CRAIG THRELKELD
Communications Professional
Macon,Georgia
Summary
Dynamic director-level professional with over 26 years of experience driving growth and excellence across non-profit, retail, and higher education sectors. Expertise in strategic management, customer service excellence, and public relations has consistently led to remarkable outcomes through effective team leadership and innovative solutions. Proven ability to foster valuable partnerships and enhance organizational performance while implementing impactful marketing strategies. Committed to exceeding expectations and cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and missions.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Grocery and Customer Service
Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
08.2020 - Current
- Led customer service team to achieve 120% of fundraising goal.
- Achieved premier customer service through empathy, active listening, and effective problem-solving.
- Ensured strict compliance with financial regulations while executing diverse financial transactions.
- Contributed to grocery department achieving a record growth of 17% in sales in 2022.
- Collaborated with management to drive performance of grocery associates in stores generating $50 million annually.
Sales & Marketing Consultant (Contractor)
Chem-Dry of Macon
04.2019 - 08.2020
- Collaborated with ownership to grow the service business 45 percent through expertise in variety of roles including technician, office management, sales and marketing, public relations inventory management and estimating.
Director of Advancement
Caring Solutions of Central Georgia
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Strategically developed short- and long-term funding plans that included initiatives for securing major gifts, prospecting tactics, and stewardship definition, while developing new approaches to grow a community of support.
- Fashioned annual events and appeals, corporate and foundation grants, and cultivation events, while serving as Campaign Director, providing direct daily management of the campaigns and tracking of objectives.
- Constructed and executed $1 million budget to provide fiscal responsibility, align with fundraising initiatives, and ensure ROI.
- Managed gift processing and donor acknowledgement, the donor database, and financial reporting.
Senior Director of Championships
ASUN Conference
09.2011 - 06.2018
- Achieved a 91% satisfaction rating from student-athlete championship participants.
- Grew championship satisfaction among student-athletes, coaches, and administrators by 10%.
- Administered NCAA Division I-level championships for 19 sports, including development and execution of the annual master championship calendar, pre-/post- championship communications, and logistical coordination with and training of host institution staff.
- Facilitated the championship bid process, on-site management of championship operations, and oversight of championship credentialing, awards and gifts, as well as member and vendor relations.
- Negotiated multi-year partnership agreements with Wilson, Molten, Rawlings, Westwood One, AT&T, and Bridgestone Golf.
- Established the ASUN Hall of Fame in order to honor achievement, celebrate excellence, preserve legacies, and to build conference pride and recognition.
Director of Public Relations
Shelton State Community College
01.2009 - 10.2010
- Directed Public Relations, Marketing, Event, and Advertising programs that grew enrollment over six straight semesters and heightened awareness of the college, resulting in 14% growth, a 5-year record.
- Reduced advertising and marketing costs by 20% by focusing on strategic communications, and grass roots brand management and community relations.
- Spearheaded the redesign of the website, resulting in a 15% growth increase in traffic and lead generation for recruiters, 10% growth in ticket sales, and bolstering user satisfaction by 20%.
- Advocated for professional development for Public Relations staff, including media training.
- Successfully rebranded the College, improving tone and balance of news coverage which led to a 12% growth in earned media value and a increased strength in the marketplace.
- Shaped corporate partnerships with local business and industry, as well as provided counsel to College leadership regarding present and potential PR concerns or opportunities for expanded community engagement.
Director of Public Relations
Hospice of West Alabama
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Transformed strategic communications for non-profit hospice agency that resulted in 15% growth in patient census, including a record high of 100+ patients in home care and consistent full or near-full capacity in the 10-bed in-patient facility.
- Orchestrated the redesign of the website, resulting in a 20% growth in traffic and use as a marketing tool for greater user satisfaction, lead generation for staff, and educational resources for providers and families.
- Piloted a community relations program that fostered a 5% increase in referrals from churches, civic organizations, families, etc., leading to a stronger brand position in the marketplace.
Owner & Publisher
Tuscaloosa Christian Family Magazine
01.2002 - 01.2008
Sports Information Director
Samford University
01.2000 - 01.2002
Copywriter & Editor
UAB Creative Services
01.1998 - 01.2000
Sports Information Assistant
The University of Alabama
01.1995 - 01.1997
Managing Editor
Tennis Industry Magazine
01.1994 - 01.1995
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising
The University of Alabama
TuscaloosaSkills
- Strategic planning expertise
- Online engagement optimization
- Understanding and addressing consumer demands
- Strategic communication skills
- Enhancing system and campaign effectiveness
- Social media management
- Metrics analysis and reporting
- Aligning strategies with goals
- Published writing experience
- Designing product-focused marketing initiatives
- Financial resource management
- Business development expertise
- Experienced with Microsoft Office applications
- Experienced with Adobe Creative Suite tools
- Product knowledge
- Promotional campaign execution
- Retail merchandising proficiency
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Customer service proficiency
- Clear interpersonal communication
- Strong attention to detail
- Team coordination in operations
- Detailed inventory management
- Coaching and guidance
Affiliations
College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA)
PRSA Georgia
Timeline
Grocery and Customer Service
Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
08.2020 - Current
Sales & Marketing Consultant (Contractor)
Chem-Dry of Macon
04.2019 - 08.2020
Director of Advancement
Caring Solutions of Central Georgia
08.2018 - 12.2018
Senior Director of Championships
ASUN Conference
09.2011 - 06.2018
Director of Public Relations
Shelton State Community College
01.2009 - 10.2010
Director of Public Relations
Hospice of West Alabama
01.2005 - 01.2008
Owner & Publisher
Tuscaloosa Christian Family Magazine
01.2002 - 01.2008
Sports Information Director
Samford University
01.2000 - 01.2002
Copywriter & Editor
UAB Creative Services
01.1998 - 01.2000
Sports Information Assistant
The University of Alabama
01.1995 - 01.1997
Managing Editor
Tennis Industry Magazine
01.1994 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising
The University of Alabama
Awards
1996 CoSIDA Publications Excellence
Men's Football Program - First Place
Women's Sports Brochure - Third Place