Paula Symons, APR

Current

Communications Specialist at QBE the Americas

Past

College Relations Manager at Madison Area Technical College
Manager Donor Services Communication at RTI Donor Services
Public Relations Manager at TDS Telecom

Director of Marketing Communications at United Way of Dane County
Senior Editor at Credit Union Executives Society
Reporter at Thousand Oaks News Chronicle

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Education

California State University-Northridge
Allan Hancock College
Lompoc High School

Universal Accreditation Board

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Recommended

8 people have recommended Paula

Connections

284 connections

Industry

Public Relations and Communications

Paula Symons, APR’s Summary

Results-focused professional equipped with extensive experience in public relations, communications, and program management. Diverse background spans a wide variety of industries, including education, health services, telecommunications, nonprofit, banking, and broadcasting. Has authored, published, and/or produced hundreds of timely, effective, and creative communications, including feature articles, news releases, annual reports, employee communications, and public service announcements. Creative problem solver who views challenges as opportunities and offers demonstrated abilities in completing projects on time and within budget.

Paula Symons, APR’s Specialties:

Program management, public relations, crisis management, image development, oral/written communication, presentations, leadership, media, print, radio, problem solving, relationship building, facilitator, corporate communications, corporate vision, creative services, customer communications, management communications, marketing communications, media relations, publications editing, publicity, strategic communications, VIP relations, strategic planning, tactical campaign, strategic positioning

Paula Symons, APR’s Experience

Communications Specialist

QBE the Americas

(Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; Insurance industry)

November 2008 — Present (1 year 1 month)

* Coordinate, develop, write, edit and proof materials for external audiences.
* Design and develop content for electronic communication vehicles.
* Consult with internal customers.
* Assist in executing the corporate communications plan and related tactics.
College Relations Manager

Madison Area Technical College

(Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Education Management industry)

September 2007 — August 2008 (1 year )

Managed public/media relations as well as prospective student relations and advocacy-related activities. Supervised a public relations specialist, an event planner, and two recruiters. Wrote speeches for the college president. Served as a crisis communications representative on the campus safety and security committee.
* Designed and implemented a public/media relations plan that emphasized the college’s education options, access, and value to the community and state.
* Steadily increased monthly advertising equivalency and impressions through the effective administration of a proactive, positive media relations program and measurement system.
* Developed a network of employees designed to make personal contacts with elected district officials.
Manager Donor Services Communication

RTI Donor Services

(Public Company; 201-500 employees; Biotechnology industry)

May 2001 — September 2007 (6 years 5 months)

Public relations, media relations, donor family program development/implementation, advocacy
Public Relations Manager

TDS Telecom

(Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; TDS; Telecommunications industry)

May 1997 — May 2001 (4 years 1 month)

Public relations, media relations, writing, editing
Director of Marketing Communications

United Way of Dane County

(Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

1994 — 1997 (3 years )
Senior Editor

Credit Union Executives Society

(Public Relations and Communications industry)

1990 — 1994 (4 years )
Reporter

Thousand Oaks News Chronicle

(Public Relations and Communications industry)

1973 — 1978 (5 years )

Paula Symons, APR’s Education

California State University-Northridge

Bachelors , Journalism , 1970 — 1972

Activities and Societies:

Sundial staff
Allan Hancock College

1968 — 1970
Lompoc High School

1965 — 1968
Universal Accreditation Board

Accredited in Public Relations (APR) , 1999