Hi, I’m
CHRIS MAYS
Public Relations
Fremont,NE
Quote
If you go out looking for a friend, you're going to find they're scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere.
Summary
Proud US Army National Guardsman. Proven track record of guiding personnel to optimize performance and exceed all expectations. Respected as a motivational, influential leader and collaborator who guides team members successfully in goal realization. Builds and maintains lasting relationships, driving company objectives through a people-focused approach.
Enthusiastic Assistant Director of Public Relations with 12-year record of shaping public opinion of fandom-based conventions through creative use of press releases, printed materials and online resources. Friendly approach to media personnel and social influencers built strong relationships that kept Anthrocon Inc. front and center of many news cycles.
Exemplary educational qualifications include a BA in Communication Arts from Bellevue University, combined with a Certificate in Army Advanced and Basic Leadership and a Certificate of Human Resources. Out-of-the-box, thinker committed to making continuous improvements in process, communication, and customer satisfaction to enable growth. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Overview
19
years of professional experience
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
ANTHROCON INCPITTSBURGH, PA
Public Relations Assistant Director
06.2011 - Current
Job overview
- Manages a team of ten and oversee various daily operations before and during convention for Public Relations
- Acts as a liaison for local media outlets, providing on-site tours of convention events and convention history
- Communicate with VIPs and their agents to strategize schedules, panels, recreational activities, signings, and appearances utilizing exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
- Utilize marketing materials to generate publications, appearance announcements, and convention dossiers for VIPs.
NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARDOMAHA, NE
Logistics and Training Sergeant
04.2019 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Provides training plans, records management, and schools tracking for 19 services members
- Manage the personnel roster, sizing records, and equipment of 208 service members
- Provide general upkeep and maintenance of 50 Army and commercial off the shelf equipment, ensuring gear is 100% deployable in a CBRN civil response
- Successfully deployed nine rapid response teams during the 2020 COVID pandemic, setting up testing sites across the state of Nebraska, managing over $1 million dollars’ worth of military and state equipment.
NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARDOMAHA, NE
Sergeant/ Non-Commissioned Officer
06.2018 - 06.2021
Job overview
- Oversee and delegate duties for squad level group of three junior enlisted soldiers
- Create and implement inventory management system for unit’s chemical equipment, improving workflow and optimizing team performance
- Manage strength distribution among soldiers using data analysis and communication expertise
- Maintain readiness, health, and welfare of all soldiers with care and attention to detail.
SIGNATURE PERFORMANCEOMAHA, NE
Quality Assurance Specialist
01.2018 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Audit claims ensuring correct distribution and process adhering to strict regulations with 100% accuracy
- Guide processing personnel to optimize performance and exceed all quality expectations
- Collaborate with management to provide claims processing personnel with timely SOP updates to maximize workflow efficiency.
SIGNATURE PERFORMANCEOMAHA, NE
Claims Processor
01.2015 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Reviewed and processed VA Medical Care claims for payment achieving average annual QA score of 9.93
- Implemented positive changes to SOPs for claims processing while serving on Quality Assurance committee
- Mentored associates on Health Net/ PCCC claims with expertise and outstanding communication and collaboration
- Earned Seven Seals Award when networking with local ESGR to highlight company’s service to veterans.
NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARDOMAHA, NE
Human Resources Specialist
05.2015 - 08.2017
Job overview
- Guided soldiers in record management and recording insurance documentation demonstrating excellent leadership, coaching, and interpersonal expertise
- Prepared and processed evaluations, personnel requests for promotions, awards, and decorations ensuring XX team members were always well taken care of and receiving benefits to which they were entitled
- Prepared all memos and correspondences in draft and final form to ensure communication among staff was clear
- Updated staff on changes to Army regulations and other publications for unit knowledge
- Explained human resources policies, procedures, laws, and standards to new and existing employees
- Maintained accurate, detailed records of employee participation in all training and development programs.
OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUMOMAHA, NE
Guest Services Crewmember
07.2012 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Inspired children and families to learn by instilling the museum’s mission statement of creating an exciting learning environment resulting in increased customer satisfaction
- Assisted in various roles in the museum including food service, administrative, and preparation for the café
- Operated Point of Sale and Inventory systems, processed sales, refunds, memberships, and events with 100% accuracy, increasing revenue by 45% and resulting in high customer satisfaction rates
- Answered questions, resolved concerns, and provided prompt conflict resolution with attention to detail and outstanding customer service.
