Paula Finkelstein

Past

Director, Marketing Communications at CitiFinancial (Citigroup)
Sr. Marketing Communications Manager at CitiFinancial (part of Citi)
Marketing Communications Specialist at Walker and Associates, Inc.

Copy Editor/Page Designer/Writer at The Fayetteville Observer

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Education

James Madison University

Recommended

4 people have recommended Paula

Connections

99 connections

Industry

Marketing and Advertising

Paula Finkelstein’s Summary

I'm a results-driven, senior level marketing and communications strategist with track record of success in brand positioning, merchandising, project management, advertising and training for a global, Fortune 100 company.

Highlights of my work history include:
• Developed and implemented marketing, communications and training in two countries and five languages for 15,000 employees and more than 3 million customers, including Hispanic and underserved markets
• Managed complex budgets of more than $2 million/year
• Led cross-functional teams across a global organization for numerous large-scale, companywide initiatives including two acquisitions, two re-branding programs, a high-profile website launch and cross-sell programs
• Experience with global product launches and implementation of new technology systems
• Hands-on manager and mentor who inspires and mobilizes both on-site and virtual teams to exceed goals
• Self-starter; able to proactively turn vision into strategic and actionable plans
• Create and maintain productive relationships with senior leaders, peers, customers, vendors, staff and volunteers
• Inquisitive; quickly learn new industries and complex concepts to deliver messaging to broad audiences
• Dependable and reliable; able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while keeping a sense of humor in a chaotic, ever-changing environment

Paula Finkelstein’s Specialties:

Branding and identity, marketing communications, internal/external communications, print advertising, point-of-sale campaigns, public relations, marketing project management, Web content management

Paula Finkelstein’s Experience

Director, Marketing Communications

CitiFinancial (Citigroup)

(Public Company; C; Financial Services industry)

June 2007 — April 2009 (1 year 11 months)

Selected to represent Marketing department on major change management, technology initiative to build and promote customer-facing account management websites and employee-facing lead management system; provide direction, consultation and key insights to ensure seamless integration of Marketing’s processes and initiatives
Selected Accomplishments:
• Recognized by Chief Business Officer for management and turnaround of high-profile website launch; managed cross-functional team to develop and deliver training and communications to 15,000 employees
• Led editorial content review of newly designed websites for U.S. and Canada
• Worked collaboratively with business and IT resources to define marketing strategy for a lead management system for 15,000 global employees
• Recognized for performance, teamwork and innovation with seven awards from managers and peers
Sr. Marketing Communications Manager

CitiFinancial (part of Citi)

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; C; Financial Services industry)

April 2000 — June 2007 (7 years 3 months)

Managed team that handled brand positioning, marketing/advertising, sponsorships, public relations and internal/external communications
Selected Accomplishments:
• Spearheaded promotion of company’s NASCAR sponsorship through internal and external contests, local and national promotions, race-day events and car and driver appearances
• Led development of quick-turnaround crisis communications for both customers and employees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and California wildfires
• Oversaw creation of turn-key marketing and public relations program for 200+ new locations each year
• Recognized for performance and teamwork with 11 awards from managers and peers
Marketing Communications Specialist

Walker and Associates, Inc.

(Telecommunications industry)

February 1999 — January 2000 (1 year)

Supported branding, marketing and communications efforts for national telecommunications distributor
Selected Accomplishments:
• Developed company tag line and branding materials in preparation for launch of new ad campaign
Copy Editor/Page Designer/Writer

The Fayetteville Observer

(Privately Held; Newspapers industry)

August 1997 — February 1999 (1 year 7 months)

Coordinated with editorial staff of writers, graphic artists and photographers to design front-page layouts and story packages, write headlines and edit copy for 150,000-circulation daily newspaper
Selected Accomplishments:
• Managed front-page and Business section layouts within six months of hire
• Received awards for headline writing and journalistic excellence

Paula Finkelstein’s Education

James Madison University

B.A. , Mass Communication, Minor in Psychology , 1993 — 1997

Activities and Societies:

Editor, Curio Magazine, 1996-'97
Asst. News Editor, The Breeze (student newspaper), 1996-'97
Alpha Phi International

Additional Information

Paula Finkelstein’s Interests:

Communications strategist with an interest in health and wellness/disease prevention

Paula Finkelstein’s Groups:

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - Hike For Discovery, Volunteer and Mentor, 2007-'08; have raised more than $11,000 to date and volunteered more than 100 hours