Megan Pallan
Atlanta,USA
Summary
Experienced undergraduate admission professional with proven track record implementing recruitment, marketing and enrollment management strategies to drive growth. Multi-faceted communications expert adept at brand messaging, copywriting and event marketing across CPG, B2B and higher education. Demonstrated ability to innovate, foster collaboration and achieve high-impact results.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and Freelance Writer
PaperTree Communications
Atlanta, GA
08.2015 - Current
- Partner with clients across CPG, B2B and higher education to craft on-equity copy that supports brand objectives.
- Adapt strategy and voice for industries as diverse as university admissions and advancement, wine, and color management.
- Develop and retain long-term business relationships through dedication to excellence, service and collaboration.
Marketing Communications Manager
E. & J. Gallo Winery
New York, NY And Atlanta, GA
07.2005 - 07.2015
- Spearheaded company’s first in-house creative copy team; managed internal brand client relationships and two direct reports.
- Led strategic communications initiatives and created high-impact copy for 25+ brands, including messaging, press kits, executive bios, press releases, speeches, media queries, websites and DTC.
- Counseled marketers on communications strategy to support PR, marketing, SEO, CRM and sales objectives.
- Executed creative concepts and logistics for 75+ experiential events and brand sponsorships in Northeast U.S.
- Leveraged strategic media partnerships to cross-promote wine brands among key consumer segments.
- Held positions of increasing responsibility and earned three promotions in 10 years.
Special Events Director
The Earth Institute at Columbia University
New York, NY
07.2003 - 06.2005
- Managed events team; responsible for two direct reports and $800,000 annual budget.
- Orchestrated logistics for 100+ events at Columbia University, London School of Economics and the World Bank.
- Increased event attendance by 50% in two years.
- Managed high-profile spokespersons, including foreign heads of state, UN dignitaries, CEOs and celebrities.
- Planned and executed 8-city international book tour for New York Times bestseller The End of Poverty.
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission
University of Miami
Miami, FL
04.1999 - 07.2003
- Implemented recruitment, marketing and admission strategies to meet enrollment management objectives in Northeast U.S.
- Contributed to a 45% increase in undergraduate admission applications over four years.
- Cultivated relationships with students, parents and high school counselors to promote academic programs and student life.
- Managed events and conducted marketing presentations to audiences of 300+ prospective families in major markets.
- Coordinated production of marketing and recruitment collateral, including writing, editing, and oversight of $750K annual budget.
- Led internal team that developed and launched brand repositioning.
Account Executive
Wragg & Casas Public Relations
Miami, FL
01.1998 - 04.1999
- Developed media relations strategies, pitched news stories and secured 500+ media placements.
- Created content, coordinated PR programs, executed press conferences and counseled clients on crisis communications.
Intern
Various Employers
06.1995 - 09.1997
- Planet Hollywood, London, U.K. (Public Relations)
- RB Oppenheim Associates, Tallahassee, FL (Public Relations)
- Florida Governor’s Press Office, Tallahassee, FL (Public Relations)
- Ocean Drive Magazine, Miami, FL (Advertising)
Education
Master of Arts - Communication
University of Miami
12-2002
Bachelor of Science - Communication, Magna cum Laude
Florida State University
04-1997
Skills
- Admission Counseling
- Undergraduate Recruitment
- Enrollment Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Public Speaking
- Communications Strategy
- Brand Messaging
- Copywriting and Editing
- Event Marketing
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Founder and Freelance Writer
PaperTree Communications
08.2015 - Current
Marketing Communications Manager
E. & J. Gallo Winery
07.2005 - 07.2015
Special Events Director
The Earth Institute at Columbia University
07.2003 - 06.2005
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission
University of Miami
04.1999 - 07.2003
Account Executive
Wragg & Casas Public Relations
01.1998 - 04.1999
Intern
Various Employers
06.1995 - 09.1997
Master of Arts - Communication
University of Miami
Bachelor of Science - Communication, Magna cum Laude
Florida State University