NICOLE LESSON
Coral Springs,,FL
Summary
Strategic, collaborative senior director-level communications leader delivering integrated marketing, media and digital communications across nonprofit, healthcare, government and media organizations. Proven success leading multi-market initiatives, mentoring teams, securing earned media and aligning local execution with regional and national priorities to advance mission, revenue and engagement goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Media Relations Manager
Alzheimer’s Association
10.2023 - Current
- Earned media strategy and execution across multiple markets, increasing visibility and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, programs and fundraising initiatives
- Cultivate and manage strong relationships with local and regional media outlets, securing consistent editorial coverage
- Provide strategic communications counsel to internal staff and volunteers to support mission, revenue priorities and media training
- Develop messaging and content aligned with national brand standards, public health best practices and DEI principles
Senior Communications Consultant
Self-Employed
07.2018 - 10.2023
- Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies for nonprofit and private-sector clients across multiple markets
- Secure local, regional, and national media placements while building community, corporate and nonprofit partnerships
- Plan and manage profitable fundraising events, conferences and campaigns
- Advise clients on crisis communications, messaging and reputation management
Communications Manager
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
09.2016 - 06.2018
- Coordinated communications across New York and Florida offices, improving alignment among staff, committees and boards
- Expanded media outreach and secured paid and pro bono media partnerships for Northeast markets
- Created a new annual tradition lighting the Empire State Building and other iconic NYC buildings for fundraising galas
- Negotiated vendor contracts, reducing production and photography costs by 15–35%
Communications Manager & Public Information Officer
Town of Miami Lakes
03.2014 - 07.2015
- Directed public, media, and crisis communications, including high-profile mayoral trials in state and federal courts
- Led digital, social, and website content, increasing engagement and reach
- Built strong press relationships and consistently secured local and regional coverage
Director of Communications
The Real Estate Board of New York
11.2008 - 10.2013
- Led marketing and communications for a 13,000+ member trade association across multiple initiatives and campaigns
- Negotiated vendor contracts, achieving a 30% cost savings on the organization’s website
- Managed consumer-facing digital platforms and media partnerships, including Time Warner’s NY1
- Wrote a weekly real estate industry column
Staff Writer & Columnist
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
06.1998 - 10.2007
- Breaking news reporter for a top-35 U.S. newspaper with 260,300 circulation
- Member of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize–nominated reporting team covering Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism & Communications
University of Florida
Skills
- Integrated Marketing Strategy
- Multi-Market Communications
- Media Relations
- Nonprofit & Public Health Communications
- Digital, Social & Print Content
- Brand & Message Alignment
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Crisis Communications
- Storytelling
- Vendor & Budget Management
- DEI-Focused Messaging
Websites
Certification
15 Professional Certifications — Federal Emergency Management Agency
Timeline
Media Relations Manager
Alzheimer’s Association
10.2023 - Current
Senior Communications Consultant
Self-Employed
07.2018 - 10.2023
Communications Manager
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
09.2016 - 06.2018
Communications Manager & Public Information Officer
Town of Miami Lakes
03.2014 - 07.2015
Director of Communications
The Real Estate Board of New York
11.2008 - 10.2013
Staff Writer & Columnist
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
06.1998 - 10.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism & Communications
University of Florida