MARCUS MIDTOWN CINEMAOMAHA, NE
Box Office Associate
10.2011 - 10.2012
Job overview
- Supervised box office crew of five setting standard for outstanding customer service in a high-volume environment
- Collaborated with management to implement policies maintaining department self-sufficiency
- Communicated with guests regarding theatre specials and deals resulting in revenue increase of 80%.
CARE-A- LOT PET SUPPLY, NEWPORT NEWS, VA
Customer Service Associate
12.2007 - 03.2011
Job overview
- Excelled in opening and closing procedures and recognized upsell opportunities to increase revenue by 60%
- Conducted research using Pet Store Pro online tools and training to stay current with pet store industry changes
- Demonstrated exemplary customer service by assisting customers in buying the best products for their pets
- Utilized marketing tools to advertise information on products, services, and events offered within the company.
UNITED STATES NAVY ACTIVE AND RESERVE DUTYOMAHA, NE
Administrative coordinator/ Professional Mariner
09.2004 - 06.2010
Job overview
- Coordinated and organized unit members’ evaluation reports for supervisor’s review with accuracy and diplomacy
- Managed monthly schedule, contact information, and attendance reports to keep careful track of all personnel
- Collaborated with medical personnel to guide unit members in medical discrepancy resolution
- Maintained ship with meticulous attention to detail to achieve readiness for active duty commands with security.
Education
Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE
Bachelor of Arts from Communication Arts
08.2011 - 03.2014
University Overview
Maneuver Support Center of ExcellenceFort Leonard Wood, MO
Certificate in Army Advanced Leadership
04.2021 - 06.2021
University Overview
3rd BDE, 102nd DIV, The Army Training SystemFort Leonard Wood, MO
Certificate in CBRN Specialist
04.2018 - 05.2018
University Overview
1st BN 209th TNG, Noncommissioned Officer AcademyAshland, NE
Certificate in Army Basic Leadership
10.2017 - 11.2017
University Overview
Soldier Support Institute, Adjutant General SchoolFort Jackson, SC
Certificate of Army Human Resources
05.2014 - 07.2014
University Overview
Skills
Business DevelopmentCustomer ServiceCommunication/ CollaborationOrganizationPerformance OptimizationRelationshipsData AnalysisInventory ManagementLeadership/ CoachingCreative SolutionsRecord Maintenance
Cultural Awareness
MS Office
Multitasking Abilities
PPE Compliance
Teambuilding
Critical Thinking
Organization and Time Management
Interpersonal Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Training and Development
Flexible and Adaptable
Google Workspace
Written Communication
Attention to Detail
Decision-Making
Data Entry
Active Listening
Problem-Solving
Self-Motivated
PR strategy development
Information gathering and analysis
Excellent Communication
Planning and Coordination
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Good Telephone Etiquette
Associated Press style
Social media marketing
Employee coaching
Feedback collection
Materials Preparation
Program implementation
Public speaking
Project implementation
Classroom expertise
Training material development
Employee training
Online training experience
Data organization
Dependable and Responsible
Talent management
Benefits and compensation
Training development
File and records management
Training and mentoring
Team Building
Clerical Support
Candidate Sourcing
Crew leadership
Tactical planning
Intelligence gathering
Defense management
Mechanical expertise
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence
Certificate in Army Advanced Leadership
04.2021 - 06.2021
Logistics and Training Sergeant
NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
04.2019 - 09.2023
Sergeant/ Non-Commissioned Officer
NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
06.2018 - 06.2021
3rd BDE, 102nd DIV, The Army Training System
Certificate in CBRN Specialist
04.2018 - 05.2018
Quality Assurance Specialist
SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE
01.2018 - 01.2019
1st BN 209th TNG, Noncommissioned Officer Academy
Certificate in Army Basic Leadership
10.2017 - 11.2017
Human Resources Specialist
NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
05.2015 - 08.2017
Claims Processor
SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE
01.2015 - 01.2018
Soldier Support Institute, Adjutant General School
Certificate of Army Human Resources
05.2014 - 07.2014
Guest Services Crewmember
OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
07.2012 - 01.2015
Box Office Associate
MARCUS MIDTOWN CINEMA
10.2011 - 10.2012
Bellevue University
Bachelor of Arts from Communication Arts
08.2011 - 03.2014
Public Relations Assistant Director
ANTHROCON INC
06.2011 - Current
Customer Service Associate
CARE-A- LOT PET SUPPLY, NEWPORT NEWS
12.2007 - 03.2011
Administrative coordinator/ Professional Mariner
UNITED STATES NAVY ACTIVE AND RESERVE DUTY
09.2004 - 06.2010