Kendall Ault
1127 33rd Avenue East, Seattle,WA
Summary
Seasoned communications leader focused on employee engagement storytelling and media relations. Expertise includes executive communications, team management, public relations and launch strategy. Results include broad stakeholder engagement and high-volume media visibility across internal and external channels.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Communications Director
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, Washington
03.2022 - Current
- Leads executive communication planning and execution.
- Develops and launch strategic communication plans to strengthen company reputation and stakeholder engagement.
- Assists with crisis communication planning for possible issues or incidents.
- Manages brand standards to keep messaging and visual identity consistent across communication channels.
- Works with executive and board leadership to align communication efforts with business goals and objectives.
- Supports development and rollout of strategic communication plans to strengthen company reputation and stakeholder engagement.
- Builds and launch internal and external communication strategies for key company initiatives.
- Develops stakeholder relationships to support clear delivery of organizational messages.
- Connects with media outlets to advance organizational goals and objectives.
- Supports fundraising initiatives by developing executive messaging.
Senior Manager, Internal Communications
Nordstrom, Inc.
Seattle, WA
05.2020 - Current
- Project manages all-company events to align employees on company vision and goals
- Manages correspondence and communications for executive team
- Oversees company intranet to engage 55,000 employees
- Manages internal multi-media editorial team of seven direct reports
- Identifies new methods for communicating with employees, leveraging dynamic internal communication channels and social media
- Implements Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging employee engagement and development activities, presentations and training to maximize productivity and unite workforce
Senior Public Relations Manager
Nordstrom, Inc.
Seattle, WA
12.2016 - 05.2020
- Grew earned media impressions by 100% between 2016 and 2020
- Managed media relations team for Beauty, Women's and Young Customer categories
- Developed PR strategies for 10+ brand launches and influencer collaborations each year
- Managed relationships with editors, producers, influencers and celebrity agencies
- Managed external agencies to supplement event and social media efforts
- Led launch of SKIMS by Kim Kardashian West in 2020, earning 60 stories worth 2B media impressions
- Supported team to achieve 50% increase in total stories and impressions for Holiday 2019 campaign
Internal Communications Manager
Nordstrom, Inc.
Seattle, WA
09.2014 - 12.2016
- Created content for all-company communication vehicles, including intranet, videos, emails and leadership presentations
- Established and maintained network of subject matter experts and partners to support content generation
- Assisted in development of process for measuring and managing communication channels to adapt for populations lacking regular access to internet
Public Relations Manager
Nordstrom, Inc.
Seattle, WA
09.2011 - 04.2014
- Developed PR strategies to grow awareness for Nordstrom Rack, Men's, Kid's and Weddings categories
- Led 30 Nordstrom Rack store opening PR efforts in top regional markets
- Managed direct report and interns
- Developed PR strategy for charity concept store in NYC benefiting underserved youth and families
Senior Fashion Public Relations Specialist
Nordstrom, Inc.
Seattle, WA
04.2006 - 09.2011
- Developed PR plans for designer and celebrity events leading to national broadcast, print and digital placements
- Served as Nordstrom spokesperson for fashion, business and public affairs
- Led 10 full-line store opening PR efforts in top regional markets
Assistant Fashion Editor
Lucky Magazine
New York, NY
05.2002 - 02.2004
- Pitched monthly editorial features
- Managed relationships with more than 100 brand publicists to facilitate photo shoots
Public Relations Assistant
Michael Kors, LLC
New York, NY
01.2001 - 05.2002
- Developed press materials and managed media lists
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
Villanova University
Villanova, PASkills
- Public relations
- Strategy development
- Executive communications
- Internal communications
- Reputation management
- Customer experience
- Team leader
- Event production
Timeline
Executive Communications Director
Seattle Children's Hospital
03.2022 - Current
Senior Manager, Internal Communications
Nordstrom, Inc.
05.2020 - Current
Senior Public Relations Manager
Nordstrom, Inc.
12.2016 - 05.2020
Internal Communications Manager
Nordstrom, Inc.
09.2014 - 12.2016
Public Relations Manager
Nordstrom, Inc.
09.2011 - 04.2014
Senior Fashion Public Relations Specialist
Nordstrom, Inc.
04.2006 - 09.2011
Assistant Fashion Editor
Lucky Magazine
05.2002 - 02.2004
Public Relations Assistant
Michael Kors, LLC
01.2001 - 05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication
Villanova University