about
Over the past 20+ years, I've blended strategic communications with creative leadership to tell compelling stories through words and visuals. I love leading creative teams, collaborating with talented professionals, and transforming brand visions into powerful messaging that resonates.
My sweet spot is crafting clear, engaging content for diverse audiences across multiple platforms, all anchored in solid communications strategy.
I'm currently using my communication and creative talents to develop ethics and compliance training that engages people and builds a culture of integrity.
I'm constantly learning and growing, and what drives me most is amplifying voices, shaping positive workplace cultures, and making a difference in my community through strategic communications, creative innovation, and an unwavering commitment to ethics.
Want to know more? Check out my career journey below, download my resume for the formal details, or browse samples of my work. You'll also find testimonials from employers, clients, and colleagues who've worked with me along the way.
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Experience
Senior Content Developer, Rethink Compliance
April 2021 - present
Rethink Compliance offers ethics and compliance advisory services and training courses to companies worldwide. As a certified women-owned business, Inc. Magazine recognized it as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. For me, this is a dream job — not only because of the company's impressive growth but also because it allows me to utilize my diverse skill set in a meaningful way.
I collaborate with some of the brightest minds in business and entrepreneurship while guiding design, video, and content teams to communicate complex compliance concepts effectively. I present creative ideas to C-suite executives and legal teams, adapting strategies based on their feedback while maintaining creative integrity. By working closely with our video production team, I help develop innovative visual approaches that balance engagement with brand guidelines.
My strength is translating complex legal and policy jargon into clear, accessible language that resonates with diverse audiences. I create relatable scenarios that make abstract risks more concrete, and I use data analytics to measure comprehension and improve our strategies.
Utilizing e-learning authoring tools, I help develop interactive experiences that align perfectly with clients' goals and brand identities across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, government, and Fortune 500 companies.
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Communications DIReCTOR, The McKnight Foundation
February 2020 - April 2021
My passion for equity and inclusion led me to The McKnight Foundation, where I served as Communications Manager. The foundation's mission—to advance a just, creative, and abundant world where both people and the planet thrive—deeply resonated with me.
At McKnight, I directed the communications strategy and brought a creative director's eye to our editorial operations across all platforms. I balanced strategic messaging with compelling visual storytelling, ensuring our content effectively communicated while consistently reflecting our brand identity.
My arrival coincided with Minnesota's COVID-19 lockdown. While my onboarding took an unexpected turn, it also presented a unique opportunity. Leveraging my adaptability and communication skills, I spearheaded the development and execution of COVID-19 communication plans for our internal teams, the board, and grantees. This became a crash course in executing crisis management plans, and I thrived on the challenge.
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Communications Director, Saint Paul Public LIbrary
December 2016 - February 2020
I was honored to serve as Communications Director for Saint Paul Public Library, a position that solidified my values, broadened my perspective, and deepened my connection to community. With an emphasis on removing barriers to Library access and ensuring that all people feel seen, safe, and welcome in Library spaces, I engaged in profoundly meaningful work.
In this role, I led the visual identity and creative direction for our 13-branch network, guiding a team of designers and visual content creators to develop a cohesive brand presence across all touchpoints. I directed award-winning campaigns that were showcased at national conferences, adapting our creative strategies based on stakeholder feedback and community response. My communications leadership extended to writing and delivering executive-level speeches for the Library's leadership team, City Council, and the Mayor—effectively articulating complex initiatives to diverse audiences.
Key accomplishments included:
Eliminating overdue fines and restoring Library access to nearly 50,000 people. I developed the creative strategy and led my team in producing a comprehensive communications campaign that evolved from community education to bold promotion. Our visual storytelling and messaging approach won Library Journal's 2019 Marketer of the Year, Honorable Mention award. (Learn more at sppl.org/fine-free.)
Launching Read Brave Saint Paul, a citywide, intergenerational reading program with visual identities tailored to annual themes including homelessness (2018) and climate crisis (2019). I oversaw the creative direction for program materials that resonated across generations and demographics. (Learn more at sppl.org/readbrave.)
Directing the visual and communication strategy for community engagement that involved nearly 3,000 residents in developing the Library's 2019-2022 strategic direction.
Beyond my communications and creative direction responsibilities, I chaired the Library's Adult Program Committee, leading a team of 10 staff members in curating community-informed events and activities that reflected and honored the diversity of our city.
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Marketing strategist, metropolitan airports commission
June 2014 - December 2016
Consistently named the Best Airport in North America, MSP Airport epitomized a dynamic working environment.
