senior leadership to:
  --Develop and execute the agency's marketing and business plans;
  --Develop and launch the agency's new responsively-designed, SEO-optimized WordPress website at www.formomentum.com in January 2016 (see image);
  --Manage content marketing strategy, all content marketing assets (blogs, case studies, websites, email marketing and e-newsletters, landing pages, social media profiles, ad copy, press releases, key messages and talking points, video scripts, etc.) and cause marketing tools; 
  --Oversee new business and sales operations, including CRM database, list segmentation and data analysis tools, sales presentations, proposals and responses to RFPs; and 
  --Lead the planning and execution of all marketing and sales events (trade shows, webinars, partner events, sponsorships, speaking engagements, etc.).

For Momentum, LLC

Marketing Director

In this annual contract position, I worked with the Program Director to identify, evaluate and craft pitches for potential authors/sessions at the festival. We programmed the stages, developed panels/sessions, session titles and descriptions. We managed author/presenter and publicist relationships, ensuring all relevant information was captured, coordinated and promoted.

In 2019, I served as the media relations contact for the book festival.

Decatur Book Festival

Associate Program Director / Media Relations Contact

Managed all marketing and business development activities for litigation department of 170+ attorneys at one of the largest law firms in the country (500 attorneys), headquartered in Atlanta

Worked with department chair and business manager (equivalent of the CEO and COO for the department) to develop and implement marketing goals, initiatives and strategies

Managed six-figure department marketing budget and one direct report

Assisted team leaders (directors of each service line) in creating and implementing strategic plans and budgets

Developed internal system and best practices for responding to requests for proposal (RFPs) and regularly collaborated with attorneys on customized pitches and proposals

Facilitated client service team meetings and provided individual and small team business development coaching

Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

Marketing Manager

Served as manager and practice group liaison at international law firm of 600+ attorneys, headquartered in Atlanta

Worked with attorneys to develop and execute business development plans, plan and direct seminars and conferences, publish electronic alerts, newsletters and brochures, respond to RFPs and provide wide-ranging client relations support

Led firm’s efforts to create and develop an alumni relations program and alumni website, which launched in September 2005

Managed four direct reports and workflow of all business development activities in Atlanta office

Troutman Sanders LLP

Manager of Marketing and Client Services

Schnitzer, Segall, Hymer & Billian LLC

Legal Assistant

Originally hired as legal secretary in firm’s litigation practice; assumed marketing duties and helped firm create its first marketing position

Coordinated development of firm’s new brand, logo, letterhead system and website

Created and managed annual marketing and client development budget

Collaborated with firm professionals to write, create and develop presentations, media releases, and responses to RFPs

Supervised outside marketing vendors – printers, public relations professionals, Web developer, freelance graphic designers – for individual and ongoing firm marketing projects

Planned social events and educational seminars for firm employees and clients

Needle & Rosenberg, P.C. (now the IP Practice of Ballard Spahr)

Marketing Coordinator

Wrote and produced weekend and morning show newscasts for this ABC affiliate

WMAR

Producer

Originally hired as weekend newscast producer at this ABC affiliate

Promoted after three months to newsroom manager responsible for directing daily activities of newsroom staff of 40

Served as liaison to public relations professionals and community, speaking to police academy recruits as part of their media relations training and serving as a member of the communications committee for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce

Field-produced live events such as the Kentucky Derby and sweeps storytelling packages

WTVQ

Producer and Assignment Manager

Started as part-time production crew member, operating cameras and TelePrompTer during live newscasts while a full-time college student

Advanced to positions as associate news producer, fill-in producer and interim managing editor in the news department

Left as writer and director in this NBC affiliate’s promotions and marketing department, responsible for writing scripts, selecting video, and using non-linear editing system to produce spots