LaWanda D.

Forte
lawanda.forte@gmail.com
LinkedIn

Professional Skills Summary

A self-motivated and organized communications professional experienced in marketing, public relations
and event management.

* Strategic communications * Brand consistency * Web content curation

* Event management * Social media * Marketing communications
* Employee communications * Media relations * Budget management
* Project management * Leadership * Medical terminology
* Volunteer management * Community outreach * Customer service
* Database management * Computer skills * Time management
* News writing * Photography * AP stylebook knowledge

Work Experience

Public Relations Specialist, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC 2015- Present

Write and coordinate production of content including photography and videography for
publications, web and social media venues.
Coordinate the preparation, printing and distribution of publications and special projects.
Conduct interviews, research and write news releases, articles, multimedia web content, and
feature stories to publicize and promote Duke University School of Nursing activities and
programs.
Maintain ongoing interface with departmental personnel to elicit news and promotional items of
interest.
Edit copy from a variety of sources.
Draft messaging, articles and opinion pieces on behalf of the Schools Dean, the Office of the
Dean, the Office of Marketing and Communications, and other units and individuals.
Develop and write talking points and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Interface with Duke University Health Systems Office of News and Communications, as well as
Duke Universitys Office of News and Communications to coordinate dissemination of
information from Duke University School of Nursing.
Write, edit and produce material for School of Nursing-based media including social media, web-
based news stories, various publications and e-newsletters such as the Monday Update.
Respond to media requests for information and articles concerning activities within the Duke
University School of Nursing.
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Corporate Communications Specialist, Cone Health, Greensboro, NC 2011- Present

Responsible for the planning, production and distribution of employee/internal communications.

Serves as editor of the employee publication, which includes writing, editing and producing the
monthly publication.
Serves as content producer for the employee intranet site, which includes writing and editing
stories daily, Monday through Friday.
Serves as editor for the online consumer newsletter, which includes writing and editing up to 10
stories a month.
Proofreads and edits written documents produced by the department.
Manages the work of freelance photographers and designers.
Evaluates effectiveness of internal communication strategies and recommends adjustments
accordingly.
Interfaces with appropriate vice presidents and department heads to develop communication plans
for internal issues.
In collaboration with the external communications manager, maintains relationships with area
media within the health systems market.
Responds to media requests for information, including patient condition reports.
Escorts media throughout health system for interviews and photo shoots.
Prepares and distributes news releases, media alerts and other materials as needed.
Prepares and sends daily news briefings to health systems executive leadership.
In collaboration with the corporate events manager, plans and coordinates corporate events such
as the Womens Only 5K Walk & Run, neonatal intensive care unit reunion, ground breakings,
major announcement kick-offs, and grand openings.
Coordinates on-going Yellow Pages advertising for the health system, including six hospitals,
three medical centers, four urgent cares, and more than 100 physician practices.

Event Director, Imagine Events, Winston Salem, NC 2011 - Present

Plans and coordinates events such as the High Point Market Authority spring and fall furniture
markets and company galas.
Oversees event budgets, timelines, orderings and logistics.
Researches and selects venues, vendors, and other resources.
Creates event marketing and communication plans.

Patient Access Supervisor, Cone Health, Greensboro, NC 2006 - 2011

Supervised, assisted and directed the planning, coordination and facilitation of the admissions
department. These areas include: preadmission, admission, collections of demographic and
financial information, point of service collections and insurance verification.
Supervised departmental quality improvement efforts to achieve productivity, efficiency and
satisfaction of internal and external customers.
Developed short-term and long-term departmental goals and objectives.
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Developed, maintained, and monitored budgets to ensure an overall annual positive variance.
Interviewed and hired new employees and oversaw scheduling and work assignments.
Managed thirty employees including representing Cone Health at unemployment hearings.

Education and Certifications

Master of Science Communications

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 2016 2017

Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication Management

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 2016 2016

Bachelor of Science Journalism & Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations
North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 2008 2011
Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Professional Organizations

Public Relations Society of America 2012 Present

REFERENCES ARE AVAILABLE