Anita Steeves – Manchester, CT

email: anitasteeves@hotmail.com ♦ blog: www.anitasteeves.com ♦ twitter: @anitacupoftea ♦ cell: (860) 997-0086

 

Profile

A corporate communications professional with 25+ years of experience in internal and external communication, crisis communications and issues management, corporate publications, media and public relations, executive level communications and staff management. Also, a persuasive communicator, creative organizer with the ability to develop, design and implement plans, publications for print, web and electronic media. Performs well under pressure; solves problems and collaborates successfully with internal and external stakeholders.

Education

M.S. in Interactive Communications, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

B.A. in Communications Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Experience

August 2013 to April 2016 – Tourism Program Assistant: Darien Welcome Center and Hartford Main Office, Office of Tourism, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Darien, CT – The Connecticut Office of Tourism works to make tourism a leading economic contributor to the State of Connecticut.

• Compiled source documents and support for marketing team.
• Created content for “This Weekend” page; the most viewed page on agency website CTvisit.com.
• Provided promotion and marketing assistance to industry partners.
• Provided information, guidance and assistance to more than 90,000 visitors and members of general public.
• Identified needs and directs customers or constituents, members of the general public and/or organizations toward agency resources.
• Maintained data and tracks information relating to tourism industry; maintains records; and prepares reports.
• Supervised volunteers and seasonal staff.

May 2013 to August 2013 – Part-time Sales Support: CarpetWorks LLC, Manchester, CT

October 2012 to January 2013 – Marketing Communications Representative: Otis Elevator Company World Headquarters, Farmington, CT (via Apollo Professional Solutions)

April 2012-December 2012 = Part-time Sales Associate: Macy’s, Buckland Hills Mall, Manchester, CT

July 2007-January 2012 – Senior Communications Specialist: UIL Holdings Corporation, New Haven, CT – UIL Holdings Corporation (now Avangrid) was a diversified energy delivery company serving 699,000 electric and natural gas utility customers in 66 communities across two states, with combined total assets of over $4 billion. UIL was the parent company for The United Illuminating Company, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company, and The Berkshire Gas Company.

• Served as media spokesperson for the company.
• Produced biweekly employee newsletter for print and electronic distribution via email and intranet.
• Developed change management communications related to the company move and acquisition process for employees for broadcast across multiple communication platforms, including print, email and intranet.
• Provided communication support for employee wellness initiative, including developing content, organizing wellness lunch and learn programs and exercise and wellness contests; creating collateral for advertising initiative activities.
• Produced written and visual content for internal and external company Web sites and social media.
• Developed, directed and edited corporate videos for external and internal audiences.
• Participated in the development and implementation of various crisis and emergency response activities and communication plans for various company divisions.
• Worked with all levels of employees from field staff to company executives.
• Built both internal and external relationships to enhance the company’s reputation.
• Mentored and supervises staff as required.

March 2003-June 2007 – Communications Specialist: The United Illuminating Company, Orange, CT – UI is a regulated electric utility serving 325,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas.

• Produced and edited weekly employee newsletter.
• Provided communications support to HR Safety and Technical Training departments, including editing and design oversight of field safety manual.
• Developed and implemented employee surveys, both written and electronic.
• Implemented employee communications programs and initiatives, including smoking cessation, safety poster project, safety calendar contest for employee children, and produced monthly safety tip for newsletter and intranet site.
• Provided media communications training and editorial assistance to other departments.
• Served on Central Safety Steering Committee and co-chaired Safety Programs and Activities subcommittee.
• Acted as media spokesperson for The United Illuminating Company and UIL Holdings Corporation.

December 1999-January 2003 – Communications Specialist: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Hartford, CT – DEEP is committed to conserving, protecting and improving the natural resources and environment of Connecticut.

• Edited and produced articles and photos for weekly employee newsletter.
• Managed three person media design team responsible for support to agency programs and Web pages.
• Developed and executed plans for special events targeted at press or public, including coordination of multiple government agencies, municipal officials and environmental groups.
• Prepared briefing notes, speaking points and fact sheets for high-level officials, including U.S. Secretary of Energy, Conn. Congressional delegation, Governor, Commissioner and senior agency officials.
• Coordinated communication and public information activities with municipal, state, federal agencies and environmental groups for statewide, interagency mosquito management program.
• Developed, produced and distributed informational material relevant to agency programs and projects: including press releases, brochures and fact sheets.
• Acted as official media and public contact for agency.

March 1996-November 1999 – Communications Officer: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

• Edited and produced agency employee newsletter.
• Provided technical assistance to agency staff regarding publication policies.
• Supplied public outreach support to Division’s three education facilities.
• Coordinated agency conferences, seminars, press briefings and other special projects and events.

November 1988-February 1996 – Communications Officer: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT – is the state agency mandated to protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut.

• Designed and edited one employee newsletter and three other agency newsletters.
• Developed employee recognition program.
• Supervised clerical staff.
• Served as official agency contact for media; coordinated press conferences and interviews.
• Functioned as agency’s Freedom of Information Officer.
• Served as member of the Office of Emergency Management Communication Response Team and managed the media room during drills at State Emergency Operations Center, Hartford, CT (1990-1996).
• Served as second shift media tent supervisor at International Special Olympics, New Haven, CT (1995).

February 1986-November 1988 – Connecticut Career Trainee: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT. Performed tasks to meet training criteria to reach Communications Officer specifications.

Computer Skills

Adobe Photoshop, InDesign

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel

IBM Content Management for Web sites.

Some experience with Mac platforms and programs.