MAHERSALA HOWARD
College Park,GA
Summary
Ambitious Communication Professional with 10 years of experience in devising successful media strategies and government communication. Excels in managing print communications and enforcing proactive media plans. Highly adept in authoring speeches, press releases and marketing materials.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Communications Specialist III - Constituency and Outreach Specialist
Georgia Department of Transportation - Office of Strategic Communications
Atlanta
01.2023 - Current
- Developed network relationships with industry professionals to enhance community awareness and promote services
- Initiated and coordinated visits by influential persons and community groups for marketing exposure
- Increased education and awareness of Drive Alert Arrive Alive through press releases and outreach programs and delivering evidenced-informed strategies
- Continually maintained and improved GDOT's reputation and positive image in markets served
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance
- Supported goals across audiences and channels by collaborating across teams and functions
- Shaped audience-relevant communications based on deep understanding of GDOT priorities
- Wrote compelling, persuasive content to inform and support organizational initiatives
- Collaborated with other departments to develop integrated branding and public relations strategies.
- Distributed approximately 30 successful press release in one year to media outlet.
Communications Specialist/ Interim Communications Director
The City of College Park - Communications Department
College Park
01.2019 - 10.2022
- Built and strengthened relationships with members of media in order to promote positive coverage
- Managed media relations and campaigns to address public communications in crisis situations
- Acted as point of contact for inbound media related calls
- Directed marketing projects through conceptual planning, schedule management and final implementation
- Created printed marketing materials designed to drive campaigns
- Oversaw website copy and social media platforms
- Developed and implemented short- and long-term communications strategies
- Mentored local personnel on best practices and protocols to maximize productivity
- Managed contractors to complete projects on time and within budget requirements
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails and other collateral
- Set up for shots according to production schedules, weather and lighting conditions and available equipment
- Produced original video content by working collaboratively with producers, designers and art specialists to facilitate multimedia production
- Set up and used cameras in different types of mounts for live and recorded broadcasts
- Instructed intern student operators on setups, angles and other variables impacting image quality
- Prepared event communications for special events, took photographs during event, and promoted on web and periodical channels.
Customer Service Representative
The City of College Park - Customer Service Department
College Park
04.2016 - 12.2018
- Used consultative techniques to understand customer needs and make strategic referrals to business partners
- Assisted customers with needs such as opening accounts, depositing or transferring funds, updating account details and signing up for new services
- Collected customer feedback and made process changes to exceed customer satisfaction goals
- Increased efficiency and team productivity by promoting operational best practices
- Addressed customer complaints and mitigated dissatisfaction by employing timely and on-point solutions
- Handled over 400 calls per shift signing up new customers, retrieving customer data, presenting relevant product information and cancelling services
- Took payment information and other pertinent information such as addresses and phone numbers to place orders
- Complied with company policies and procedures by encouraging positive and effective work environment among all employees
- Developed customer service improvement initiatives that decreased customer wait times by 100%.
Video Production Specialist
The City of Vicksburg - Communications Department
Vicksburg
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed video shoots, set teams and performers while creating work schedules and operating production equipment
- Oversaw day-to-day operations for production company specializing in creating videos for webcasting, commercials and special events
- Coordinated with clients to define project specifications, vision, scope and budget
- Completed inventory audits of various equipment and handled automated financial and customer databases
- Created production schedules for every step of video production
- Developed promotional materials, posters and videos
- Developed ideas, produced and edited vast types of projects for various media and platforms
- Controlled video input for live conferences or performances and pre-recorded productions
- Created graphics and layouts for live and pre-recorded talks
- Supported live events with well-controlled lights, sound and video streaming.
Education
Mass Communications Broadcast -
Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS05.2012
Skills
- Strategy implementation
- Advertising and marketing
- Technical knowledge
- PR strategy development
- Written Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Communication Planning
- Team Leadership
- Website Optimization
- Emergency call response
- Social Media Management
- Public Relations
- Building media relations
- Strategic Outreach Commissioning
- Support Strategic Communication
Certification
Plan Development Process, January 2024
I have acquired comprehensive expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing strategic plans to drive organizational success. My certification signifies proficiency in various stages of the planning lifecycle, including needs assessment, goal setting, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement.
Accomplishments
- Integrated social media campaigns into popular marketing plans, growing social media audience 100%.
- Engaged with customers on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, leading to improved relationships and interactions.
- Grew email sign-up conversion rate from 0.31% to 80% in six months.
- Achieved a 4.0 rating via Facebook in five months by producing positive and consistent communications with accuracy and efficiency.
Timeline
Communications Specialist III - Constituency and Outreach Specialist
Georgia Department of Transportation - Office of Strategic Communications
01.2023 - Current
Communications Specialist/ Interim Communications Director
The City of College Park - Communications Department
01.2019 - 10.2022
Customer Service Representative
The City of College Park - Customer Service Department
04.2016 - 12.2018
Video Production Specialist
The City of Vicksburg - Communications Department
01.2014 - 01.2016
Mass Communications Broadcast -
Alcorn State University