Resume | resume

Since 1997, I have had the great fortune of serving in trade associations. I worked my way up through the ranks; handling everything from reporting/editing to web site development, event management, magazine publishing, operations management and association governance. In addition, I spent several years as Executive Director, managing chapter operations in the "COO" capacity. My career has been both fulfilling and challenging. It has inspired my entreprenurial spirit (check out the websites I have created) and prepared me well for any new and exciting challenges YOU will throw my way!

Responsibilities included producing and maintaining all internal/external Chapter communications; including (but not limited to): quarterly magazine; weekly e-newsletter, annual membership directory, press releases, website content, social media applications and program marketing materials. This was primarily a telecommuting position.

2011 - 2012

2010 - present

Director of Communications (Part Time), AGC Houston

My Resume

PROFESSIONAL INFO

“Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell 'em, ' I Certainly can! ' Then get busy and find out how to do it.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

WORK EXPERIENCE

Served as an executive team member for a not-for-profit trade association whose efforts directly benefit the Houston commercial construction industry. Individual responsibilities included:

Serving as staff representative at board meetings and strategic planning sessions
Creating and implementing internal operational budgets, goals and strategies
Administration of chapter governance procedures as defined by the Chapter by-laws
Maintaining effective, consistent, timely internal/external communications
Maintaining media relations and strategic relationships with industry partners
Producing and implementing marketing plans
Overseeing Meetings & Events Department – execution of successful events, including: membership meetings and briefings; board meetings; golf tournaments; fishing tournaments; cook-offs; awards galas; motorcycle rallies; sporting clay tournaments; conventions; etc.
Overseeing Education and Industry Issues Departments – collaboration with member committees to implement educational programs and appropriate communication pieces as demanded by industry issues
Overseeing Membership Recruitment/Retention and Newsroom (see below)

Accomplishments include:

Designing and implementing a fresh corporate brand (brochures, membership packets, letterhead, etc.)
Restructuring and cross-training staff for efficient operations
Restructuring chapter governance files, procedures and communications
Overseeing a comprehensive web site redesign
Overseeing a database conversion (from Microsoft Access to an Association Management System)
Instrumental in the development of a political action committee (including formulating fundraising programs)
Instrumental in obtaining sponsorships to cover costs for enhancing events – therefore increasing participation
Development and implementation of a new electronic newsletter for targeted communications

2005 - 2010

Executive Director, AGC Houston

Membership Recruitment/Retention: Oversaw staff in their efforts to implement the membership recruitment and retention program; coordinated membership committee meetings. Accomplishments: Instrumental in the development of a membership recruitment and retention program; assisted in the development and implementation of new Microsoft Access database for tracking member participation and prospect follow-ups; designed prospect and new member packets; successful in obtaining an average of 20 new members each month and maintaining a 90% average monthly retention rate.

Newsroom/Planroom: Oversaw staff in their efforts to gather construction project information, report on current projects, and scan documents; published a bi-weekly Construction Project Information Bulletin; managed member relations and maintained relationship with technology partners in providing an internet project information source as well as in-house printing of plans and specifications. Accomplishments: Restructured workflow processes for efficiencies; designed plan for gathering project information in the planning stages – increased amount of data by 95%; implemented a successful quality control and cross-training process.

Communications: Coordinated writers for magazine/newsletter publishing; gathered and edited articles and other news pieces for publication; researched current events/statistics affecting the construction industry; designed, edited and distributed press releases; maintained and updated web site; maintained relationship with printers, publishing firms and web host/developer; designed and distributed various event/membership marketing pieces; published an annual membership directory. Accomplishments: Designed the organization’s first “annual meeting packet” as a cost-savings approach to an annual report – produced annually since 2001; instrumental in the inception of the association’s first consistent, quarterly magazine (Cornerstone) – now in it’s 12th year of publication.

2001 - 2005

Director of Communications, AGC Houston

EDUCATION

University of Houston - Downtown, Houston, TX

High School for Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice, Houston, TX

Easily adaptable to all computer software programs as well as internet and social media applications. Proficient in all Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint), MS FrontPage web design, Adobe PageMaker and Adobe InDesign. Competent in the use of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004. Working knowledge of association management software, including NetForum (Avectra), iMIS and Morant Information Systems (AMPAC).

In addition, direct experience and knowledge in the following areas: executive management, operations, association management, chapter governance, executive administration, traditional marketing, social media marketing, business development, writing/editing, project management, membership recruitment/retention, event management, database management, strategic planning, budgeting.

1999 - 2001

Communications Manager / Webmaster, AGC Houston

Cornerstone Magazine: created a membership newsletter which evolved into the organization’s first a quarterly magazine; coordinated with publisher on all design and editorial layout.

Resource & Membership Directory: established deadlines for consistent publishing of annual membership directory; coordinated with publisher and all design and editorial layout.

Member’s Edge Newsletter: created, designed and implemented a consistent bi-monthly publication.

www.agchouston.org: designed a functional, robust web site for the association.

1998 - 1999

Reporter / News Editor, AGC Houston

AGC News Service: Edited project information for publishing. Accomplishments: designed new bulletin layout; transitioned newsprint publication to a bulletin to be faxed or emailed.

Project Information: Researched details for all currently bidding commercial construction projects in the Houston area. Coordinated the delivery of project documents to the AGC Plan Room. Maintained relationship with the architectural/engineering community as well as owners/developers. Entered project information into online system. Accomplishment: Formulated and implemented a workflow plan to enable projects to be processed and delivered to members in the most effective and efficient manner.

2011 - Present

Communications Queen (Self Employed), Hancock Services

Freelance Writer / Editor / Project Manager / Virtual Contractor - Generally serving as an extension of clients' staff. Projects have included establishing social media marketing plans, web site content writing, logo design, desktop publishing, print media design, web development coordination, website design, virtual staff management, article writing, editing, project management, etc. Clients include small businesses, trade associations, non-profits, etc.

SPECIAL INTERESTS

SKILLS

Past/Current Member of: International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Rice Design Alliance (RDA), Houston Engineering & Scientific Society (H.E.S.S. Club), Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Society for Marketing and Professional Services – Houston Chapter (SMPS), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Port of Houston Small Business Advisory Council

Volunteer for: Komen Houston Race for the Cure; Pink Ribbon House; Houston Construction Industry Charities; U.S. Vets; Girl Scouts of America - San Jacinto Council; Houston Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals

Develop data management processes; manage membership data in CRM - Association Management Software program; establish and execute membership recruitment/retention program; maintain membership communications of products and services through print and electronic media; work closely with staff to develop and execute formal marketing/promotional plans for products, services, events and training programs; oversee social media presense; manage value-added membership benefit programs including, but not limited to, group purchasing discounts; media relations, press releases, newsletters, blogs

Membership & Marketing Director, Powder Coating Institute

2013 - 2015

2015 - Present

Executive Adminstrator, AGC Houston

Lamar University, Beaumont, TX

BBA, Business Management (degree in progress)

Executive administrator to President/CEO; mangement of chapter governance and board of directors initiatives; leader of the following committees: Government Affairs, Political Action, Diversity Task Force, Industry Liaison; manage and execute departmental events/meetings/conferences; strategic planning coordination; work closely with staff to develop and execute departmental marketing/promotional campaigns; manage collective bargaining services; develop, conduct and summarize industry surveys; serve as member of the Port of Houston's Small Business Advisory Council

TAMARA HANCOCK

Business Development, Marketing,

& Strategic Communications