MARINA CORYAT JOSEPH

mc10e60ba@westpost.net * 713-585-6591
PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONALTURNS GREEN
With over 16 years of environmental and governmental experience and a proven tra
ck record, Chief Spokesperson and Public Relations Manager turns trash into a tr
easure by positively creating strategies to inform and educate Houston residents
about the benefits of recycling and effective waste management practices. Deve
lopment and execution of successful public information campaigns have contribute
d to increasing Houston's recycling rate from 2% to 26%, diverting reusable mate
rials from area landfills and saving millions of tax dollars. These benefits co
mbined with proactive, responsive crisis communications during and after natural
disasters have favorably positioned the department with national recognition an
d local appreciation.
KEY AREAS:
Crisis Communications Reputation Management Strategic Communication P
lans
Special Events Planning Leadership Promotions
Advertisement Placement Social Media Environmental Messaging
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Public Information Manager - City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department
(2000 to Present)
Department Spokesperson. Lead department's Public Information Office staff. Di
rect and organize all information concerning the department's programs, special
events, press conferences, interviews, website, social media and Texas Public In
formation Act requests. Create communication plans, compose and /or review news
releases, articles and newsletters that deliver organization's key message. Pit
ch story ideas to broadcast and print media to increase public awareness. Estab
lish specifications for the selection of contractors for outside products and se
rvices, as well as oversee their work on projects. Strategically procure media a
dvertisements to attain project goals and reach target audiences. Advise manage
ment of public relations/political implications of policy decisions. Attain cos
t-effective and sustainable solutions through collaborations with media, Mayor's
office and other stakeholders.
Key Accomplishments:
* In first year as lead spokesperson, tackled two monumental public relations ch
allenges - the department's rescheduling of more than 300,000 households with ne
w service dates and Houston's Tropical Storm Allison debris cleanup. Utilized m
ulti-prong public relations approach to disseminate critical, time-sensitive mes
saging to constituents to expedite cleanup of storm debris resulting in favorabl
e press for the City of Houston, Mayor and department.
* As a NIMS certified Public Information Officer of the City's Emergency Managem
ent Team, worked during and after Tropical Storm Allison, Hurricanes Rita and Ik
e with Mayor's Communications Office to field national, state and local media ca
lls. Expeditiously obtained information from various departments to accurately
prepare Mayor's talking points for emergency-related press conferences.
* For over 9 years have produced and hosted quarterly "Wasting No Time" cable te
levision program on HTV/The Municipal Channel.
* Due to the city's acquisition of contract areas in 2007, department rerouted t
he majority of its service area. Orchestrated and successfully publicized these
changes in solid waste collection service days and provider to approximately 39
0,000 Houston households utilizing radio, website, TV, signs, phone banks, lette
rs, postcards, social media and e-communications. Through effective communicati
ons, citizens quickly adapted to change and department realized savings and incr
eased operational efficiencies.
* In 2010, strategized, created and coordinated the Yard Trimmings Recycling Pro
gram informational campaign which resulted in virtual voluntary compliance and $
1.4 million savings annually from department's budget while diverting recyclable
s from area landfills.
EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
CORNELL UNIVERSITY - Ithaca, New York, Bachelor of Arts in Government (1990)
LEADERSHIP HOUSTON, Class XXIX (2010-2011)
Current and Past Affiliations
* Toastmasters International, Inc. Chapter 9511, (2003-present), Founder and Cha
rter Member of Lunch Bunch Toastmasters, Advanced Communicator Bronze, Vice P
resident-Publicity
* PIO Network (2009-present)
* Houston Association of Black Journalists (1997-2006, 2009), past Sergeant-At-A
rms, past Secretary
* Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (2003-2005)
Honors
* 2007 Outstanding Texan Award, "For Inspiring Others to Lead", Awarded by Texas
Legislative Black Caucus
* 2006 Good Samaritan Award, "For Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Commu
nity," Awarded by City Wide Club
* 1991 Young Professional of the Year, Awarded by Houston Chronicle
Skills
* Spanish
* NIMS Public Information Systems certificate from Emergency Management Institu
te/FEMA
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Public Information Officer - Solid Waste Management Department (1993 t
o 2000)
Backup spokesperson. Addressed media, Council Member and public inquiries to re
solve sensitive issues and minimize negative publicity. Helped to prepare infor
mation for press conferences and media interviews. Monitored City Council meetin
gs for department-related agenda items and public concerns. Prepared Public Ser
vice Announcements (PSAs), Requests for Council Action and correspondence for Di
rector.
Key Accomplishments:
* Established and maintained strong relations with community, elected officials
and media which contributed to over 93% customer satisfaction rating.
* As Publicity Chairperson for the City of Houston Public Service Recognition We
ek (PSRW), promoted City of Houston's PSRW activities to recognize, reward and i
mprove City employees' morale and public awareness for their work by preparing p
ress packages and letters as well as writing and taping of public service announ
cements.
* Wrote articles and took pictures for APEX award-winning department newsletter.

Community Development Assistant I - Housing and Community Development Dept. (199

2 - 1993)
Drafted and assisted in the development of departmental policies and procedures.
Coordinated departmental compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, Drug
Policy, and Affirmative Action, Safety, and Employee Commute Options program.
Represented the department at meetings, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors,
Personnel and Employee Commute Options Meetings.
Key Accomplishments:
* Established and coordinated a departmental recycling program.
* Assisted in creating the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded real
property inventory for the City of Houston. HUD removed negative citation from
City for producing this listing.
* Developed and planned department's annual employee luncheon.
Customer Service Representative - Office of the Mayor (1991-1992)
Managed the Mayor's Citizen's Assistance Office satellite location in the Height
s. Tactfully coordinated with City departments to address citizens' concerns and
provide information. Presented proclamations and represented the Mayor at comm
unity and cultural events. Conducted research and prepared correspondence for t
he Mayor.