Clara Ross Stamps 107 Lena Drive Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183 Phone: 601.415.3393 Email: clarastamps@yahoo.com Overview Web Content Management Sharp Verbal and Written Communications Skills Public Relations Diverse Marketing Skills Product Development Research Budget Management Fundraising High Level of Integrity Skilled Leader and Manager Meeting/Convention Market Brochure Design Travel/Tourism Market Event Promotion Computer Skills Seasoned Motivator Grant Development Solution Solver Established Identity Standards Manual and Editorial Stylebook Created Alcorn State University s first award- winning magazine, Alcorn Established Media Relations Policies for the Division of Marketing and Communication Increased enrollment 10.4% (largest in University s history) by developing a strategic marketing recruitment plan Member of the Enrollment Management Executive Council, chair Marketing Sub- Committee Created the Mississippi College School of Law s Diversity Brochure Repositioned Mississippi College School of Law s website Managed the development of the Bureau s Website Developed the Bureau s first African American Heritage Tourism Brochure Reputable relationships with media outlets, tourism industry, local, state and federal elected officials Education/Certification University of Phoenix Masters of Business Administration Mississippi College Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Concentration: Marketing with emphasis in Public Relations University of Southern Mississippi
(MCTP) Mississippi Certified Travel Marketing Professional Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College (TMP) Travel Marketing Professional Certification Hinds Community College Tourism and Hospitality Certification Various management, sales, public relations and marketing courses sponsored by professional affiliations. Professional Experience Alcorn State University Vice President for Marketing and Communication October 2009- Present Serve on the president s senior administration team; write speeches and correspondences for the president and advise the president on media relations matters. Serve as the University spokesperson. Provide leadership, financial management and direction for the Office of University Relations and serve as a senior administrator in the Division of Marketing and Communication. Initiate, develop, and maintain strategies to promote the image of the University and its various programs by using market research data to determine the most effective techniques and approaches for reaching target audiences. Oversee and coordinate the development of information campaigns that communicate and strengthen the image and reputation of the University. Provide media relations service to the University community, working closely with state, regional and national media to publicize University programs, events, and activities as well as faculty research and expertise; Responsible for the maintenance of university- wide graphics standards, production of a wide variety of publications (for both internal and external publics), and for the University's presence on the homepage of the Web; serve as editor of the University s magazine, Alcorn. Provide leadership concerning design, image, and strategy for alcorn.edu to ensure consistent use of the logo, "look," vivid descriptors, messaging, etc. Develop and administer the marketing budget. Established and manage the university- wide Marketing Advisory Council; serve on the Enrollment Management Executive Council and leads the Marketing Sub- Committee. Director of Communication Services Led the marketing and communications efforts of Alcorn School of Business developing strategies to increase awareness, enhance recognition and impact enrollment. Developed a marketing strategic action plan; wrote press and news releases and prepared press kits; served as spokesperson for media outlets. Wrote copy and created advertisements for various mediums. Oversaw advertising campaign and developed tracking methods for campaign. Created promotional materials and worked closely with outside vendors, 1
including graphic designers, photographers, printers, editors, etc. Oversaw all administrative responsibilities for the communications office; managed all events working closely with faculty, staff and students to ensure success. Attended meetings on behalf of the dean of the School of Business; served on various boards and actively participated in community events on behalf of Alcorn School of Business. Managed all photography and video production shoots and worked successfully with multiple constituencies, both internal and external. Worked evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by various events and additional duties required to effectively market Alcorn School of Business. Excellent user of Microsoft Office, QuarkXPress and Macromedia Contribute 3. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Mississippi College School of Law 2006- December 2009 Director of Communications and Public Relations Wrote and oversaw production of the alumni publication, Amicus, which was printed biannual, including features on alumni, students, faculty, staff, programs, and awards. Edited all articles by guest contributors or in- house staff and worked with photographer, graphic designer, and printer to meet publication schedule. Created and edited various brochures, pamphlets, informational flyers, ads, and other print materials. Designed in- house invitations, programs, e- news, and worked closely with graphic design artist to ensure print materials accuracy. Maintained and updated the event calendar and in- house database. Wrote press releases, news releases and served as contact for media relations. Managed website content updates and design changes. Organized, managed, and implementation of all on and off campus events. Served as clearing house for all internal/external publications for all departments Continuing Legal Education, Office of Development, Office of Admissions, Career Services, Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, Office of Information Technology and Student Organizations. Supervised communications team and provided guidance to interns. Worked closely with student organizations to attract prominent speakers to the law school. Served on the school s Diversity Council Executive Board. Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau 1998- April 2006 Interim Executive Director Led the tourism industry of Vicksburg/Warren County developing strategies to generate growth and a positive economic impact on the community. Developed and managed the 2005 Marketing Action Plan, Employee Handbook, and the state match grant program. Oversaw the day- to- day administrative, operating and marketing functions of the Bureau; responsible to an 11- member Board of Directors. Directed and supervised all staff; established and maintained ongoing effective communications with local, state, and national government leaders, business and cultural institution leaders, convention and event planners, and the local tourism industry. Implemented an employee monthly appreciation program; created Speak Up a program which encouraged employees to be creative thinkers and influenced a positive work environment. Established goals for 2
