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As head of the public relations department at Gilbert Manjura Marketing (GMM), Carla Parks supervises the agency's PR team, performs strategy development, oversees the day-to-day activities for each of the agency's PR accounts. "Diversity represents the fabric that makes each of us truly unique, allowing us to learn something new and grow with each person we meet. Each of us has our set of life experiences that, in turn, provide a unique point of view. By embracing the fact that everyone is different - not only because of race or because of ethnicity, but also as to where they were raised, their religion, family traditions, and values - and cherishing these differences, find new perspectives and approaches to problem solving that benefits everyone." Carla, who joined GMM in 2003 as senior account supervisor, has used her extensive public relations background to promote numerous hotels and resorts, two leading Florida-based homebuilders, and an array of clients in the agricultural, retail, real estate, and medical-software industries. Under her leadership, the GMM PR team has scored tens of millions of dollars in publicity for its clients. |
Prior to her arrival at GMM, Carla provided internal communications for more than 700 employees at ALLTEL Information Services in Twinsburg, Ohio. Her responsibilities included planning special events, maintaining portions of the division's intranet site, and supporting local media relations efforts. Previously, Carla was employed at Sherikon, Inc., a leading information technology and engineering services contractor. Initially charged with overseeing and expanding Sherikon's business development and public relations efforts, Carla quickly rose through the ranks and soon was responsible for overseeing the company's expanded corporate communications program. Reporting directly to the chief operating officer and later to the chief executive officer, Carla created a comprehensive communications plan, instituted communications and advertising standards, and launched a new image management campaign and website. She also managed day-to-day public relations, and handled crisis communications when necessary. Carla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations from Kent State University. She is a long-time member of the Public Relations Society of America, and serves in a volunteer capacity as the PR chair for Dress for Success Greater Orlando. "If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." Mary Kay Ash. |
| July*August 2008 |
Silke Endress | |
Reprinted by request |