Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Generic

Teresa VanOpdorp

Mount Prospect,IL

Summary

Strategic and results-driven communications leader with extensive experience in brand management, public relations, and community engagement. Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that strengthen organizational visibility, enhance stakeholder relationships, and support executive leadership goals. Skilled in media relations, reputation management, analytics-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. Passionate about building trust, promoting transparency, and elevating brand presence through impactful and innovative communication initiatives.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Membership & Events Director

Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce
08.2024 - Current

Brand Strategy & Communications Leadership

  • Lead and oversee the Chamber’s brand strategy, ensuring consistent messaging, tone, and visual identity across digital platforms, print materials, sponsorship assets, and event marketing.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans supporting membership recruitment, retention, and sponsorship development.
  • Align all communications initiatives with executive leadership priorities and strategic growth objectives.

Public Relations & Community Engagement

  • Direct media outreach, press releases, public announcements, and reputation management efforts.
  • Serve as a key liaison between business leaders, local government officials, media representatives, and community partners.
  • Support executive leadership with messaging strategy, spokesperson preparation, and public-facing communications.

Strategic Planning & Operations

  • Utilize analytics, engagement data, and performance metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness and guide strategic decision-making.
  • Manage budgets, sponsorship revenue targets, vendor relationships, and operational workflows.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement in marketing and communications functions.

Communications & Brand Management Lead

Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce & Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce
01.2024 - Current

Multi-Organization Brand Oversight

  • Direct brand strategy and ensure consistent messaging, tone, and visual identity across marketing campaigns, digital platforms, print collateral, and community initiatives.
  • Oversee communications planning for major events, sponsorship programs, and membership campaigns.
  • Maintain brand standards and develop messaging frameworks that strengthen organizational positioning within each community.

Public Relations & Stakeholder Relations

  • Manage media communications, promotional strategies, and public-facing messaging to enhance visibility and reputation.
  • Build and maintain relationships with business owners, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and regional partners.
  • Support collaborative multi-chamber initiatives to expand reach and regional engagement.

Analytics & Performance Management

  • Track marketing performance metrics, event participation data, and sponsorship outcomes to inform strategy.
  • Recommend improvements based on engagement trends and community feedback.
  • Streamline processes to improve operational efficiency and communications consistency across organizations.

Business Development Director

Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce
01.2021 - 08.2024
  • Responsible for fostering relationships with members and stakeholders, organizing programs and events, advocating for the interest of the business community, and promoting economic development
  • Strengthened relationships with local state and area government to bring value to local businesses
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to drive business growth and increase revenue
  • Established and maintained relationships with key partners, clients, and industry stakeholders
  • Identified new market opportunities and implemented go-to-market strategies to expand the business
  • Demonstrated strong project management skills by overseeing all aspects of event planning, including venue selection, catering, entertainment, décor, and audiovisual requirements, while staying within budget and deadlines
  • Developed and implemented targeted sponsorship strategies to align with the organization's mission and goals
  • Developed and executed comprehensive digital marketing strategies to drive traffic and increase engagement on social media and the webiste

Marketing Manager

Marketing & More Group
01.2013 - 01.2021
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive brand strategies to ensure alignment with company's mission and vision
  • Collaborated with marketing and communications teams to create integrated campaigns that effectively communicated brand values to target audiences
  • Managed social media platforms and content creation for small businesses, increasing brand awareness and customer engagement by 40%.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to coordinate marketing efforts and ensure alignment with business objectives, resulting in successful product launches and promotional events.
  • Managed brand identity projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to brand standards and timelines

Special Events Commission - VOLUNTEER

Village of Mount Prospect
01.2003 - 01.2021
  • Commission Chairman January 2011- December 2021
  • Planned, coordinated, and executed a variety of special events, including fundraisers, galas, and community festivals
  • Secured event permits, licenses, and insurance, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines
  • Managed event budgets, including tracking expenses and seeking cost-effective solutions
  • Managed relationships with vendors, sponsors, and partners to ensure seamless coordination and execution of special events

Public Relations Manager

River Trails Park District
08.2003 - 08.2013
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive PR strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive positive media coverage
  • Oversaw the creation of press releases, media kits, and other PR materials to effectively communicate key messages
  • Cultivated relationships with local organizations, community leaders, and media outlets to promote positive brand messaging and drive public support
  • Founded the Parks & Recreation Foundation, establishing a nonprofit organization to support community initiatives, fundraising efforts, and long-term district enhancement.

Education

Communications

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
08-2003

Timeline

Membership & Events Director

Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce
08.2024 - Current

Communications & Brand Management Lead

Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce & Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce
01.2024 - Current

Business Development Director

Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce
01.2021 - 08.2024

Marketing Manager

Marketing & More Group
01.2013 - 01.2021

Public Relations Manager

River Trails Park District
08.2003 - 08.2013

Special Events Commission - VOLUNTEER

Village of Mount Prospect
01.2003 - 01.2021

Communications

Northern Illinois University
Teresa VanOpdorp