Hi, I’m
Jessica Denson
Communications & PR Professional
Louisville,KY
I learned what every dreaming child needs to know, that no horizon is so far you cannot get above it or beyond it.
Beryl Markham, "West with the Night"
Summary
Communications professional with 25+ years of experience in devising successful media strategies and orchestrating new, more effective branding initiatives. Driven to craft targeted messaging to promote and inform while leveraging detailed analytics reports to monitor and document success. Also a detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills and an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Highly adept in authoring speeches, press releases and marketing materials. Consistently producing nationally award-winning projects and programs. These have garnered, among other accolades, two Emmys, one Murrow, 10 Tellys, six Communicator Awards, and the 2023 Digital Communicator of the Year and Digital Team of the Year honors from PR News.
Overview
28
years of professional experience
4
years of post-secondary education
Skills
PR strategy development
undefinedWork History
Connected Nation, Louisville, United States
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
2017.03 - Current (6 years & 6 months)
Job overview
- Developed Chairman & CEO’s report materials for Board of Director meetings
- Developed and implement statewide communications plans for Governors' offices, state broadband offices, and educational offices
- Produced award-winning national event with live expert panels in three US cities – see CN20.org
- Built the communications team from the ground up; won 2023 Digital Team of the Year from PR News
- Won 2023 Digital Communicator of the Year from PR News
- Developed award-winning COVID-19 newsroom, which included timely resources for individuals, families, and communities
- Created social media presence for CN and its subsidiaries, increasing engagement
- Mined and authored stories for company publications and media placement
- Developed and implemented short- and long-term communications strategies; grew effective communications team from ground up
- Wrote content for press releases, website, and social media campaigns.
- Compiled and analyzed metrics for detailed reporting and informed business planning.
- Coordinated and directed public relations activities to align with corporate strategic goals.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Acted as point of contact for inbound media related calls.
- Developed and executed comprehensive communications strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement.
WDRB Media (Block Communications) , Louisville, United States
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
2013.01 - 2017.03 (4 years & 2 months)
Job overview
- Managed nightside newsroom staff of 20+ people including reporters, anchors, producers
- Oversaw daily developed of 6,10, and 11 pm newscasts Monday through Friday
- Guided presentation of news product on all shows, website, and social media platforms
- Collaborated directly with producers and reporters to improve storytelling in all genres
- Prior to promotion as Executive Producer, I produced the 4 pm and 10 pm newscasts, winning Emmy & Murrow awards
- Produced KY Derby coverage, severe-weather coverage, and other special event coverage
- Improved ratings in all newscasts as producer and Executive Producer through innovation and creativity
PC (USA) , Louisville, United States
COMMUNICATOR
2011.04 - 2013.01 (1 year & 9 months)
Job overview
- Worked with Haiti Disaster Team and Racial Ethnic and Women's Ministries
- Continued writing freelance fundraising stories and collateral until 2021 at request of leadership
- Oversaw national and international communications for disaster assistance projects in Haiti
- Wrote and managed production of Racial Ethnic Torch Magazine
- Managed national communications for Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries
- Traveled nationally, writing impact stories re: Racial Ethnic groups including tribal
- Produced and managed electronic communications for five e-newsletters
- Worked collaboratively across organization to develop and nurture strong brand
- Monitored media coverage and produced detailed reports to analyze impact of PR efforts
- Maintained consistency of internal and external communications across mediums
- Collaborated with employee engagement groups to develop and execute communications strategies for internal events
No Kill Louisville, Louisville, United States
CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
2010.04 - 2013.01 (2 years & 9 months)
Job overview
- Co-founded nonprofit, volunteer-supported organization for shelter pets and pet owners
- Grew its social media presence from non-existent to more than 35,000 in two months
- Created website and fundraising literature to support programs of NKL
- Oversaw creation of Angel Tree Program as well as adoption and foster programs
- Established Pet Food Bank, which helps low-income families and individuals care for their pets
- Functioned as spokesperson and advocate with media while serving
- Served on animal shelter committees for Louisville
- Laid foundation for long-term success – org continues to help people and pets today
Ursuline Sisters Of Louisville, Louisville, United States
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
2008.02 - 2011.02 (3 years)
Job overview
- Conceptualized and guided redesign and implementation of website garnering national award
- Guided concept and wrote copy of publications and collateral materials for outreach, fundraising
- Established interactive presence on major social networking sites
- Promoted events and programs using news media, advertising, and internal publications
- Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations
WLKY-TV (Hearst Television) , Louisville, United States
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
2002.10 - 2007.09 (4 years & 11 months)
Job overview
- Produced newscasts as freelancer at request of news director 2018 - 2020
- Planned major news coverage including full of Kentucky Derby coverage
- Promoted to Heart’s “jump team” to assist with breaking news coverage in other cities
- Guided multi-city coverage of Hurricane Katrina for six weeks following disaster
- Supervised reporters, producers on story and newscast development for consistent ratings growth
- Managed, produced special coverage for local and statewide elections, inc. candidate interviews
- Produced award-winning, multi-site sports coverage for March Madness and UK vs. UofL
- Trained producers, help reporters grow storytelling skillsets
- Supervised production team of 42 workers to identify problems and provide effective solutions to maintain team productivity
KFOR-TV (New York Times Broadcast Group) , Oklahoma City, OK
PRODUCER AND ANCHOR (NEWS UPDATES)
1995.04 - 2002.10 (7 years & 6 months)
Job overview
- Anchored on-air hourly, overnight news updates
- Managed producer position for morning show increasing ratings year-over-year
- Produced 4pm & 6:30pm newscasts following several years on morning show
- Moved to weather producer during severe weather events, overseeing multiple storm chase crews
- Oversaw, wrote investigative and in field reports as field producer for anchors
- Began career during OKC bombing as associate producer during weeklong, 24-hour live news
- Planned video shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion.
- Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- Coordinated with producers and on-air talent to create program content, new ideas, and segments.
- Facilitated communication between production staff and other departments to synchronize work.
Education
University of Central Oklahoma , Edmond, OK
Bachelor of Arts from Major - Broadcast Journalism; Minor - Advertising
1991.08 - 1995.12 (4 years & 4 months)
Awards and Accolades
2023
- PRNEWS' Digital Awards - Digital Communicator of the Year
- PRNEWS' Digital Awards - Digital Team of the Year
- PRNEWS' Digital Awards - Connected Nation podcast - Honorable Mention
- Two Silver Telly Awards for "Why Michigan will likely become one of the most connected states in the union video" for Craft-writing and General-Low budget (under $700 a minute)
- Two Bronze Telly Awards for the Kids Tech Summit - General-Live Events and General-Science & Technology
- Bronze Telly Award for "What the American farmer needs now to not just survive but thrive" video - General-Social Issues
- Communicator Awards (AIVA) - Award of Excellence (Gold), Kids Tech Summit for general ed & training for virtual & remote
- Communicator Awards (AIVA) - Award of Distinction (Silver), Connected Nation podcast – technology series
- Communicator Awards (AIVA) - Award of Distinction (Silver), “What the American farmer needs” video for social issues/responsibility for film and video
- Finalist Team of the Year (In-House), Grant Prize Category – PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards (announcing June 14)
- PRNEWS National Nonprofit Awards – Communicator of the Year – Honorable Mention
