LaTroya A. Hester

The Center for Black Health & Equity | Director of Communications

Oct. 2014 – Oct. 2022

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Manage integrated communications marketing strategies to promote research, community advocacy and promising practices for improving health outcomes for African Americans. Perform all technical public relations functions including website and social media maintenance and content development; copy, graphic design and layout for print collateral and signage; and press release writing and media outreach. Conduct media advocacy and provide technical assistance for community health organizations. Oversee and promote national activities associated with the organization’s signature observance day, No Menthol Sunday. Manage logistics, creative direction and event-day coordination of the State of Black Health National Conference. Led complete organizational rebrand.

 

 

Ogilvy & Mather Atlanta | Account Executive, CRM                        

Oct. 2011-Jan. 2014

 

Oversaw the creative production and monthly launch of IHG Hotels Group seven brand e-newsletters. Ensured fidelity of various brand identities by advising direction for email campaigns and creating processes for agency-wide adherence to brand guidelines. Assisted in yearly project planning and managed account budgets for IHG email campaigns. Managed the production of print materials for the Boy Scouts of America’s annual recruitment campaign. Coordinated the China launch of global food and beverage program within the hospitality industry.

 

 

Youth Empowered Solutions | Communications Manager                

July 2010-Oct. 2011

 

Developed and executed marketing communications plan to increase awareness of YES! brand and services. Developed social networking policy and managed social media platforms. Conducted marketing and public relations training for youth staff engaged in state adolescent health advocacy. Produced internal and external communications including press releases, by-lined articles, web copy, newsletters, brochures and promotional collateral. Redesigned website and managed web content. Established all internal brand and communications. Led social marketing and fundraising campaigns. Applied for a earned Triangle Community Foundation Grant ($15,000).

 

 

UGA Office of the VP for Public Service & Outreach | Public Relations Graduate Assistant

Sept. 2008-Dec. 2009

 

Drafted public relations materials including press releases, biographies, and web copy. Updated website content and assisted with development of new website. Hired, trained and managed team of undergraduate interns.

 

Hemophilia of Georgia | Special Projects Coordinator                       

June 2006 – July 2008

 

Coordinated more than 40 client programs and events. Recruited, trained and managed over 150 volunteers, notably increasing male and minority involvement. Supported plan to market camp programs to stakeholders throughout the state of Georgia.  Assisted in executing annual “Hit ‘Em For Hemophilia” Golf Tournament, which raised $600,000.

 

MSL – Atlanta | Public Relations Extern                                                     

Aug. 2005- Jan. 2006

 

Drafted pitches, conducted daily media monitoring and maintained media relations for Equifax. Gathered competitor intelligence for Under Armor athletic brand. Supported media outreach for Home Depot’s nationwide community service initiative with KaBOOM! Supported media relations efforts for the land dedication of Coca-Cola/Georgia Aquarium’s Pemberton Place.

 

Weber Shandwick Worldwide (Fitzgerald + CO) – Atlanta | Public Relations Intern

Summer 2004

 

Coordinated check presentation event for El Paso Church’s Chicken and generated local news coverage.  Developed press releases, fact sheets, and media alerts; pitched local and national media for B2B clients such as Fanmats, Delta Machinery and Huddle House. Drafted technical product descriptions for Porter-Cable’s new line of generators.