ASHLEAH WILSON - BIO

Qualifications
Professional Experience
Job History
Technical Skills

Name: Ashleah D. Wilson

What I do in my job:
Responsible for advertising strategy development, implementation, and measurement, as well as creative design, from concept to production, and communication.

Job history:
Marketing Manager, SPORG.com
Marketing Communications Manager, Assure Financial Group
Board of Directors, Empery Software
Creative Producer , rEvolution digital. media. design.
Assistant Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Capilano Group of Companies
Assistant Operations Manager, Capilano Suspension Bridge

Qualifications:

  • Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA). Graduated December 2001, Simon Fraser University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA). University of British Columbia. Graduated May 2000.


What motivates me:
The "Begining-to-End" thought process: the challenge of identifying and addressing all the interests involved in any project. The smiles, the laughter, and the tears when a project actually moves people.

My take on marketing and communications:
Every interaction is "marketing"; successful practitioners are those who can leverage multiple communication strategies and mediums to get their ideas across.

Favourite Coffee: Tim Horton's extra large double double


Professional Experience

My experience ranges from communication strategy development and implementation, to operational management responsibilities, to human resources functions. My experience includes management of an advertising budget of $35,000 a month, generating $200,000 in new and residual retail sales per month in personal financial services for multiple sales channels, as well as having experience managing an annual staff budget of $780,000.

In recent projects I have undertaken full brand audits for 8 retail businesses, refreshing brand identity elements, developing new communication and sales materials, and refocusing advertising activities to increase lead generation, lead conversion and client retention. I am familiar with traditional advertising mediums including print, television, and direct sales, and I also have strong experience in internet-based advertising. Additionally, in public relations functions I have been responsible for developing media releases and stories, and acting as on-air representative for various company. I am comfortable communicating through television, radio, and making presentations before large and small groups.

My previous work experience includes a role as Assistant Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Capilano Group of Companies, overseeing marketing functions under the Vice President of Marketing for two luxury Rocky Mountain lodges and a popular Vancouver tourist attraction, as well as Assistant Operations Manager for the same, Capilano Suspension Bridge. Through Capilano I have 6 years of supervisory experience, including two years as Assistant Manager overseeing a department of 75 staff. In total I worked for the Capilano Group for 8 years, from 1995 - 2002.

Employment History

SPORG.com - Marketing Manager - December 2004 - Present

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Development & Marketing Strategy
- Design and execution of advertising plan and promotional activities;
- Campaign management, including print, email, direct mail,
- Result tracking through lead and sales generation
- Ongoing management of advertising & marketing throughout annual cycle;
- Design responsibilities including sales support materials, multiple websites and electronic landing pages,
- Copywriting responsibilities for electronic and print newsletters, magazine articles, advertisments


Assure Financial Group

Marketing & Public Relations Manager (November 2002 - December 2004)
Key Responsibilities:

Advertising & Communication Management

  • Responsible for internal communication and coordination between departments regarding product and service offerings;

  • Assist in all budget planning and cost analysis activities;

  • Track media performance in relation to lead and client generation;

  • Evaluate marketing trends and continually improve effectiveness of ongoing advertising and communication programs;

  • Analyze advertising and promotion performance, making corrections as appropriate;

  • Liaise with the Call Centre, and Sales and Service Departments;

  • Generate media interest through story ideas, media releases and communication with media;

Creative Development & Marketing Strategy

  • Carried out Identity Audit, and responded with Brand Plan for 8 companies within group of companies;

  • Ensured consistency and clarity of message and image across multiple brand channels: Financial Management Services, Insurance, and Loan programs in one instance; Food Services, Retail, and Guest Services in another;

  • Developed communication materials to distinguish organization from the competition, driving increased lead generation and stronger overall conversion to retail clients;

  • Executed Advertising Plan and Promotional Activities;

  • Ongoing management of advertising & marketing throughout annual cycle;

Capilano Group of Companies (April 1995 - November 2002)

Assistant Public Relations & Marketing Manager (Capilano Suspension Bridge, Moraine Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge concurrently, September 2000 - November 2002)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for developing and managing public relations strategy, acting as key contact for media, as well as fulfilling creative and copywriting duties;

  • Responsible for digital media content, including website design and updates, and digital video production for three full-service visitor facilities;

  • Carried out planning, filming and post-production of Capilano’s 2002 television commercial

  • Managed marketing functions for Luxury Accommodation division;

  • Carried out sales trips to key markets in Canada and the United States;

  • Provided support to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, as well as to operational departments;

  • Provided photography that is currently featured in CSB print materials including brochures, admission tickets, and print advertisements;

Assistant Operations Manager (December 1998 - September 2000)

  • Oversaw a $780,000 staff budget, the daily operations of 7 departments and ninety-five staff members;

  • Developed budgets and business plans for each respective department;

  • Responsible for hiring, training, and carrying out disciplinary action when necessary;

  • Organized social events and entertainment for staff of the entire company;

Operations (Food & Beverage) Supervisor (January 1997 - November 1998)

  • Carried out daily inventories, performed daily stock orders, set menus, developed food and beverage business plans, and monitored sales at three outlets generating $95,000 in monthly revenue;

  • Recruiting for 55 new hires from 1000 applicants;

  • Designed and carried out departmental training for 24 staff;

Entertainment Coordinator (January 1995 - December 1997)

  • Developed and implemented an entertainment program involving live musical and theatrical elements. Presentations took place 5 times per day for four months

Zealous Minds Productions / Stax & Paller Productions (January 2000 - Present)

Managing Producer/Business Development

Generated $25,000 in private and corporate sponsorships in four months for the organization’s first live-theatre production;

Raised $10,000 in sponsorships for organization’s second production;

Responsible for overall financial management, as well as providing significant creative direction