individual departments and assisted staff in order to meet goals; maintain active membership status in appropriate professional industry organizations. Director of Sales and Marketing Managed the marketing and promotional efforts of the meeting/convention and group tour markets. Created and oversaw the meeting/convention and group tour marketing strategic action plan. Developed, managed, and evaluated the annual meeting/convention and group tour budget and travel schedule. Directed and assisted the group tour sales assistant. Created and implemented two meeting incentive programs The Bus is on Us and It Pays to Meet in Vicksburg. Researched and established the Event Sponsorship guidelines for the Bureau. Served as the Public Relations contact for the meeting/convention and group tour markets. Organized and implemented the first city- wide sales blitz. Created a room rebate program for the group tour market; Created Vicksburg s first city- wide showcase to travel writers, media, travel/tourism and meeting/convention markets. Initiated sales calls to potential and existing users of local meeting facilities, developed comprehensive bid strategies, packages, and made bid presentations. Created information packets, brochures, financial proposals, and sales reports. Represented the Bureau and tourism industry of Vicksburg at various meetings, trade shows, and conventions; accepted local, state, and national speaking engagements on behalf of the Bureau. Coordinated site visits, FAM tours, and individual tours of Vicksburg; wrote press releases and news releases to generate free coverage of Vicksburg as a tourism destination. Communicated with all departments of the Bureau, area meeting facilities, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism- related businesses to foster support, visibility, and enhance relationships. Marketing and Special Projects Manager Researched, developed, and distributed Vicksburg s first African American Heritage Tourism Brochure. Managed, designed, and distributed Bureau newsletter, visitors guide, informational flyers, and coupon books; collected, maintained, and dispersed calendar of events information. Organized, managed, and implemented the Hospitality Training Program, National Tourism Week activities, and the Convention Registrar Program; advised Bureau management on the annual media schedule and match grant program. Established capability to raise funds and obtain sponsorships for events; evaluated and enhanced existing events and festivals in Vicksburg. Maintained the Bureau ticket office; managed and coordinated Bureau special events and projects. Developed and maintained local, regional, and national media relations; wrote press and news releases. Worked evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by various events and additional duties required to effectively market the City of Vicksburg as an attractive tourism destination. National Park Service Park Ranger Interpreter Specialist 1990-1998 Operated and managed the Cairo Museum and park fee station; researched information for the VNMP historian; wrote articles for the annual Siege publication and the Vicksburg Post; conserved and protected artifacts; organized and computerized Cairo s library. 3
Transcribed a roster of Cairo s crew; conducted park safety meetings and seminars; trained and supervised summer interns and park volunteers; contributed to the park s first Educational guide and solicited grant funds for project; researched and developed the first African American site bulletin and site bulletins on the National Cemetery, VNMP monuments, and Women in the Civil War; developed and presented programs on Let Us Earn Our Freedom, John C. Pemberton, Cairo and Her Crew, Life in the Navy, Women in the Civil War, and A Tribute to the Dead; wrote news and press releases; awarded numerous outstanding achievements and monetary awards. Mississippi State Welcome Center Travel Counselor 1989-1990 Assisted visitors with tourist information on Vicksburg and Mississippi; served refreshments to visitors and keep information center neat and organized; assisted the director with various duties and operated the information desk. Professional Affiliations American Bus Association Arkansas Society of Association Executives Council for the Advancement and Support of Education College Public Relations Association of Mississippi Hospitality Sales and Marketing International Louisiana Society of Association Executives Mississippi Blues Highway Association Mississippi Film Commission Mississippi Heritage Trust Board Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association Mississippi Society of Association Executives Mississippi Tourism Association Natchez Adams County Chamber of Commerce National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners National Tour Association Public Relations Association of Mississippi Southeast Tourism Society/Communication Council Board Tennessee Society of Association Executives Travel Industry Association Travel South Vicksburg African Museum and Marketplace Vicksburg Hotel Motel Association Vicksburg Four Seasons of the Arts Board Vicksburg Warren Alliance, Inc Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce Personal Affiliations Warren Central Junior High School 2001-2006 2006- Present 2009- Present 2001-2006 2002-2006 2007-2009 2001-2006 2008- Present 2004-2006 2005- Present 2004-2006 2005- Present 2004-2006 2000- Present 1990- Present 2012- Present 4
Warren Central High School Bright Morning Star MB Church Certified Rape Counselor Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Keep Vicksburg/Warren Beautiful Board Southern Cultural Heritage Complex Volunteer Board Vicksburg Family Development 2010- Present 2003- Present 1996-1998 2009- Present 2000-2010 2000-2012 2000- Present Awards and Recognition 2012 Named a Top 20 under 40 by Vicksburg Post for leadership and service to Vicksburg Community 2012 Who s Who in Black Mississippi for educational leadership and service 2012 College Public Relations of Mississippi First Place Award for Magazine Excellence 2012 College Public Relations of Mississippi First Place Award for Alcorn Commercial 2011 Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Magazine Award of Excellence 2010 Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Magazine Award of Excellence 2007 Public Relations Association of Mississippi Excellence Award for Diversity Brochure 2007 Public Relations Association of Mississippi Excellence Award for You be the Judge Specialty Item 2006 Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau Friends of Tourism Award 2005 Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce You Caught My Eye Award 2005 Mississippi Society of Associate Executives Outstanding Associate Member of the Year Award 5