LIZ

emcwhirter@gmail.com, www.lizmcportfolio.weebly.com
317.331.5809, 1630 N. Alabama St., Indianapolis, IN 46202

mcwhirter

.....................................................................................

Thoughtful, creative communications specialist who believes in the power of well-told stories to inspire
and engage target audiences. Values content quality over quantity; takes pride in delivering compelling,
message-driven, well-informed writing for any medium. Understands that strong internal communications
are key to robust marketing & P.R.; leads stakeholders at all levels to become effective company marketers.

EDUCATION:
University of Alabama - TUSCALOOSA, AL

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Fiction)

AUG. 2009

Tulane University - NEW ORLEANS, LA

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in English, Spanish

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Public Relations Director

MAY 2003
JULY 2011-AUG. 2014

FAMILIES FIRST - INDIANAPOLIS, IN

through life challenges and changes; $5 million annual budget; 85 full-time employees.
Public Relations:

. Project manager for three annual reports--created concept and supplied all written
.
.

content; recently placed most content in online version, keeping agency on-trend
and saving thousands in costs.
Advised and oversaw creation of new agency website; served as sole administrator
and content creator for website, blog and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn); created new Facebook page for agency resulting in 365% increase in fans
from previous iteration.
Managed Constant Contact database; wrote monthly e-newsletter for +2,500 contacts.

Media Relations:
Ghostwrote letters to editor, op-ed pieces, and award nominations on behalf of
agency president and other stakeholders.
Conceptualized and managed creation of three fundraising videos; developed
30-sec. PSA running for two years in highly desirable Inside Indiana Business slot.

.
.
. Developed winning nomination for Center for Leadership Developments Minority
Achievement Awards Human Achievement award for a Families First therapist.

Event Management:

. Planned and promoted six 250-guest fundraising events; created all print materials
for events; managed marketing for 20+ corporate sponsors; wrote event script and
oversaw entire program.

. Successfully raised over $50,000 through annual silent and live auction event;
implemented new Benevon-style fundraising breakfastraising nearly $30,000 in
individual gifts and multi-year pledges.

Leadership:
Served as P.R. liaison to 30+ Board of Directors and nine-member P.R. Committee;
synthesized research, Board, and executive feedback to create new key messaging
Developed much-needed policy and procedures for agencys public policy advocacy
agenda creation; led annual agenda setting and incorpora ted advocacy into agency
communications plan.

.
.