Gretchen E.

Fri, APR
Cell: 330-612-2170 Email: mailto:gretchen.fri1122@gmail.com
Online portfolio: gretchenfri.weebly.com; LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/GretchenFri
Profile:

Results driven communications professional with proven ability to combine vision, strategy and creativity
with campaign management in support of internal and external communications initiatives. Experience
and proven abilities in:

External communications, media relations

Internal communications
Corporate communications writing
White papers, case studies, publications
Integrated communications
Issue management, crisis communications

Social media management

Team building, leadership
Direct marketing
Training, presentations
Collaborative relationship building
Event planning, trade show promotions

Professional Experience:
Director of Corporate Communications
January 2014-July 2015
Safeguard Properties, LLC, Valley View, Ohio; largest mortgage field services company in the U.S. serving the mortgage
banking industry.

Direct report to CEO. Served as communications counsel to executive leadership.

Assisted CEO in developing and writing executive client and employee communications, including announcements,
speeches, keynote addresses, talking points, email and video.
Developed external/internal key message points, insured consistent messaging across communications.
Drove internal communications efforts through increased executive communication; change management
communications; redesign of two newsletters; creation of employee Culture Code; employee culture and values
booklet: intranet messaging, etc.
Fostered relations with trade media and nation-wide local news outlets. Managed trade media opportunities for
senior leadership, meeting 2014 goal of 14 feature trade articles. On target for 2015.
Served as spokesperson and lead point person on all media interactions.
Point person for crisis communications, issue management.
Managed social media efforts, including a renewed focus on LinkedIn, garnering a 58% increase in LinkedIn
followers and a significant increase in engagement.
Supervised award nominations. First time honors include the prestigious InformationWeek Elite 100, HW Tech 100
and Medical Mutual Pillar Award.

Director of Communications
March 2006-January 2014
InfoCision Management Corporation, Akron, Ohio; Second largest privately held teleservices company in the world,
serving the nations largest nonprofit organizations and Fortune 500 companies.

Responsible for external and internal corporate key message management; development, management and
implementation of strategic communication plans, programs and materials.
Assisted Chief of Staff with issue management and crisis communications.
Revamped and grew InfoCisions PR program, taking the company from a hidden jewel to a major corporate
player in northeast Ohio. 52% increase in earned media; 25% annual increase subsequent years = $1M+ AVE.
Formulated and managed the integrated communications strategy, including content development, advertising,
webinars, whitepaper, social media.
Team lead for social media taskforce. Responsible for all aspects of project development, strategy and
implementation. Within six months corporate blog had over 2,500 unique visitors and over 15,000 page views.
Oversaw corporate award entries and events - groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, etc.
Managed development and production of online and print publications - bi-annual magazine, monthly employee
newsletter and quarterly client Enewsletter that has seen an 11% increase in unique open rate.
Oversaw public relations and community engagement efforts to leverage the company as an employer of choice and
good corporate citizen in the 12 tri-state communities where InfoCision has offices.

Gretchen E. Fri, APR

Cell: 330-612-2170 gretchen.fri1122@gmail.com

Page 2

Professional Experience Continued:

Senior Account Executive
InfoCision Management Corporation

1998-February 2006

Managed multi-million dollar accounts fulfilling national direct marketing needs for national non-profit and
political organizations.
Oversaw call center script development and modification; calling file management; client campaign reviews.
Consistently met or exceeded client telemarketing campaign goals.
Maintained and fostered client relationships to build trust and loyalty; and ensure satisfaction with services.

Additional Professional Experience:

Account Manager
Maddox Marketing Group, Akron, Ohio; Full-service advertising and PR agency
Director of Communications
Visiting Nurse Service & Affiliates, Akron, Ohio; Home health agency and hospice care provider
Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator
American Industrial Hygiene Association, Akron, Ohio; 10,000 member professional association
Public Relations Specialist
Community Drug Board, Akron, Ohio; Addiction treatment center

Professional Affiliations:
East Central District Public Relations Society of America
Current District Board Treasurer
Current District Chapter Communications Liaison -Akron Area PRSA and Northwest Pennsylvania PRSA
Diamond Award Committee Member
Chapter Excellence Award Chairperson
Akron Area Chapter Public Relations Society of America
Chapter leadership including past President
Nonprofit Pro-Bono Day Creator and past Chairperson
Past Newsletter and Media Relations Chairperson

Community Involvement:

American Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties - Past Board Member
American Cancer Society Past Cattle Barons Ball Committee Member
The Salvation Army of Summit County - Past Community Initiatives Committee Member

Education:
Bachelor of Arts Journalism/Public Relations
Professional development: Accredited in Public Relations

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio