Hiking, cooking, reading, puzzles, volunteering
Hi, I’m
Kresta Finger
If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it.
Erma Bombeck
Summary
Experienced media professional with a proven history. Focused on collaborating with clients to develop strategic media plans and tactically executing them in order to achieve their KPIs. Conversant in multiple industries including healthcare, entertainment, QSR and education. Well versed in both traditional/linear and non-traditional/digital.
Overview
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Ad-Vantage Media Services
Senior Media Planner/Buyer
06.2002 - Current
Job overview
- Key clients (past and present) - Cousins Subs, ProHealth Care, Columbia/St. Mary's, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee Brewers, Alverno College, St. Nicholas Hospital
- Serve as main point of contact for certain clients in a "media account executive" capacity, which includes everything from initial media objectives to post buy reporting, across both traditional and non-traditional media.
- Establish and maintain client satisfaction by delivering creative media solutions to maximize client budgets and meet challenging client demands while maintaining a strong focus on ROI objectives.
- Prepare and present detailed campaign reports to clients, showcasing the success of media strategies in achieving their objectives.
- Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities within the media landscape.
- Work closely with creative teams to ensure alignment between messaging strategy and execution across all channels.
- Evaluate non-traditional media opportunities that support the overall objectives.
- Negotiate advantageous contracts with media vendors, ensuring the most effective use of budget resources.
- Optimize media mixes by regularly analyzing campaign performance metrics and making data-driven adjustments.
- Built a reputation as a trusted advisor in the media planning and buying space through fair negotiations, consistent delivery of exceptional results (including added value) and strategic insights that drive partnerships with both clients and vendors.
- Play an integral role in winning new business through participation in pitch presentations highlighting agency expertise in media planning and buying capabilities.
- Stay current on industry developments by attending conferences, webinars, and networking events to enhance professional knowledge.
Salem Communications (WFZH-FM)
Advertising Sales Representative
12.2001 - 06.2002
Job overview
- Served as the sole rep focused to ad agencies at a start-up radio station with a Contemporary Christian format
- Developed sales leads and uncovered new business opportunities through prospecting and cold calling.
- Listened attentively to client feedback to create stronger relationships and shape business opportunities.
- Created and presented advertising packages to prospective customers.
- Helped customers in determining design and production of sold and spec ads.
- Performed at required goal level and achieved monthly quotas.
Hughes, Ruch & Murphy/Versant
Media Director
06.1997 - 12.2001
Job overview
- Key clients - Alterra Healthcare, Marshfield Clinic, HomMed, Jacobs Group, Allen Edmonds
- Served as the media department voice on the agency's Director Team which shaped the overall agency identity and maintained profitability
- Worked with clients along with other agency teams to develop advertising media objectives and strategies to converted ideas into concrete tasks.
- Served as the client liaison, delegating media buying tasks to appropriate individuals within the media team
- Maintained some buying responsibilities so as to not get out of touch with the day-to-day details.
- Established departmental policies, yearly objectives, areas of opportunity and goals.
- Streamlined operational processes and workflow to increase efficiency of team performance and resource allocation.
- Continuously reported back to Director Team and Board of Directors regarding the state of media in general, its changing landscape and how to structure to maintain viability and profitability.
Laughlin/Constable
Media Buyer
05.1996 - 06.1997
Job overview
- Clients - Boston Store, Sargento Cheese
Focus Media
Media Buyer - TV
05.1995 - 05.1996
Job overview
- Clients - Sears, Target, Fox Home Video, MCA Home Video
Hoffman, York & Compton
Media Buyer
04.1994 - 05.1995
Job overview
- Clients - Kentucky Fried Chicken, WI Lottery
Jacobson Rost
Assistant Account Executive
06.1992 - 04.1994
Job overview
- Clients - Henri's Salad Dressing, RiteHite, Frommelt, Bemis
Education
University of Wisconsin - MadisonMadison, WI
Bachelor of Arts from Journalism, Advertising
05.1992
Skills
- Client Planning & Presentations
- Media Strategy Development
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Target Audience Identification
- Competitive Analysis
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Media Planning
- Buy Stewardship
- STRATA
- Post-buy Analysis and Measurement
- Client Reporting
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balancePersonal development programsFlexible work hoursTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid time off401k matchWork from home optionInterests
Timeline
Senior Media Planner/Buyer
Ad-Vantage Media Services
06.2002 - Current
Advertising Sales Representative
Salem Communications (WFZH-FM)
12.2001 - 06.2002
Media Director
Hughes, Ruch & Murphy/Versant
06.1997 - 12.2001
Media Buyer
Laughlin/Constable
05.1996 - 06.1997
Media Buyer - TV
Focus Media
05.1995 - 05.1996
Media Buyer
Hoffman, York & Compton
04.1994 - 05.1995
Assistant Account Executive
Jacobson Rost
06.1992 - 04.1994
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor of Arts from Journalism, Advertising
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