SUZANNE FORTE

(678) 744-4104 fortesuzanne@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/suzanneforte PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Accomplished and creative public relations professional with more than 10 years of experience in communications, healthcare, government affairs and nonprofit administration. Key knowledge, skills, and competencies include: Pitching and securing national, regional and local television, radio, newspaper and trade publication coverage. Includes developing social media campaigns and leveraging social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn) to secure coverage. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with elected officials, community groups, key constituents, members, stakeholders, clients and media representatives. Planning and executing special events, speaking engagements, public relations campaigns and community relations projects. Composing city proclamations, speeches, articles, press releases and talking points for presentations and print. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Suzanne Forte PR 2010 - present Public Relations Consultant/Owner Consultant responsibilities include providing strategic guidance, developing communications /social media plans, creating media pitches and building relationships. Also hired and managed several contractors to help with projects. American College of Rheumatology 2010 - present Senior Public Relations Specialist Accomplishments include responding to 605 media requests, drafting media relations plan, proactively pitching national media outlets and creating social media tip sheet to help promote advocacy efforts. Managed all media relations efforts for the 29th largest medical convention in the United States by drafting 22 scientific press releases, managing nine press conferences and press registration for 300 attendees. Developed first public relations campaign to promote rheumatology as a subspecialty to medical students. Project included leading two graphic artists and overseeing program budget. Campaign has inspired similar promotions by medical associations. Consistently recognized by reporters for outstanding media relations efforts. Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau 2006 - 2010 Public Relations Specialist Completed more than 35 advertorials on time or ahead of schedule. Garnered media placement for convention clients including a front page story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Additional placements include CNN, USA Today, CBS Atlanta, and Atlanta Business Chronicle. Generated several innovative ideas that led to increased revenue, productivity and/or partnerships. Selected to Co-Chair employee internal communications committee. Led group and improved morale by streamlining intranet, work from home program and other employee initiatives. Successfully organized media tours highlighting Atlanta to over 100 journalists. Efforts yielded positive news coverage and $20,000 donated in kind services. Attended conferences, client meetings and briefings. Brought back several new contacts that generated leads and partnership opportunities. Represented company at public functions related to charitable or community-based activities.

SUZANNE FORTE
(678) 744-4104 fortesuzanne@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/suzanneforte

San Diego Convention Center Corporation 2002 - 2006 Government Affairs Representative (2005-2006) Communications Specialist (2004-2005) Executive Assistant to the VP of Public Affairs (2002-2004) Garnered positive legislative support by drafting power points presentations, position papers and speeches. Consistently promoted and given increased responsibilities in recognition of superior performance and achievement. Selected as October 2005 Employee of the Month. City of San Diego 2001 - 2002 Marketing Assistant Attracted three additional sponsors for citys annual Super Run 10K run/walk fundraiser resulting in $1,000 new revenue. Composed Corporate Partnership Program intranet and employee newsletter content. Planned partnership information sessions for over 11,000 employees. Metropolitan Transit Development Board 1999 - 2001 Marketing Intern One-year internship extended due to high performance. Also featured in company newsletter for successfully managing targeted transit promotions. Accomplishments included spearheading pilot college semester pass program and conducting orientations introducing students to new transit passes. Community outreach liaison. Represented company at more than 20 community, marketing and promotional events.

PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES & PRESENTATIONS Panel participant at the Propel Summit for Women (March 2012) Panel participant at Georgia Perimeter College Annual Career Day (April 2011 and March 2012) Panel moderator at Georgia Center for Nonprofits social media presentation (September 2009) Featured speaker at Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Georgia State University (June 2009) Featured speaker and panelist at Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Georgia State University (March 2008) Guest speaker at Keeping It Wild holiday gala (December 2007) VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Christian Rites of Passage, Board Member and Public Relations Chair (2006-2009) YMCA, YFriendz Program, Mentor (2005-2006) San Diego Chapter, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), New Professionals Treasurer (20042005) AWARDS MarComm Awards 2007, Advertorial, Honorable Mention Apex Awards 2006, Newsletters, Web & Electronic Public Relations Society of America, Silver Anvil 2005, Research, Planning & Evaluation EDUCATION B.A., English, San Diego State University