Kelly L. Cooke
Cantonment,Florida
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with a a focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Community and Media Relations Specialist
Escambia County Tax Collector
Pensacola, Florida
02.2016 - 01.2021
- Planned and developed internal and external communication materials and documents to support information sharing through newsletters, flyers, invitations, websites, and news releases.
- Managed broad communication support for internal departments by preparing news releases; drafting speech remarks and comments; developing public service announcements; coordinating employee recognition awards and proclamations; taking photographs; and completing related communication tasks.
- Gathered relevant information, drafted and prepared news releases, coordinated news conferences, and served as media liaison to support public information during emergency events.
- Planned, scheduled, and distributed event communications for special events, public education opportunities, news conferences, and other public events to publicize Tax Collector’s Office services.
- Managed media information requests and scheduled interviews with subject-matter staff to support timely communications.
- Researched public records requests and citizen inquiries and complaints; drafted and issued responses; coordinated resolution efforts with internal departments, external agencies, and public entities; completed citizen follow-up to verify issue closure and satisfaction.
Administrative Assistant
Gulf Power Company
Pensacola, Florida
06.2013 - 02.2016
- Acted as the primary contact for the Community and Economic Development General Manager, Community Relations Manager, and Western District General Manager.
- Coordinated and maintained calendars and schedules for multiple managers and employees to ensure efficient time management
- Coordinated meetings and travel arrangements, making reservations and confirming itineraries
- Managed logistics for internal and external company-sponsored events, including volunteer recruitment and coordination to enhance community engagement
- Acted as a liaison with internal departments, citizens, and external agencies to exchange information, provide advice, solve problems, and maintain cooperative relations.
- Processed and submitted invoices, expense reports, and procurement card transactions for multiple managers, ensuring compliance with expense statement policy
- Managed timesheet processing for payroll accuracy
- Acted as the company's representative as a loaned executive to the United Way of Escambia County.
Communications Coordinator
Office of Public Information and Communication
Pensacola, Florida
10.2002 - 02.2013
- Provided public information assistance to the media; coordinated interviews with appropriate County staff or elected officials
- Conceptualized, produced, edited, designed, and disseminated a variety of internal and/or external communication materials and documents, which included: annual reports, newsletters, fliers, invitations, websites, news releases, and/or other related items
- Assisted internal departments and the Board with communication needs by preparing news releases and drafting speeches.
- Coordinated and publicized special events, public education opportunities, news conferences, town hall meetings, television productions, and/or other public events designed to promote the County
- Assisted other internal departments during emergency situations to provide public information and assistance by gathering information, preparing news releases, coordinating news conferences, and serving as a media liaison during such events
- Coordinated and publicized special events, public education opportunities, news conferences, and town hall meetings to enhance community engagement and promote County initiatives.
- Responded to public records requests and citizen inquiries, coordinating resolution efforts with internal departments and external agencies, and following up to ensure satisfactory issue resolution.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Pensacola, Florida
Confidential Assistant
Escambia County Administration
Pensacola, Florida
05.1998 - 10.2002
- Coordinated and maintained Assistant County Administrator’s calendar and schedules; coordinated meetings; coordinated travel arrangements; made reservations and confirmed itineraries; prepared and submitted payment travel vouchers for reimbursement
- Acted as a liaison with other internal departments, citizens, and external agencies to exchange information, provide advice, and solve problems.
- Conducted research and assisted in preparing technical, statistical, budgetary, and narrative reports and other written documentation.
Various Accounting Clerk and Administrative Aide positions
Escambia County Comptroller and Clerk of Court
Pensacola, Florida
07.1987 - 05.1998
- Coordinated, supervised and evaluated programs and activities in support of the Deputy Finance Director's office.
- Prepared annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Escambia County that presented the financial position of the county as a whole as of September 30 of each year, along with management’s discussion and analysis, audited financial statements, and compliance information.
- Executed daily posting, invoicing, collections, and reimbursement tasks, progressing from accounting clerk I to accounting clerk IV, enhancing operational consistency.
Education
Master of Arts - Strategic Communication and Leadership
University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida12-2014
Bachelors of Arts - Communication Arts/Public Relations, Minor in Management
University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida12-2008
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Public relations
- Community Relations
- Content Creation
- Graphic Design
- Data Management
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Creative Suite
Timeline
Community and Media Relations Specialist
Escambia County Tax Collector
02.2016 - 01.2021
Administrative Assistant
Gulf Power Company
06.2013 - 02.2016
Communications Coordinator
Office of Public Information and Communication
10.2002 - 02.2013
Confidential Assistant
Escambia County Administration
05.1998 - 10.2002
Various Accounting Clerk and Administrative Aide positions
Escambia County Comptroller and Clerk of Court
07.1987 - 05.1998
Bachelors of Arts - Communication Arts/Public Relations, Minor in Management
University of West Florida
Master of Arts - Strategic Communication and Leadership
University of West Florida