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Winner: Kristy Finch
Broadcast Media Director, Alpaytac
Considered the Alpaytac team’s “secret weapon,” Kristy Finch taps into her previous experience as a TV producer to develop unique pitches for the media. It’s a strategy that has netted her clients more than 56.9 million total impressions.
The 14 years she spent producing live television for FOX Chicago has also helped establish herself as a media leader with multiple connections, who can be tapped for great placements. For example, when MMA promotion Bellator Fighting Championships expressed interest in being featured in the Wall Street Journal, Finch made it happen; Bellator chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney appeared on WSJ.com in February 2011 to talk about the rapid growth within the MMA industry.—SP
PR Touchdown:
“Getting our private plane client on an ABC prime time show. The plane took the stars of the show from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and back for a special date.”
Hometown: Milwaukee
Favorite Movie: Broadcast News
Most Inspiring Athlete: Pat Tillman
Favorite Team: Green Bay Packers
Honorable Mentions:
Danielle Cass, National PR & Media Relations Communications, Manager, Kaiser Permanente: Danielle Cass helped draw awareness to KP’s research and innovation efforts—doubling positive media placements for the company.
Alison Croyle, Manager of Corporate Communications, JetBlue Airways: During “Carmageddon,” Alison Croyle’s team grabbed great media coverage for providing an option to fly over the crippling gridlock for only $4.
Erin Howard, Account Supervisor, Peppercom: Erin Howard guided Gevo through a successful IPO, helping the biofuel company attract coverage from top-tier outlets.
Barry Nelson, Manager of Media Relations, John Deere: Nelson’s “quality products” message helped John Deere to five consecutive quarters of sales growth.
Mandy Treeby, External Relations Manager, Tide Brand, Procter & Gamble: Tide received prominent earned media coverage by providing direct disaster relief to those affected by the Joplin, Mo., tornado.