mkbeerbarber

Professional Profile Self-starter who has worked in numerous roles requiring the propensity to see the big picture, break it down into parts, strategize and execute a plan. My ability to work independently and identify/engage key partners has allowed me to be highly productive and deliver quality results. I draw from the following: •20+ years of experience in marketing and communications. •20+ years of experience in desktop publishing, i.e. layout and design of publications. •14 years of experience in the health insurance industry, including key role in three successful National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) audits. •Five years of experience in marketing management. •Extensive experience in the following areas: development and implementation of marketing and communication strategies; production of marketing and educational materials: copy writing, layout and print coordination; design and execution of research projects; and preparation of comprehensive documents/proposals for prospective clients, research firms and consultants. •Master’s degree in business administration; bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations with a minor in marketing. Career History Following an out-of-state move, I took a sabbatical from the workplace to care for my two young children. During this period, I have maintained my professional skills through volunteer work and self-study. Below is an outline of my solid work history from college graduation to departure from the corporate environment. Marketing Specialist: 5/98 - 10/99 Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, Columbus, OH (financial and insurance services) Part-time marketing position*, which included the oversight of: • Project work of two marketing employees • Quality improvement activities, adhering to NCQA requirements • Satisfaction monitoring program • Proposal and information requests • Marketing, communication and training materials for largest client • Website strategy and development * I had planned to resign as marketing manager when my baby was born 10 weeks prematurely; my employer graciously proposed this alternative work arrangement. Marketing Manager: 5/94 - 5/98 Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, Columbus, OH •Created and managed a marketing services unit for a new business division. Outlined and implemented strategies to fulfill business, marketing and quality objectives. Defined staffing and budget needs, and drafted policies and procedures to ensure accuracy, quality, cost effectiveness and legal compliance. •Developed a communications program for customers and medical providers: newsletters, handbooks, brochures. Established an internal cross-functional communications board to proactively assess and address communication issues. •Created a sales promotion program to help the sales staff maximize their efforts: marketing materials, promotional items, proposal preparation. •Initiated and implemented a satisfaction monitoring program that met business objectives and NCQA requirements. Utilized information to initiate improvements and identify marketing opportunities. •Coordinated and managed division’s annual advertising campaign. •Played a leadership role in achieving full accreditation from NCQA by ensuring compliance with communication and satisfaction research requirements. •Championed and executed strategy to launch the organization’s first website. In this role, I received the division’s bonus award, which was given annually to one outstanding employee. Senior Marketing Planning Specialist: 8/92 - 5/94 Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, Columbus, OH •Managed the production of all marketing materials for a newly created marketing department. Initiated control processes to ensure the accuracy, quality, cost effectiveness and legal compliance of all materials. •After recognizing that the sales offices throughout the country could benefit from promotional assistance, developed a comprehensive guide that outlined the home office support available to them. As a result, I was assigned management of their promotional activities. This role afforded the sales staff more time to devote to selling and gave home office increased control over the quality and accuracy of the information disseminated. •Identified and responded to the need for a complete, consistent package of sales literature. This project required extensive research and writing. The sales staff described the new materials as “promoting a positive image of the company” and “improving the sales presentation process.” •Developed a newsletter to educate customers on health and insurance issues. •Worked with advertising agency to develop the annual advertising campaign. Communications Coordinator: 8/90 - 8/92 Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, Columbus, OH •Managed communication projects from inception to print for three diverse product lines: group life and health, group pensions and deferred compensation. This role required astute project management and thorough understanding of products, sales distribution systems and audiences. •Consultant to marketing directors on defining long-term communications needs and improving the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of their marketing materials. •Assisted the communications director with the design of advertising campaigns. Director of Communications: 10/87 - 8/90 The Interstate Companies, Columbus, OH (employer health plans) In this newly created position, I defined and managed the company's communications program. In June 1989, I assumed the duties of the marketing manager. In this role, provided broker support, performed product and service evaluations, conducted market research, organized sales seminars and helped design quoting software. Communications Coordinator/Public Relations Assistant: 1/86 - 10/87 U.S. Patriot Insurance Agency, Columbus, OH (employer health plans) Identified and responded to promotional opportunities, supported brokers’ sales efforts and developed customer and broker communication programs. I assisted the personnel department with employee communications and events planning. Education and Professional Designations •Master of Business Administration, University of Dayton, OH, December 1992. •Bachelor of Arts, Journalism/Public Relations with a minor in Marketing, The Ohio State University, OH, December 1985. •Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation: a 10-course, professional development program that provides comprehensive business education in the insurance and financial services industry. •National Association of Security Dealers (NASD) Series 6 license: required to perform certain functions for investment companies including mutual funds and variable contracts (have not renewed). Additional Information References and samples of work are available upon request.