Catherine Meck
Amarillo,TX
Summary
To obtain a position where my business development proficiencies, public relations experience, marketing and crisis management skills, and teambuilding abilities will create opportunities of growth for the organization, and contribute to the success of its brand.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Panhandle Producers & Royalty Owners Association
10.2024 - 07.2025
- Provided executive leadership for a 96-year-old nonprofit industry association representing independent oil and gas producers, royalty owners, and allied service companies across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
- Directed the strategic overhaul of outdated membership, communications, and financial systems, eliminating obsolete records and producing the first verified membership list in over a decade.
- Oversaw the planning and execution of all PPROA events, including venue logistics, speaker recruitment, community outreach, and post-event evaluations.
- Produced a revitalizing of their annual 250-person conference into an exciting Wildcatter themed convention with top-tier speakers, high visibility for sponsors, and a first-class experience for attendees.
- Editor in chief - created and published monthly Pipeline Magazine, developing speaker bios, event content, and industry updates for distribution to members and sponsors.
- Partnered with WTAMU, Texas Tech, Amarillo College, and area schools to launch educational initiatives promoting careers in STEM and skilled trades within the oil and gas industry.
- Collaborated directly with PPROA’s lobbyists to contribute to state and federal legislative engagement, statewide initiatives, energy policy development, and strategic advocacy.
- Initiated and created the formation of a 501(c)(3) Foundation for workforce development and community-based education in American Energy programs. Produced the business plan, vision, mission, assembled board of directors, , and applied successfully applied while working with the lawyer and account.
- Modernized office operations, accounting systems (QuickBooks), and event registration to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
- Served as the public spokesperson and liaison for PPROA, representing the organization at industry forums, member events, and government meetings.
Senior Communication Specialist
West Texas A&M University – Extended Studies
03.2024 - 09.2024
- Implementing up-skill or re-skill programs for marketability and job prospects working with TWC workforce Including professional development, small business programs, computer applications, CIS, cyber security, and healthcare for Education on Demand.
- Worked with professional education partners to guide adult learners towards new certification or skill development.
- Restructured and streamlined policies and procedures for the establishment and operation of the Camp Program for Minors (CPM). Collaboration with Risk Management and Compliance Office in conjunction with the Texas A&M University System Office of Risk Management and Safety.
- Facilitated efforts that created an environment where youth are consistently safe on campus and institutional spaces where faculty, staff, and student organizations engage with risk responsibility and implementation of a high standard of youth protection.
- Development and implementation of advanced strategic planning for West Texas A&M enrollment and retention.
- Execution of new Office of Engagement for graduated, current, and future WT students that will include: Educational outreach for HS students, Create new career services for students, Engler Edge Program, Study Abroad, Women in Business, and mentorship programs.
- Designed new tours to engage students and families that will include personal tours, degree planning, and meet the faculty for advancement of enrollment.
- Designed new Entrepreneurship program to engage rural students throughout the Panhandle area.
- Integrated a new data analytics maintenance, tracking, and revision plan using salesforce and new educational software.
- Initiated donor relations with WT constituents for naming of new WTAMU Engagement Office.
Executive Director
Window On a Wider World
01.2018 - 03.2023
- Responsible for the overall operations of a non-profit organization. This entails providing arts, science, and cultural outreach programs to 50,000 elementary and secondary students throughout the Panhandle, including 59 schools in all 26 counties.
- Enacted crisis communication management during organization’s emergency financial crisis. This included constant communication with local and federal law enforcement, collecting and managing critical information, and delivering internal and external messaging to media, educational and financial partners, legal representatives, stakeholders, and donors.
- Implemented new marketing and strategic planning with crisis policies, goals, and standards that improve the communications between board members, Client Schools, Learning Partners, and shareholders. Responsible for successfully bringing this non-profit organization from the brink of bankruptcy, and closing its doors, to becoming financially viable with current net assets exceeding $1.2M in philanthropic revenue, all within a two-year period.
- Directed a six person staff, including four WOW Representatives, administrative assistant, and social media/graphics coordinator as a collaborative team to focus on expanding Client school enrollment in conjunction with recruitment of new Learning Partner Organizations to create a symposium of summer service by WOWW to inspire the next generation with experiential educational programs for students PreK-12th grade.
- Initiated and created the formation of a 501(c)(3) Foundation for workforce development and community-based education in American Energy programs. Produced the business plan, vision, mission, assembled board of directors, , and applied successfully applied while working with the lawyer and account.
- Successfully navigated through Covid 19 by implementing new enhanced educational programs that included: resiliency, overcoming loss, and problem solving. Recruited new Learning Partners to provide on-campus educational programs, such as SW Mobile Dairy, The Hope and Healing Place, Amarillo Wrangler’s Hockey Team, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Caprock Canyons, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens. WOWW never closed its doors.
