Ethan Ball
Grand Junction,CO
Summary
Communications strategist, filmmaker, and content creator with 7+ years leading brand storytelling, public relations, and social media campaigns for outdoor, tourism, and lifestyle organizations. Experienced in photography, videography, multi-platform content, and event management, with clients including HBO, Discovery Channel, and the Colorado Tourism Office. Skilled in AP-style writing, media relations, team leadership, and delivering measurable impact through creative, strategic, and authentic communication.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Save-A-Life Jacket Program
01.2025 - Current
- Lead strategic planning, event logistics, and volunteer management to advance water safety initiatives and maximize program reach.
- Oversee fundraising, partnerships, and sponsorships, doubling the organization’s previous highest revenue and significantly expanding program impact.
- Manage communications and social media strategy, delivering mission-driven campaigns that engage the community and raise awareness for water safety.
- Develop programs and initiatives that translate public engagement into measurable outcomes, strengthening visibility and effectiveness.
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Gear Junction
04.2023 - Current
- Spearhead brand strategy and communications for a mission-driven outdoor organization, elevating visibility, engagement, and market presence.
- Lead social media strategy, driving substantial organic growth, expanding reach, and strengthening community engagement across platforms.
- Plan and execute high-impact events, managing budgets, vendors, and logistics to maximize attendance, media coverage, and brand impact.
- Forge and manage strategic partnerships with nonprofits, local businesses, and industry leaders, amplifying reach and aligning the brand with environmental stewardship.
- Directed public relations initiatives, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and media outlets.
- Design and implement marketing campaigns that mobilize outdoor communities, drive civic engagement, and deliver measurable results.
Chief Communications Officer
Grand Valley River Festival
01.2023 - Current
- Lead the communications strategy and public relations for a recreation & environmental festival, driving attendance, media coverage, and community engagement.
- Oversee all event logistics, from permits to on-site execution, ensuring seamless delivery and high-impact experiences.
- Manage festival social media channels, growing reach, engagement, and audience participation through targeted content and campaigns.
- Coordinate partners, sponsors, and volunteers to amplify festival reach, strengthen relationships, and maximize mission-driven impact.
- Develop and implement campaigns that inspire environmental stewardship and foster meaningful participation.
Executive Director
Grand Valley River Cleanup
01.2023 - Current
- Lead strategic planning, logistics, and execution of large-scale river cleanup events, managing teams, volunteers, and day-of-operations to maximize efficiency and impact.
- Build and maintain partnerships while overseeing fundraising initiatives, more than doubling the program’s previous highest revenue to support mission-driven, community-focused initiatives.
- Manage communications and social media strategy, engaging the public through advocacy campaigns that promote environmental stewardship and drive participation.
- Develop and implement programs that translate the environmental mission into measurable community impact and awareness.
Executive Producer & Director
Ball Limited
12.2018 - 01.2024
- Founded and operated a full-service film and content studio, producing commercial campaigns, brand photography, lifestyle and adventure content, and environmental storytelling.
- Created content for high-profile clients, including the Colorado Tourism Office, Bighorn MF, Stitches n Stuff, Doehling Law, and Talbott Ciders.
- Worked on-set with HBO and the Discovery Channel, contributing to professional film and video productions.
- Contributed to two feature-length films, as well as numerous commercial and lifestyle campaigns, delivering high-quality, audience-focused content.
- Managed projects, schedules, and budgets for multi-platform campaigns, ensuring seamless production and client satisfaction.
- Developed creative strategy and oversaw post-production to ensure storytelling aligned with client brand goals and resonated with audiences.
Content Creator
Lash and Company
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Developed and produced brand-focused content for social media and educational initiatives, enhancing engagement and audience growth.
- Captured high-quality product and lifestyle imagery to support marketing campaigns and strengthen brand identity.
- Collaborated with internal teams to align content with overall brand strategy and educational objectives.
- Contributed to short-form video and multimedia content, increasing visibility, and driving measurable engagement across platforms.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Filmmaking, Animation, & Motion Design
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO12-2018
Skills
- Strategic Communications & Public Relations (AP Style)
- Public Speaking & On-Camera Presentation
- Media Relations & Press Engagement
- Brand Storytelling & Content Strategy
- Photography & Cinematography (Commercial, Lifestyle, Adventure)
- Video Production & Editing (Short-Form & Long-Form)
- Social Media Management & Analytics
- Event Planning & Production Management
- Project Management & Budget Oversight
- Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination
- Creative Direction & Visual Storytelling
- Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
Timeline
Executive Director
Save-A-Life Jacket Program
01.2025 - Current
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Gear Junction
04.2023 - Current
Chief Communications Officer
Grand Valley River Festival
01.2023 - Current
Executive Director
Grand Valley River Cleanup
01.2023 - Current
Content Creator
Lash and Company
02.2021 - 03.2022
Executive Producer & Director
Ball Limited
12.2018 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Filmmaking, Animation, & Motion Design
Colorado Mesa University