Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Linkedin Profile
Tiktok Profile - Short Scares
Timeline
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Christopher Short

Park Ridge,IL

Summary

Accomplished Vice President of Communications with extensive experience in developing and managing both traditional and digital communications strategies in-house and for agency settings. Proven expertise in brand and consumer communications, corporate affairs, crisis management, government relations, public affairs, and sponsorship management. Skilled in C-Suite strategic consulting and leading high-performing teams to exceed business objectives. Adept in digital content creation with significant audience building and engagement on platforms like TikTok.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Content Creator, Owner

Short Scares
Park Ridge, Illinois
11.2023 - Current
  • Rapidly built a TikTok following of over 10,000, focusing on horror and sci-fi content through strategic and engaging digital storytelling
  • Produced and distributed 15 high-quality pieces of content weekly, achieving multiple viral hits with over a million views each, significantly enhancing online presence and engagement
  • Participate in the TikTok Creator Fund, optimizing content monetization strategies based on analytics to maximize revenue generation.

Director of Communications

Planet Fitness (Pinnacle Service Brands, PF Franchisee)
Rosemont, Illinois
11.2019 - 07.2023
  • Spearheaded comprehensive communications strategies, enhancing company visibility and media presence across national and regional levels
  • Orchestrated major corporate events and media relations campaigns, including grand openings and public affairs, significantly improving brand engagement and community relations
  • Managed a broad portfolio of sponsorships, including major sports franchises and educational institutions, optimizing brand exposure and market penetration
  • Directed crisis communication efforts during the pandemic, maintaining robust community and government relations to navigate public health guidelines effectively.

Senior Communications Consultant

CHS Consulting
Park Ridge, Illinois
07.2016 - 11.2019
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive communications strategies to increase visibility of various clients including Aligned Modern Heath, ROX United, and H&K's.
  • Created and managed multiple media campaigns to drive public engagement with various brands.

Senior Director/Vice President, Corporate Communications

Burson-Marsteller
Chicago, IL
03.2014 - 03.2016
  • Directed communications strategies for clients like Hormel Foods, TGI Fridays, Aspen Dental and Ford Motor Company, crafting narratives that improved public perceptions and customer engagements.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.

Vice President, Corporate Communications

Phusion Projects, LLC
Chicago, IL
01.2011 - 03.2014
  • Led the strategic overhaul of corporate communications, aligning them with enterprise objectives to boost brand integrity and public trust
  • Developed and executed new media strategies that increased consumer engagement through digital channels, including a pioneering social media presence.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans to support the vision of the organization and our brands such as Four Loko, Moskato Life and Not Your Father's Root Beer.

Senior Communications Consultant

CHS Consulting
Park Ridge, IL
07.2009 - 01.2010
  • Created and implemented communications strategies to increase visibility of several clients including Culver's, Kinetico and The Swiss Colony.

Senior Vice President, Group Account Director

Cramer-Krasselt Public Relations
Chicago, IL
04.2008 - 06.2009
  • Managed and expanded client relationships, leading to significant increases in agency revenue and client satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies for various clients including AirTran Airways, Ditka Gridiron Greats Club and Corona.

Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications

GolinHarris
Chicago, IL
09.2006 - 04.2008
  • Oversaw corporate communications strategies for high-profile clients including The Dow Chemical Company, Coors Brewing Company and McDonald’s, enhancing their market positions
  • Implemented innovative public relations campaigns and crisis management solutions that significantly reduced client vulnerabilities.

Senior Vice President / Part Owner

Cushman/Amberg Communications
Chicago, IL
09.1996 - 08.2006
  • Co-led the agency during a period of substantial growth, tripling the client roster and doubling the firm’s revenue through strategic leadership and innovative campaign strategies.
  • Assisted in developing strategic communications plans for a bevy of clients including U.S. Cellular, Home Depot, Costco, Illinois Department of Transportation and Costco.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations -

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Skills

  • Strategic Communications Planning
  • Crisis Management
  • Public and Media Relations
  • Social Media and Digital Marketing
  • Sponsorship and Event Management
  • Government Relations
  • Content Creation and Brand Storytelling
  • Team Leadership and Staff Development
  • Content Strategy
  • Copywriting
  • Press Release Writing
  • Event Planning

Linkedin Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-short-7033246

Tiktok Profile - Short Scares

Horror and Sci-Fi Content Developer

https://www.tiktok.com/@shortscares610

Timeline

Content Creator, Owner

Short Scares
11.2023 - Current

Director of Communications

Planet Fitness (Pinnacle Service Brands, PF Franchisee)
11.2019 - 07.2023

Senior Communications Consultant

CHS Consulting
07.2016 - 11.2019

Senior Director/Vice President, Corporate Communications

Burson-Marsteller
03.2014 - 03.2016

Vice President, Corporate Communications

Phusion Projects, LLC
01.2011 - 03.2014

Senior Communications Consultant

CHS Consulting
07.2009 - 01.2010

Senior Vice President, Group Account Director

Cramer-Krasselt Public Relations
04.2008 - 06.2009

Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications

GolinHarris
09.2006 - 04.2008

Senior Vice President / Part Owner

Cushman/Amberg Communications
09.1996 - 08.2006

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations -

Illinois State University
Christopher Short