- Produced and implemented new marketing strategic plan, internal and external communications, event-centered public relations, and formal change management narratives that accelerated donor development and community image and participation with public schools, administrators, teachers and parents within the Panhandle community.
- Increased Client School enrollment by 40%, including development of children’s programs, and improving partner performance and relations, while implementing new, flexible, cost-efficient policies that increased ROI by 35%. I.e. showcasing & highlighting Panhandle schools and the diversity of our students using social media, public speaking, community outreach, and local and regional events.
- Directed all aspects of operations, including human resources, payroll, exceptional grant writing, marketing, budgeting, cost control, continuous quality improvement, donor development, community relations, and board participation.
Director of Development
American Quarter Horse Foundation
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Devised and implemented a comprehensive, innovative fundraising business plan that included effective change management, research, data analytics, identification, solicitation, cultivation and proposal development for short- and long-term fundraising campaigns. This included working with high inclination donors and major gift donors in levels ranging up to $1M.
- Served as lead Foundation representative to diverse local and national equine community, traveling extensively each month (75%) throughout the United States promoting and raising transformative gifts for equine research, equine therapy, and educational/scholarship programs.
- Cultivated new and existing high level funder relationships by visiting diverse constituencies across the nation using best practices and change management communications.
- Successfully executed fundraising events and communication activities including: national horse shows, world-class trail rides, international horse exhibitions, the globally-attended, distinguished AQHA Hall of Fame Banquets, and both state and nation-wide AQHA Conventions.
- Maintained relationships with current AQHF donors, keeping them informed about state affiliate and national AQHA activities, by being accessible to answer any questions that donors may have regarding membership, rules and regulations.
- Created and led the foundation team through internal and external marketing, messaging, and communication plan for promotion of the AQHF brand.
- Stayed up-to-date on horse industry protocols and equine related guidelines in order to serve as a political liaison for AQHA.
Director of Development College of Science & Engineering
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi – Institutional Advancement
04.2016 - 08.2016
- Recruited by TAMUCC to develop and implement new strategic fundraising procedures for the Institutional Advancement Development Team.
- Direct collaboration with the Vice President of Institutional Advancement to improve and expand gift revenue with professorships, room namings, and endowments ranging from $25,000 to $500,000.
- Led successful Team Development building for eight person staff through performance improvement, change management, and management communications to seek out new and innovative ways to convert current constituent/donor involvement to secure and grow philanthropic revenue.
- Responsible for independently identifying marketing promotions of various university departments with competing qualities, priorities and varied funding streams. Examples include: Federal, Foundation, Corporate State, and local grants, for engineering, marine biology, sciences, Geospatial Engineering, and UAS Unmanned Automated Systems (Drone) Program.
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues to secure new prospects, focusing on principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and both annual and planned giving. Utilized metrics, performance reporting, and maintained prospect tracking and contact reporting data through Raiser’s Edge.
Development Officer Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business
West Texas A&M University – Institutional Advancement
10.2014 - 04.2016
- Worked as a complement to the Dean of the College of Business, major COB gifts ranging from $100K to $1M.
- Managed a portfolio of major gifts and planned giving prospects by designing and implementing strategies by proactively moving prospects throughout the donor engagement process. Present and close proposals, identify and qualify new prospective donors, and make face-to-face visits annually by traveling regularly to assigned regions throughout the United States.
- Provided support for College of Business through community outreach, site tours, room naming, and the promotion of national recognition and accreditation throughout collegiate academia.
- Implemented strategic agendas for fundraising efforts to build WTAMU’s capacity to achieve and exceed its revenue goals as well as design and execute integrated plans to increase funding to expand scholarships, professorships and endowments.
- Served as a development liaison to varied departments and programs of the University, which also included responsibilities: marketing, business management, and multimedia platforms for event planning and execution, i.e., Veteran’s Network – Military Veteran’s Scholarship Ball, President’s Circle, Distinguished Lecture Series, and Friends of the Coronette Library.
- Identified continuous communication improvements with College of Business Advisory Board, Foundation Board, Institutional Advancement department, and senior leadership to ensure advancement and progression of West Texas A&M University’s mission.
Public Relations & Donor Development Director
The Salvation Army of Amarillo
10.2013 - 10.2014
- Implemented, administered and sustained, an aggressive, robust Community Relations, Public Relations, and Development Plan focused on: raising monies, major gifts, planned giving, volunteers and visibility, to a diverse community.
- Led and served as Public Information Officer (PIO) for Disaster Relief for 2014 Fritch, TX fires. Executed crisis management response and recovery efforts to disaster in the Texas Panhandle providing immediate and ongoing communication with media and public, including crucial, hourly press releases and live television and radio updates. Produced and implemented new crisis management policies and procedural protocols.
