Darden O. Lear
Summary
Results-driven marketing and events professional with nearly 4 years of experience supporting integrated marketing initiatives, demand generation campaigns, partner marketing programs, and large-scale event execution within the government technology sector. Currently serving as an Innovation Account Lead at Carahsoft Technologies, managing relationships and marketing initiatives for hundreds of technology vendors across numerous government verticals. Strong communicator who thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments and is comfortable managing multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining attention to detail and business goals.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing & Innovation Account Lead
Carahsoft Technologies
09.2022 - Current
- Manage marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships supporting 300+ technology vendors focused on federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities
- Coordinate planning and execution of a catalog of 300+ annual events, webinars, editorial programs, and integrated marketing offerings
- Negotiate marketing opportunities, sponsorships, and campaign deliverables with media and event partners to maximize vendor engagement and ROI. While collaborating with multiple internal teams to align offerings with goals and market trends.
- Maintain strong relationships with technology vendors, media partners, and internal stakeholders while managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Train internal employees on marketing offerings, sales strategies, vendor positioning, and value proposition messaging
- Assist in coordinating timelines, communications, and execution details for customer-facing events and marketing initiatives
- Analyze vendor feedback and campaign performance trends to improve future offerings and engagement strategies
Marketing and Public Relations Intern
Instinctif Partners
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducted marketing and communications research for global biotech, pharmaceutical, corporate, and public policy clients
- Developed media coverage reports and journalist lists used for press releases, campaigns, and future event planning
- Assisted in planning and coordinating an industry event for leading PR firms in London
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Public Relations, British Communication And Media
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA01-2022
Skills
- Project Management, Event Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Market Research
- Reporting & Data Analysis
- Client management
- Government technology expertise
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Organizational skills
- Written & Verbal Communication
Timeline
Marketing & Innovation Account Lead
Carahsoft Technologies
09.2022 - Current
Marketing and Public Relations Intern
Instinctif Partners
09.2021 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Public Relations, British Communication And Media
James Madison University