Resume

Overview: Maris Callahan is an experienced freelance PR and marketing professional who has led numerous successful media campaigns, social media and interactive marketing campaigns, new product launch events and store openings. A talented writer and media relations expert with a keen interest in researching and reporting trends, Maris has helped companies create buzz and raise awareness about their products and services to help increase sales and meet business goals.

Public Relations Experience:

Maris Callahan Marketing  & Public Relations, Principal 
Chicago, IL (December 2010 – present)

  • Launched own successful business providing public relations, social media, marketing and freelance writing services for large corporations, marketing companies, Web sites and start-ups.
  • Write public relations and marketing strategies, press releases, media kits and web content for clients including Black Ensemble Theater Bombay Wraps, Aligned Modern Health, DietsInReview.com, Institute of Food Technologists, Mediterranean Snack Food Company, Snackbox Public Relations, TheJMom.com, Westminster Cracker Company.
  • Manage traditional + social media efforts for clients, including outreach to broadcast, online, local and national print and bloggers.
  • Researched and wrote Web content, newsletter copy and press releases about food trends, safety and legislation for the Institute of Food Technologists.
  • Write and manage content for social networks; launched Facebook and Twitter page for Westminster Cracker Company.
  • Plan, coordinate and execute launch events, store openings and media events for clients.
  • Develop and manage budgets for client programs.

Burson-Marsteller, Associate
Chicago, IL (April 2010 – January 2011)
Clients: Wheat Foods Council, Hormel Foods

  • Write marketing strategies, communications plans, mat releases, press releases, pitch letters, youth educational materials for client programming, monthly reports.
  • Develop/execute media strategies re: product announcements, campaigns & industry trends.
  • Lead and manage blogger relationships on behalf of clients in the food, health and lifestyle arena.

Edelman Public Relations, Account Executive
New York, NY (February 2008 – March 2010)
Clients: Canon Inc, Barilla, Starbucks, Quaker Oats

  • Write media strategies, pitch letters, press materials and reporting memos.
  • Research and report on industry trends about food/beverage/nutrition and consumer technology.
  • Lead aggressive media outreach efforts for new product launches and brand announcements; secured placements in Family Circle, Women’s Health, Food Network Magazine, Cookie, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, Metropolitan Home, Parenting and others.
  • Serve as day-to-day client manager, conduct daily media monitoring, reporting and tracking and deliver weekly client status reports. 

Lippe Taylor Brand Marketing Associate Account Executive
New York, NY (July 2006 – February 2008)
Clients: American Signature Furniture, Curvation Apparel, Curvation Intimates, David’s Bridal, Doncaster Fashions, Olivia Breast Health Products and Shaklee Corporation.

  • Writing assignments include monthly media and account activity reports, fact sheets, seasonal press releases and media alerts, pitch letters to media.
  • Assist with new business development and outreach, assist in administering client budget trackers, daily media monitoring, continuous client correspondence and event planning/execution.

Editorial Experience:

Contributing Food Writer, DietsInReview.com (October 2010 – present)

  • Write and manage food and nutrition content for DietsInReview.com and create editorial plans for the Diet Blog.
  • Pitch and write numerous trend articles that receive an average 2,764 views per post.
  • Conduct correspondence with celebrity dietitians and “fan favorite” Biggest Loser correspondents for editorial partnerships, events and promotions.
  • Created menu plans based on popular diets and write content for partner sites including Care2.com and Yahoo.com reaching over 2 million readers per day.
  • Create editorial content for HealthBuzz TV on behalf of paying sponsors, frequently over-delivering on impressions.

Food Editor, myGloss.com (June 2010 – September 2010)

  • Researched and wrote 5-7 posts per day about food, cooking, culinary tools and gadgets, recipes, cooking technique and food and beverage trends for female, 28-45 audience.
  • Managed marketing and PR efforts for site; wrote pitch letters, press releases and managed company Twitter account.
  • Developed and managed editorial plan in accordance with editors on other myGloss channels.

Author/Publisher, InGoodTasteBlog.net (May 2008 – present) 

  • Launched popular food blog, In Good Taste, for busy professionals who want to learn more about cooking at home. Reach: 70,000 readers per month.
  • Write and research three to five blog posts per week with original and adapted recipes, food trends, cooking tips and “how-to.”
  • Edit and direct all editorial content on blog, including posts from two contributing writers and additional regular guest posters.
  • Appeared on six morning television segments in Chicago in 2011 to demonstrate recipes and cooking techniques.

Freelance Writer (May 2008 – present)

  • Write articles and blog posts about food, cooking, home décor and design, nutrition, health and wellness for Craft Magazine, FoxNews.com iMag, Shape.com and SheKnows.com.
  • Write content for company websites, start-ups and blogs, including Yellowtail Wines, Dormify.com, Morton’s Steakhouse.
  • Write recipes, culinary tips and cooking “how-to” for clients including Bisquick, GE Appliances, General Mills, Land O’Lakes, Panera Bread, Starbucks/Tazo Tea and TastyKitchen.com.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Writing May 2006

Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA

LINKEDIN:             http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maris-callahan/9/22a/722