I am dedicated to understanding and gaining insights for outcomes.
On this site you can find insights to help you in my chronicles and posts.
I also provide direct help through consulting services.
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Professional Timeline Story
The Road From Journalist to CMO and Transformational Leader
The Early Years – Finding My Communications Voice
BA in Communication Studies, University of Virginia
My first full-time job – Editorial News Assistant at USA Today launched my career and expertise in communications. It also showed me the power of communications and led to my desire to be a marketing and business professional.
MBA in Marketing and Finance, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
I was proud to be accepted into Kellogg the year it was ranked as the #1 business school by Business Week. Upon graduation, I was selected into the Marketing Manager MBA hire class at the Pepsi-Cola Company. One of nine for the MBA recruitment class. This started my consumer packaged-good career that also included Nestle, Johnson and Johnson and Ogilvy Public Relations.
Consumer Packaged Goods Career
Successive marketing positions managing global consumer brands starting as Assistant Marketing Manager rising to Vice President level: Pepsi-Cola Company, Nestle S.A., Johnson & Johnson, and Ogilvy Public Relations.
Brands managed: Splenda no-calorie sweetener; Benecol Cholesterol reducing spread; Lactaid Milk and OTC supplements; Viactiv calcium supplement; Johnson’s Baby Wipes, Fancy Feast cat food, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Nestle Sweet Success; Public Relations for Advair Asthma Inhaler.
2000
With two years of high double-digit growth, Splenda achieved the #1 market share position in its third year.
Global Group Product Director for Splenda, leading the marketing launch in the US and the relaunch of the brand worldwide. Success led to an expanded role over additional J&J nutritional brands and subsequently, a new leadership position on Johnson’s Baby Worldwide Product Management team.
2002
Selected for J&J Women’s Leadership Board Initiatives
Selected to participate in the J&J Women’s Executive Leadership Board as a mentee and the Smith College Consortium Executive Education Program for women in leadership roles.
2004 – The Start of My Career in Education Marketing and Product Management
From Consumer Marketing VP to Chief Marketing Officer, Laureate Education, Global Products and Services
Initially hired as VP, Marketing and Product Management, Laureate Online Education, leading marketing and product management for online degree programs and courses for teachers. Quickly promoted to Divisional Vice President, Marketing, Laureate Online Education, with expanded responsibility for leading marketing for Walden University and online partner schools. Functions included Market Research & Analytics, Marketing Communications, Demand Generation, Database Marketing, PR and Alumni Relations. Promoted again to CMO with accountability growing to leadership over 14 schools including business development leadership in opening up new partnership marketing models for non-Laureate owned schools.
2006
Walden Brand Re-Launch
Brand awareness and relevance tripled and contributed to significant enrollment growth.
2007-2012
Honing my strategic skills in transformational marketing strategies
Developed launch strategies for new schools joining the Laureate Network which were global in scope for student recruitment. Developed new brands and revitalized brands. Launched the product management function within the new schools: Kendall College, NewSchool of Architecture & Design, Santa Fe University of Art & Design, National Hispanic University, St. Augustine University for Health Sciences, two Laureate Swiss Hospitality schools, two Italian design schools, and partnerships with the University of Liverpool Online, and the University of Roehampton-Online.
2013
First US non-profit school partners with Laureate
Laureate partners with the University of Miami for online graduate degree program services, the first US non-profit university partnership. Led marketing and product management for the online program launch.
2014
Launch of Torrens University Australia
Laureate opens a new university in Australia. Developed and led the brand, marketing, and product launch strategy for the opening of the first new university approved to open in Australia in over 20 years – Torrens University Australia.
2015
A hard decision, but a new adventure begins with Pearson, expanding my expertise into the K-12 education segment.
Joined Pearson’s Online and Blended Learning Division as SVP Marketing for Connections Education K-12 Virtual Schools.
Invited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Glion Institute of Higher Education and began my Board of Directors work.
Headquartered in Glion Switzerland, GIHE is a US-accredited university with a focus on hospitality and culinary management serving students from around the globe. Subsequently invited to serve on the following board of directors: Blossom Inc., College Success Foundation, Washington DC, and St Augustine University for Health Sciences.
2016
Promoted: EVP| Marketing and Enrollment Services, Pearson Online & Blended Learning
Promoted from SVP Marketing to an expanded role of EVP including enrollment, placement, and student support programs for Connections Academy K-12 virtual schools (franchise model) and white-label partner programs. Supported business development in B2B efforts to open new school districts to use our online program and services.
Launched channel attribution and data mining.
Advanced data-based mining and analytics for channel marketing to determine the most efficient and effective marketing mix for Connections Academy Schools.
2017
Segmentation study results reshape marketing and enrollment management strategies and tactics for Connections Academy K-12 Schools.
Identified a new target market for k-12 virtual schooling that shaped marketing communications plans and advertising.
2018
Connections Academy applications surge by June 2018 for the fall 2018 school start.
Left Pearson in great shape for the next enrollment season. Applications surge early at Connections Academy with the new go-to-market strategy based on segmentation, marketing channel attribution analytics, and customer journey strategy execution.
JANUARY 2019
Started Leftrict Consulting. Attained my first BIG client in April 2019 – Stride Inc.
Contracted by the CEO of Stride Inc. (formerly K12 Learning) to develop a new student engagement partnership model for blended learning. Additionally supported the launch of a new executive-level function, “Student Experience” that reported to the CEO. The success of the first projects resulted in a third initiative to lead a cross-functional team exploring a new learning model approach. The recommendation was approved by the CEO and the executive committee.
2020 – 2023
Consulting business expanded through my network and referrals
Expert Advisor to Sora Schools: a new projected-based virtual high school with an innovative model designed to improve student engagement and career readiness. I advised the school on marketing and growth strategies.
Business Advisor and Strategy Consultant for KID Museum: Led initiatives to address the segmented needs of donors, supporters, members, and constituents (school districts and government officials) for this maker-learning education service product for schools and families.
Product Strategy Advisor with World Education Service (WES): Leading development and exploration initiatives.
Brand Strategy Advisor: (Confidential clients)
· Led brand strategy work for a college to expand its presence in new programming areas.
· Helped a K-12 education service product expand its market by repositioning its features and benefits
2023-2025
Joined the WES team as the Director of New Product Development on the Innovation team. Incubated new revenue generating service opportunities for the future.
2026-Present
Focus shift - retirement from full-time employment, now focusing on personal and professional growth for myself, mentees, and select consulting clients.
