CAREER SUMMARY

Senior level PR/marketing communications executive, entrepreneur and former agen

cy founder/CEO, with 20+ years' experience. High-energy innovator and leader in
strategic global brand communications, creator of multiple award-winning program
s which helped clients position & differentiate brands, build image and credibil
ity, develop and launch products, grow business and gain competitive advantage.
Expert in identifying consumer trends and successfully managing the creative tr
anslation to strategic communications platforms and cost-effective tactical prog
rams. Analytical adviser and collaborative team player on client strategic plann
ing and management teams. Skillful media strategist & excellent writer.
Strategic Planning * Integrated Communications * Corporate Image * Reputation/Cr
isis Management * Social Media * Special Events * Non-Profit/Cause Marketing * B
usiness-to-Business
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
HARTZ MOUNTAIN CORPORATION, Secaucus, NJ 2007-2010
Consultant
Retained to conduct a corporate image and reputation communications audit for Ha
rtz Animal Health Division and provide public relations program support.
* Developed/directed ongoing reputation and crisis management program
* Identified budget issue with resulting cost-saving of $360,000
* Worked effectively with cross-functional departments; marketing, R&D, regulato
ry affairs, veterinary health, consumer affairs, IT/websites.
* Conceived image-building, cause-marketing program which benefited animal shelt
ers in US and Canada. Implemented successful social media program launch, genera
ting 120 million targeted consumer impressions via pet owner blogs and websites.
Motivated consumers to interact and engage with Hartz brand as program particip
ants.
* Conducted agency search and selection process, serving as main contact between
agency and Hartz, subsequently managing agency.
* Provided public relations support for new product launches
CAIRNS & ASSOCIATES INC, New York. 1984-2007
Founder, President
Created and managed award-winning New York/London consumer brand marketing commu
nications agency, generating $7,000,000 in annual fees; combined staff of 70+ pr
ofessionals.
Financial & Business Management:
* Established all aspects of systems and operations - met or exceeded annual 20%
growth targets and 2.5:1
* Hiring and HR
* Created innovative staff training, incentive and retention programs - average
exceeded industry
Leadership & Staff Management:
* Created TQ culture - Emphasis on quality service & program results resulted in
average 5-7yr client longevity
* Featured on ABC Eyewitness News for innovative workplace programs for working
mothers
Agency Development:
* Top 50 New York PR Agency by 1994
* Lifestyle Marketing Agency-of-the-Year by 1997
* Top Mid-sized Agency for Quality Reputation by 2001 (Harris Industry Poll)
* Developed Master Brand client base: Coca-Cola, Diageo, Disney Character Licens
ing, Elizabeth Arden, Frito Lay, General Cigar, Gillette, Kraft Foods, Mazda, Ne
utrogena, Sanofi, Swarovski, Volvo, Unilever, Universal Studios, United Distille
rs & Vintners.
* Cause-marketing pioneer, created strategic communications programs partnering
client brands with non-profit organizations, such as National Center for Family
Literacy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, DIFFA, American Heart Association, Cancer Ca
re, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, Children's' Museum of Manhattan, Metropol
itan Museum, Parson's School of Design
* Created pro-bono campaigns for Ronald McDonald House, Harbor for Boys & Girls,
Feminist Majority Foundation
* Launched Cairns (UK) in 1998, named one of fastest-growing UK marketing commun
ications agencies by PR Week in 2001
* Over 40 industry recognition awards for marketing campaigns: PRSA Silver Anvil
, PRSA Big Apple, PR Week Marketing Campaign of the Year, CIPRA Creativity in Pu
blic Relations, Bulldog Excellence in Media Relations. UK PR Week Campaign of th
e Year/Runner Up
FISHMAN CAIRNS COMMUNICATIONS, New York. 1978-1983
President/Co-founder
Boutique Health & Beauty PR consultancy. Agency clients: Clarins, Chesebrough P
ond's Inc., European Health Spas, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Parfums Valentino
, Perfumers Workshop, Shiseido

EDUCATION
Birkbeck College, University of London
BA, French & English Literature - Fluent in French
Ecole de Secretariat, Lycee Francais de Londres
Bi-lingual commercial studies/secretarial course

PERSONAL
-Board of Trustees, National Center for Family Literacy
-Collecting, Cooking, Theatre/Ballet, Travel, Twitter, Volunteering, Yoga
-Divorced mother of three young adults, I live in New York City