Heather Johnson
North Platte,NE
Summary
Insurance Agent/Registered Rep/Public Relations Specialist. Spent the past year running a business as an insurance agent and registered representative for Farm Bureau Financial Services. The 20+ years before that were focused on marketing, journalism and public relations.
Certified to sell property, casualty, life, accident and health, variable life and variable annuity products as well as Medicare supplements.
Recipient of 13 first-place national awards for marketing, communications, writing and photography.
Experienced in business operations, sales, customer service, data analysis, brand strategy, integrated marketing, CMS, SEO, Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Insurance Agent/Registered Rep
Farm Bureau Financial Services
04.2024 - Current
- Currently building a book of business from scratch based on a strong desire to help and educate others.
- Responsible for seeking out leads and providing customized insurance solutions based on individual needs.
- Maintaining a 100% retention rate through client-focused objectives and relationships centered around trust, integrity, communication and a dedication to customer service.
- Responsible for responding to customer calls, texts and emails to resolve claims and answer questions as well as managing personal, farm and ranch and commercial policy renewals - ensuring timely processing and accurate coverage updates.
Stringer
New York Times
08.2022 - Current
- Write articles about and photograph news events in Nebraska as requested. Connect the news outlet with resources and contacts for stories.
Public Information Specialist
Mid-Plains Community College
11.2014 - 04.2024
- Oversaw the college's news and athletic communications departments.
- Partnered with Chambers of Commerce throughout an 18-county service area to teach business leaders social media marketing.
- Served as liaison between the college and the media/public. Pitched stories to media, organized press conferences and planned events.
- Responsible for brainstorming and implementing marketing campaigns across all media channels.
- Managed multiple social media pages and websites using CMS and SEO best practices.
- Wrote and edited press releases, reports, scripts, award nominations, grants, blogs, web content, chat bot programming, newsletters and TV/radio ads.
- Served as the official photographer for the college.
Interim Director/Marketing/Public Information
Mid-Plains Community College
07.2020 - 10.2020
- Managed marketing/public information department and a $500,000 budget. Coordinated contracts and advertising.
- Brainstormed ideas to promote the college, planned events, coordinated with other departments, implemented a texting app, launched a chat bot, designed three new websites and was responsible for public relations, crisis communications, conflict resolution, hiring processes and oversight of all logos, graphics, videos, ads, annual reports, campaigns, publications and other aspects of marketing the college.
Reporter/Photographer
North Platte Telegraph/Omaha World-Herald
05.2010 - 11.2014
- Public relations - took the initiative to make contacts, track down stories and build relationships and trust.
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked articles for a daily newspaper and its website.
- Reported on local, state, regional and national issues.
- Took photos to accompany stories.
- Created a daily podcast.
News Director/Assistant Production Director
Eagle Communications
05.2005 - 05.2010
- Organized and helped with community service events.
- Served as cohost of a morning radio show and led a live newstalk show. Conducted live, remote broadcasts.
- Wrote and reported on local news stories.
- Managed part-time staff and scheduled on-air talent.
- Designed and maintained the radio stations' websites.
- Served as social media manager.
- Wrote and produced commercials.
Communications Specialist
Chadron State College
08.2002 - 05.2005
- Sought out and reported on promotional stories for the college. Sent out subsequent press releases.
- Took photos for use as marketing collateral.
- Answered questions from the public about the college.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/Art
Chadron State College
Chadron, NE05.2005
Skills
- Honesty/Integrity
- Detail-Oriented
- Driven Mindset
- Multitasker
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Lifelong Learner
- Public Relations/Communication
- Public Speaking
- Management
Affiliations
- National Insurance Producer Registry
- The Agents Association
- North Platte Chamber Hostesses
- TeamMates Mentoring
- National Council for Marketing and Public Relations
- National Federation of Press Women/Nebraska Press Women
Timeline
Insurance Agent/Registered Rep
Farm Bureau Financial Services
04.2024 - Current
Stringer
New York Times
08.2022 - Current
Interim Director/Marketing/Public Information
Mid-Plains Community College
07.2020 - 10.2020
Public Information Specialist
Mid-Plains Community College
11.2014 - 04.2024
Reporter/Photographer
North Platte Telegraph/Omaha World-Herald
05.2010 - 11.2014
News Director/Assistant Production Director
Eagle Communications
05.2005 - 05.2010
Communications Specialist
Chadron State College
08.2002 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/Art
Chadron State College
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