Michael Kelly
SOQUEL,CA
Summary
Experienced Communications Leader with a strong background in Technology and Consumer Packaged Goods. Skilled in crafting and executing global B2B and B2C strategies that build brand awareness, drive media engagement, and protect corporate reputation. Adept at leading teams, managing PR efforts, and developing compelling narratives that align with business goals. Passionate about strategic storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and delivering measurable impact.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
World Bicycle Relief
Chicago, IL
11.2023 - Current
- Develop and execute global communication strategies to position WBR as a leader in mobility solutions, leveraging storytelling, media relations, and thought leadership to engage global stakeholders.
- Foster and maintain executive-level relationships with media outlets, journalists, and corporate partners to secure coverage, interviews, and collaborative opportunities.
- Craft compelling messaging and value propositions that resonate with corporate partners, institutional donors, and key decision-makers, driving awareness and consideration of WBR’s programs.
- Lead integrated marketing initiatives across digital, social, and earned media platforms to amplify WBR’s impact, and build brand equity.
- Oversee the execution of thought leadership programs, including participation in industry events, panel discussions, and media engagements, to position WBR as a trusted advisor on sustainable development and mobility solutions.
- Analyze campaign performance metrics, sentiment analysis, and stakeholder feedback to assess effectiveness, and optimize global marketing strategies.
- Mentor and collaborate with cross-functional teams, promoting innovation and inclusivity in communication and marketing efforts.
Director of Corporate Affairs
HP
Palo Alto, CA
11.2022 - 06.2023
- Digital and Social Media Strategist on the HP Corporate Affairs team supporting Thought Leadership initiatives focused on Hybrid Work and Sustainability
- Communication and coordination with key stakeholders in Corp Affairs, Marketing and Sustainable Impact business units to create integrated plans for content development, earned media coverage and influencer programs
- Established and maintained strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and analyst communities to secure media coverage, interviews, and press opportunities
- Monitoring and analyzing social media metrics, PR performance, and sentiment analysis, providing insights to assess campaign effectiveness and make data-driven optimizations
Director of Social Media and Public Relations
Poly
Santa Cruz, CA
08.2015 - 11.2022
- Responsible for developing and overseeing Poly's global communications, social media and influencer marketing strategies, including company-wide infrastructure and governance
- Managed and mentored a global team of eight social media and PR professionals, providing guidance, fostering collaboration and driving team to deliver on KPIs
- Served as the key point of contact with agency partners, platform partners, technology vendors, regional and country-level teams
- Served as the lead for the influencer engagement program to foster relationships with key influencers in order to drive brand awareness, affinity and community engagement
- Developed and maintained a global social media content calendar aligned with corporate initiatives including product and solution launches, tradeshows/events, DEI moments and executive voices
- Served as Chair of Assn
- Of Natl
- Advertisers Digital & Social Committee, West Coast
Senior Media/Consumer Communications Manager
American Licorice Company
02.2010 - 06.2015
- Managing all aspects of consumer communications for American Licorice brands including advertising, social media and public relations
- Managed external partnerships /sponsorships with Pac-12 Network, Electronic Arts, Andy McDonald (pro-skater / Octagon Sports)
- Oversaw content and paid media strategies to grow Red Vines and Sour Punch brand Facebook pages to over 1.6MM and 2.2MM Fans respectively
- Implemented customer-specific marketing campaigns working in close coordination with retail partners including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, Dollar General, Safeway, Cinemark Theaters, Regal Theaters, Amazon and many others
Senior Account Manager
Nadel Phelan, Inc
10.2005 - 06.2009
- Public Relations Senior Account Manager supporting a variety of consumer technology clients in the B2C and B2B space including Cisco, Microsoft, Novatel Wireless, iriver, Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF), ABBYY, Vusion, Odyssey Software, RoyaltyShare, SingleClick Systems, MediaRiver and many others
- Feature articles/segments placed in Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Morning America, The View, BBC World News, Businessweek, and countless others
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Public Relations
Cal Poly, Humboldt
Arcata, CA01.2002
Skills
- Public Relations
- Digital Strategy
- Social Media
- Integrated Marketing
- Executive Communications
- Internal Communications
- Product Marketing
- Media Relations
- Public Speaking
- Content strategy
- Partnership development
- Influencer partnerships
Affiliations
- Chair of the ANA (Assc. of National Advertisers) Digital and Social Media Committee
Timeline
Director of Communications
World Bicycle Relief
11.2023 - Current
Director of Corporate Affairs
HP
11.2022 - 06.2023
Director of Social Media and Public Relations
Poly
08.2015 - 11.2022
Senior Media/Consumer Communications Manager
American Licorice Company
02.2010 - 06.2015
Senior Account Manager
Nadel Phelan, Inc
10.2005 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Public Relations
Cal Poly, Humboldt
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