At the time, the Airport was in the midst of a significant transformation, adding 80 new retailers and restaurants, and I was thrilled to be part of it. I conceived and launched FLY magazine (unfortunately, now defunct), directing the entire visual concept, design team, photography, and illustration to create a digital platform that drove customer engagement and showcased the Airport's unique offerings.
My creative direction extended to leading visual rebranding initiatives for MSP Airport concessions and parking operations, managing marketing strategies for over $160 million in annual revenue streams. I collaborated with creative agencies to ensure consistent brand messaging while spearheading a digital marketing transformation that increased audience engagement and reduced costs.
I also oversaw marketing for MSP's parking operation, partnering with an ad agency to develop the "Park MSP" campaign and the Quick Ride Ramp launch. Working alongside agency creatives, I helped shape the messaging and visual approach that simplified the parking experience for millions of travelers. It's gratifying to see elements of these collaborative projects still in use at the Airport today.
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Communications Consultant
August 2012 - October 2017
In 2012 I took the plunge and launched my own communications and creative consulting business. I consider this my on-the-ground MBA. I worked for clients that ranged from colleges and universities to nonprofit organizations such as Girl Scouts River Valleys and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center , budding companies like One Love Organics, advertising agencies like Creed Interactive, and corporations, including Slumberland Furniture, General Mills, and St. Jude Medical (now Abbott).
What’s the commonality between colleges, skincare companies, Girl Scouts, and major corporations? They all lean on creative content and visual storytelling to communicate their objectives. Stories are how people connect, share, inspire, and generate trust. They are the foundation of my work.
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Editorial director, hamline university
June 2009 - August 2012
As Editorial Director for Hamline University, I stretched my wings. I had recently completed a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications degree from the University of Minnesota, and had increased my confidence and ability to write and oversee creative direction after five years as Associate Editor for Carleton College.
At Hamline, I worked with an incredible team of creative professionals from strategic communicators to graphic and web designers to events planners. Together, we transformed the Hamline brand through print, digital, and environmental marketing and on-site experiences.
During my tenure, I redesigned Hamline Magazine and won a 2011 Minnesota Magazine and Publishing Association Gold Award for my efforts. I also earned the 2012 Richard P. Bailey Memorial Award in Journalism from the University.
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Associate editor, carleton college
November 2004 - June 2009
My role as Associate Editor for Carleton College was pivotal to my growth. I became a better writer, creative thinker, and strategist, working with other writers, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and printers. I discovered it is not only the words on the page that tell the story, but also the visual elements, photography, and layout that brings it to life.
My former manager at Carleton is among my most important professional mentors. When I left the College to assume the role of Editorial Director for Hamline University, we remained creative partners and collaborated on several initiatives for Carleton, served as a consulting team for outside organizations, and co-presented at several industry conferences.
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AssistaNT EDITOR, GREENSPRING MEDIA GROUP
March 2003 - November 2004
Greenspring Media Group provided my foundation — and my very first byline! I covered restaurant and retail openings, fashion, and travel for the publisher’s many magazines and resources, including Where Twin Cities, Meetings: Minnesota’s Hospitality Journal, and Twin Cities Living.
Insights Discovery
Green
Yellow
Blue
Red
People who lead with green are characterized as caring, encouraging, sharing, patient, and calm. They value differences, are skilled in conflict resolution, and are curious and keen observers of life.
DISC
Steadiness (S)
S styles are motivated by cooperation, opportunities to help, and sincere appreciation. They are often described as even-tempered, supportive, and tactful.
Training
Intercultural development inventory (IDI)
The IDI assesses intercultural competence — the ability to shift cultural perspective and appropriately adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities. I took the IDI in 2019 and have since embarked on a learning plan to deepen my understanding and advance on the IDI continuum.
Workplace efficacy
I engaged in yearlong coursework with Interculturalist, LLC, a local social enterprise dedicated to helping organizations create workplace efficacy and inclusion, embrace diversity in every job function, and build an interculturally competent workforce.
Organizational change management
In 2019 I received an Organizational Change Leadership certificate from the Vreeman Consulting Team, learning how to align people and engage employees to achieve the greatest success through transition.
Supervisors academy
I completed the City of Saint Paul’s “Supervisors Academy” in 2019. Through this 12-week course, led, in part, by Common Sense Consulting @ Work, I gained skills in promoting a respectful workplace, effective problem solving and conflict resolution, supervision through an equity lens, and communication and coaching for performance.
