Bridget Hayman
New Buffalo
Summary
Mission-driven executive with 25 years of experience leading high-impact nonprofit, corporate, and cross-sector initiatives. Proven ability to grow revenue, guide organizational transformation, and deliver compelling narratives that influence public opinion, drive policy change, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Skilled in executive leadership, governance, multimillion-dollar budget oversight, and building high-performing teams. Adept at uniting communications strategy with organizational vision to achieve measurable impact.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications / Consulting & Training Lead
Access Living
Chicago
01.2018 - Current
- Oversees communications, marketing, consulting, and training services for $10M nonprofit as executive leadership team member.
- Leads communications strategy, media outreach, crisis management, and executive messaging to enhance brand visibility.
- Manages consulting and training portfolio exceeding $295K for corporate, nonprofit, and government clients.
- Develops targeted campaigns to elevate policy priorities and broaden audience reach.
- Built and mentors a high-performing communications team, promoting innovation and collaboration.
- Directed website redesign adhering to WCAG accessibility standards to improve digital engagement.
Director of Digital Marketing
Easterseals National Headquarters
Chicago
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed $1.6M marketing budget for SEO, content marketing, digital advertising, and mobile engagement.
- Strengthened national brand through high-impact equity-focused campaigns and strategic partnerships.
Associate Director of Public Relations & Social Media
Valence Health
Chicago
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Designed and executed integrated PR and social media strategies to expand brand recognition in competitive healthcare markets.
- Increased media placements and engagement metrics through targeted digital campaigns.
Manager, Social Communication & Engagement
American Dental Association
Chicago
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Developed and launched ADA’s first digital engagement program, boosting member participation and brand presence.
- Managed national campaigns engaging 100K+ members.
Account Supervisor
Edelman Digital
Chicago
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Directed digital marketing strategies for major healthcare and food industry clients, achieving measurable engagement growth.
Social Media Strategist & Public Affairs Writer
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Chicago
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Developed corporate social media presence and crafted public affairs messaging reaching 2M+ customers.
Media Relations Specialist
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Chicago
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Managed media relations for high-profile economic research and policy announcements.
- Increased national and local media coverage through targeted outreach.
Education
M.A. - Visual Culture
Lancaster University
Lancaster, EnglandLancaster, England
B.A. - Journalism, Public Relations, and English
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, COGreeley, CO
Skills
- Strategic communications and brand positioning
- Organizational leadership and team development
- Policy and systems change
- Public affairs and media relations
- Fundraising and revenue growth
- Stakeholder engagement and decision-making
- Marketing strategy and program innovation
- Accessibility compliance and inclusion best practices
Professional Highlights
- Revenue Growth: Increased consulting/training program revenue 80%+ to $295K annually through strategic business development and targeted marketing.
- Media Impact: Designed and executed multi-channel campaigns, boosting earned media placements 150% and significantly expanding digital engagement.
- Budget Oversight: Directed multimillion-dollar budgets, aligning resources with strategic goals for measurable ROI.
- Accessibility Leadership: Led website redesign to full WCAG compliance, improving reach and user experience.
- Capacity Building: Trained 2,000+ professionals in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors on inclusive leadership and organizational best practices.
Leadership And Civic Engagement
- Board Member, Secretary & HR Committee Lead, Illinois Humanities, 01/01/22, Present
- Leadership Greater Chicago, Signature Fellow, 01/01/22, 12/31/22
- Civic Leadership Academy, University of Chicago, Fellow, 01/01/18, 12/31/18
Portfolio Examples
Dignity in Pay | Accessible Shelters | Protect Medicaid | Amtrak | Mayoral Candidates’ Forum
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Communications / Consulting & Training Lead
Access Living
01.2018 - Current
Director of Digital Marketing
Easterseals National Headquarters
01.2016 - 01.2018
Associate Director of Public Relations & Social Media
Valence Health
01.2015 - 01.2016
Manager, Social Communication & Engagement
American Dental Association
01.2012 - 01.2014
Account Supervisor
Edelman Digital
01.2011 - 01.2012
Social Media Strategist & Public Affairs Writer
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
01.2007 - 01.2011
Media Relations Specialist
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
01.2001 - 01.2007
M.A. - Visual Culture
Lancaster University
B.A. - Journalism, Public Relations, and English
University of Northern Colorado
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