- Responsible for brand development of “Doing the Most Good” slogan through fundraising, community events, and print and broadcast media; implemented marketing strategies for future campaigns. Built relationships with journalists, news partners, and influencers across the Panhandle.
- Recruited, managed, trained, and supervised 100+ volunteers to work collaboratively at shelter and community outreach events. Used effective workflow management tactics and communication tools to recruit and retain volunteers.
- Established online presence via social media platforms and content management for website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Produced interactive Facebook channel to inform and engage public for disaster relief, fundraising, and volunteer involvement.
- Built relationships with corporate personnel as well as educational, business, and foundational institutions including: United Way, civic clubs, churches, AISD, universities and the TSA Advisory Board.
Freelance Producer/Production Manager
CM Enterprise - Freelance
01.2009 - 09.2013
- Performed the tasks of supervising and overseeing all logistical aspects of local and national videos, commercials, and promotional events/projects.
- Coordinated and managed autonomous team members to create strong, collaborative production crews for several projects including national TV-network show, The Great Food Truck Race, area and local commercials.
- Responsibilities included producing budgets, agendas, and presentations as well as overseeing large production staff and crews, facilitating interviews, organizing equipment, scouting and booking locales, and producing daily schedules. Tracked workflow management, scheduling, payroll, timesheets up to 25 person crews.
- Marketing/Advancement of the client’s brand through several mediums; print, TV, Internet, video.
- Interfaced with clients to offer creative solutions for each project as well as provide support in areas of on-camera performances.
- Arranged travel and lodging for high-end clientele, talent, and business executives.
- Clients include: Vogue Magazine, The Food Network, Taco Bell, The Salvation Army, Ragtown Media, Cloud Nine Productions, Kemosabe Productions, Northwest Texas Hospital, First Presbyterian Children’s Home, Rico Air, Dick Bivins Stadium, Hastings Family, Gary McClure Productions, Caviness Beef
Director of Video Production & Public Relations Coordinator
Trinity Fellowship Church
05.2009 - 10.2010
- Integrated corporate communications plan for 10,000 member megachurch; established long-range objectives supported by developing innovative strategies.
- Led production team in collaboration with senior leadership, via director of communications, to produce extensive missions videos for Pastors and patrons of TFC. This task entailed reaching out to missionaries all over the world. Skills included writing copy, directing, and producing ten videos highlighting diverse cultures and missions across the globe.
- Implemented crisis management techniques and metrics using social media and data analysis to manage reputation, inform publics, and mitigate future crises.
- Handled the tasks of creating video stories, providing vision and direction to church and community talent.
- Built and managed multi-person production team to be effective, self-directed crew members.
- Responsible for developing concepts and storyboards, writing scripts, short form narratives, and promotional materials, i.e., Missionary Month, The Big Summer Wedding, etc.
- Performed the tasks of team supervising and overseeing all phases of projects including pre-production, post-production, and final delivery to upper management.
- Event planning, marketing strategies, news releases, online and social media content using excellent verbal and written communication.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communication
West Texas A&M University
08.2011
Master of Arts - Communications
West Texas A&M University
12.2012
Qualifications
Strategic and dynamic leader with 15+ years’ experience revitalizing nonprofit organizations, advancing public relations, and driving fundraising success. Expertise in executive management, government advocacy, community partnerships, and operational transformation. Passionate about building sustainable programs, engaging stakeholders, and championing causes that empower communities and industries.
Hobbies and Interests
Passionate about horses and the outdoors. Enjoy hosting and organizing gatherings such as dinner parties, baby showers, and bridal showers—bringing people together is one of my favorite things. My husband and I are excited to launch a marriage ministry in the spring of 2026 to support and encourage couples in our community.
Timeline
Executive Director
Panhandle Producers & Royalty Owners Association
10.2024 - 07.2025
Senior Communication Specialist
West Texas A&M University – Extended Studies
03.2024 - 09.2024
Executive Director
Window On a Wider World
01.2018 - 03.2023
Director of Development
American Quarter Horse Foundation
09.2016 - 07.2017
Director of Development College of Science & Engineering
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi – Institutional Advancement
04.2016 - 08.2016
Development Officer Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business
West Texas A&M University – Institutional Advancement
10.2014 - 04.2016
Public Relations & Donor Development Director
The Salvation Army of Amarillo
10.2013 - 10.2014
Director of Video Production & Public Relations Coordinator
Trinity Fellowship Church
05.2009 - 10.2010
Freelance Producer/Production Manager
CM Enterprise - Freelance
01.2009 - 09.2013
Master of Arts - Communications
West Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communication
West Texas A&M University
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