Education
university of minnesota, minneapolis
M.A. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Graduated August 2008 (GPA 3.9/4.0)
salt institute For documentary studies, PORTLand, ME
CERTIFICATE IN DOCUMENTARY WRITING
Graduated December 2002
Bates college, lewiston, ME
B.A. ENGLISH
Graduated June 2001 (GPA 3.6/4.0)
Awards
Library Journal
2019 Marketer of the Year, Honorable Mention
Hamline University
2012 Richard P. Bailey Memorial Award in Journalism
Minnesota Magazine and publishing association
2011 Gold Award, Hamline Magazine
Work
Promotional Campaigns
Comprehensive strategic communications campaigns I developed to advance institutional priorities and initiatives.
Eliminating Library Late Fines
Set the strategy for and executed an expansive communications campaign for the elimination of Library overdue fines. Moved from a public awareness campaign, creating transparency and learning with the community, to a bold, multi-platform (print, web, social, digital, environmental) marketing campaign. The Library’s website, sppl.org/fine-free and accompanying print documents, have been cited as a go-to resource for other library systems exploring this policy change.
Led the communications creation and strategy for the Library’s 2019-22 strategic direction, including communication to staff members, stakeholders, and the community. Crafted mission/vision/values statements based on community input; interviewed stakeholders; helped to facilitate public listening sessions; wrote and project managed final report.
Aided in the expansion of the Library’s Read Brave program from a teen-focused program within local schools to a citywide, intergenerational program and partnership between the Mayor’s Office, Saint Paul Public Schools, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and more than 20 community groups with a reach exceeding 5,000 people.
digital content
Content I have written for blogs, websites, and digital platforms.
Slumberland Furniture design guides
Partnered with Creed Interactive Digital Agency to develop a content-marketing strategy for Slumberland Furniture. Wrote all articles and video scripts for the resulting product, “Design Tools.”
Betty Crocker
Contributed articles to a General Mills/BettyCrocker.com content-marketing tactic to provide party planning and menu ideas for a variety of themed events.
Magazine articles
Articles I have written for alumni magazines and local publications.
Carleton College Voice
“How to Succeed at (Almost) Everything”
Source (University of Minnesota Extension)
“Making Connections from Farm to School”
Webster University Magazine
Minnesota Monthly
Midwest Home
Media relations
Stories I have pitched to and/or facilitated for the media to advance institutional programs and initiatives.
“In Minnesota libraries, community is part of the collection” — MPR News
“Finally feel free to return that library book you checked out in 1981” — Wall Street Journal
“After dropping late fees, St. Paul libraries see a boost” — KARE 11
“Drag Story Hour slays in St. Paul, and the haters stay home” — City Pages
“Hired to help: St. Paul Public Library social worker assists patrons in need” — MinnPost.com
“St. Paul Citywide Read Brave Takes on Tough Topics” — Library Journal
“New program is bringing the library to a St. Paul Laundromat” — MPR News
Marketing materials
Advertising copy, brochures, and other marketing materials I have written and produced.
Quick Ride Ramp Advertising Campaign
Carleton College Accepted Students Brochure
Creative Writing Programs at Hamline Viewbook
Hamline University Academic Brochure
Hamline University Strategic Plan Update
Hamline School of Education Digital Ad
Girl Scouts River Valleys advertising copy
Testimonials
“Phoebe is a consummate professional and a genuinely idealistic partner. She always comes prepared with an approach that includes a multitude of options. As a creative, she takes critical feedback in stride. She is incredibly organized, shapes and commits to critical dates, and ensures that the final product satisfies the mission and goals for every initiative. I have worked with very few professionals as focused, committed and as inherently talented as Phoebe.”
“Phoebe is not only a joy to work with, but she’s also an extremely talented communications professional. She’s an exceptional writer, has great ideas and a phenomenal work ethic. I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with her at the MAC and that she remains a trusted resource for me in our field.”
“Phoebe is a dream colleague — a collaborator you can count on to bring engaging ideas, powerful work ethic, smarts, and effective communication to any project, all while keeping the greater goals in mind. On top of that, she has a keen sense of perspective and helps to keep those around her grounded in what’s important and what’s not. She’s a joy to work with, and I consider her one of my best coworkers.”
“Phoebe is the kind of colleague who makes you cook up projects just so you can work with her. She approaches every project with an enthusiasm and a kind of roll-up-your-sleeves attitude that is infectious and motivating. She really cares about the quality of the work, but also about the people and processes along the way. She has a knack for getting under the surface of a brand and transforming it in a way that connects with every audience. Her creativity assures her communications shine with polish and pizzazz. Any organization could count their lucky stars to have Phoebe’s talents among them. ”
“Phoebe is a master at crafting messages that resonate with an array of audiences, whether this is a high school senior or alumnus from the 1960s, she was is always able to reach them. Her ability to tell the Hamline story to potential students was a key element in their undergraduate enrollment effort. She is a skilled strategic communicator with a strong ability to develop content for marketing and promotional purposes. ”