2022
- Five Telly Awards (2 silver, 3 bronze) related to “A national conversation on the Digital Divide”
- PR Daily, Nonprofit Awards, Best Virtual Event, “A national conversation on the Digital Divide”
- PRNEWS, national finalist, Platinum Awards, PR Professional of the Year (In House)
- Communicator Awards (AIVA) - Award of Distinction (Silver), “A national conversation on the Digital Divide"
- Communicator Awards (AIVA) -Award of Distinction (Silver), Connected Nation podcast – tech series
2021
- Bronze Telly Award for “All about telehealth in less than 7 minutes”
- PRNEWS, national finalist, Digital Newsroom “Responding to the Coronavirus Crisis”
- PRNEWS, national finalist, 2022 Digital Communicator of the Year
- Gold Rank, International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Digital Works site redesign
- PRNEWS, national finalist, Digital Communicator of the Year
- PRNEWS, national finalist, Digital Works site redesign
2019-1999
- PRNEWS, national finalist, Nonprofit Awards – Branding/Re-branding (2019)
- Emmy Award, Spot News, GE fire/flooding in Louisville (2015)
- Associated Press Award, Best newscast, 4pm news (2015)
- Edward R. Murrow Award, Breaking News, Large Market (2014)
- Society of Professional Journalist, 1st place, 4pm newscast (2014)
- 5 Emmy nominations – 3 best newscasts, best continuing coverage, spot news (2013)
- DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards, Awards of Excellence: Magazine & Newsletter (2011)
- Pet Group United Awards- Trooper Awards, Volunteer of the Year (2011)
- Best Community Leader for Pets, Louisville Tails Honors (2011)
- DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards, Award of Excellence: Periodicals: Magazine (2010)
- DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards, Best in Class: Website/internet communications (2009)
- Hermes Creative Awards, Gold Award: Brochure on Human Trafficking Awareness (2009)
- Associated Press, Best Sports Special: Battle of the Bluegrass (2007)
- Emmy Award, Live News, May 3rd Tornado Outbreak (1999)
- Associated Press, Best Sports Special: Battle of the Bluegrass (2007)Emmy Award, Live News, May 3rd Tornado Outbreak (1999)
Volunteer Work
2009 to 2023 - NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), ML for Louisville
2010 to 2013 - No Kill Louisville, President and Co-Founder
2009 to 2012 - YMCA, Membership and Programs Committee Member
2009 to 2011 - Louisville Metro Animal Services, Volunteer
2003 to 2005 - Habitat for Humanity builds
Examples of My Work
- 2021 National Event (multi-award winning) - https://connectednation.buzzsprout.com/ - I produced this national event - including writing and voicng all videos - which was hosted LIVE in three US cities
- Schools and broadband video piece (award winning) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7T1jzMYl7Y
- NBC News Think Oped - https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/covid-health-care-access-telemedicine-kill-states-rcna52616
- 2021 Kids Tech Summit (award winning) - https://connectednation.org/kids-tech-summit/ - I produced and hosted this summit which won an Award of Excellence
- Connected Nation Podcast - https://connectednation.buzzsprout.com/ - I produce, book guests, and host this multi-award winning podcast.
- Video Profile (award winning) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q5oNrp4s08 - profile on American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall
- End of Year Blog - https://connectednation.org/michigan/2021/12/09/this-holiday-season-lets-sound-the-alarm-on-broadband-access-for-all/
Timeline
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Connected Nation
2017.03 - Current (6 years & 6 months)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
WDRB Media (Block Communications)
2013.01 - 2017.03 (4 years & 2 months)
COMMUNICATOR
PC (USA)
2011.04 - 2013.01 (1 year & 9 months)
CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
No Kill Louisville
2010.04 - 2013.01 (2 years & 9 months)
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Ursuline Sisters Of Louisville
2008.02 - 2011.02 (3 years)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
WLKY-TV (Hearst Television)
2002.10 - 2007.09 (4 years & 11 months)
PRODUCER AND ANCHOR (NEWS UPDATES)
KFOR-TV (New York Times Broadcast Group)
1995.04 - 2002.10 (7 years & 6 months)
University of Central Oklahoma
Bachelor of Arts from Major - Broadcast Journalism; Minor - Advertising
1991.08 - 1995.12 (4 years & 4 months)