Cecilie Danielle Nelson
Television
Live Audience, Let’s Make A Deal w/ Wayne Brady, Los Angeles, CA, 3/18/10
TV Interview, “Local Woman Goes Public About Getting Healthy”, KFMB News-CBS, San Diego, 2/08
TV Interview, “Health Challenge”, KUSI News 9/51 San Diego, 1/08
TV Interview, American Heart Association’s National Start! Challenge 2008, one of six national participants; NBC 7/39 KNSD, San Diego, CA, 2008
TV Interview, American Heart Association’s National Start! Challenge 2008 CBS Early Show, New York, NY, 1/08
Live Audience Reaction in Chicago, The Apprentice-Live Season Finale, Spring 2004
Theater & Stage
Co-Presenter, “Women’s Initiatives: A Winning Strategy”, 22nd Annual LMA Conference, Los Angeles, CA, 3/08
Moderator, “Diversity and Law Firm Websites,” 7th Annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference, MCCA, New York, NY, 11/06
Winner – Best Overall, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Karaoke Contest for Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”, 2005
Panelist, "Raising Internal Awareness and Commitment," 4th Annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference, MCCA, New York, NY, 10/03
Winner – Free Trip to Las Vegas, Dance Off, Barefoot Bar & Grill, San Diego, CA, 1997
Cabaret, Supporting – Rufus King High School, Milwaukee, WI, 1989 – D: Ms. Juptka
Nuts, Understudy and Supporting – Rufus King High School, Milwaukee, WI, 1986 – D: David Mackinson
The Wiz, Supporting – Emmaus Lutheran Church & School, Milwaukee, WI, circa 1980
Helen Keller, Supporting – MLK Community Center, Milwaukee, WI, circa 1980
Education GRADUATE DEGREES PURSUED SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE WORKING FULL TIME!
Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2006
• Master of Science - Integrated Marketing Communications, 2005
University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN
• Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communications, 1996
Special Skills
Language: Spanish
Voice: Soprano
Dialects: Mexican, British, Valley, East Coast
Athletics: 5K and ½ Marathons
Flute
Memberships
National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), 2008-Present
Alesis M!Active 320 USB Monitors/speakers
Mic stand
P Sound Protector
Instrument Mic
MXL 990 Mic
Pro Tools 8.0.3 Software from digidesign (for PC desktop)
WD My Passport external hard drive
Cecilie D. Nelson, MBA, MSIMC
Marketing Professional
Twelve years’ experience building brand image and generating revenue for media, professional services and non-profit industries. Expert in the strategy and execution of B-to-C and B-to-B initiatives, integrating:
 ADVERTISING, WRITING & DESIGN  COMMUNICATIONS, PR
 PROMOTIONS, CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT  MEDIA RELATIONS, MEDIA BUYING
 PROMOTIONS, VENDOR & SPONSOR NEGOTIATIONS  BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Professional Experience
DLA Piper LLP (US), San Diego, CA
Marketing Manager 2007 – 2009
Oversaw marketing activities for the Southern California offices of merged global professional services firm in efforts to align the legacy firm’s brand equity with its post merger identity to extend relationships with existing and potential clients.
• Managed six-figure budgets. Translated national efforts into local events, advertising, sponsorships and media activities; directed hosted events such as client receptions during the 2008 U.S. Golf Open at Torrey Pines and the 2008 BIO International Convention.
• Established partners as experts through media outreach, generating articles and commentary in the markets’ leading news and business publications – collective print and online reach of over 1.5 million readers with minimal duplication.
• Earned the firm the “Preferred Vendor” designation by the majority of its Top 200 clients. Created persuasive pitches and presentations that contributed to the lawyers’ business development success.
• Served as brand steward and creative advisor. Wrote campaign platforms, edited content and served as liaison between the office and the creative team; developed communications and collateral (direct mail/brochures, signage and giveaway items) for the office at-large, as well as the Diversity, Pro Bono and Recruiting Committees.
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Chicago, IL 2001– 2007
Senior Marketing Specialist Promoted 2004 – 2007
Marcom Specialist 2001– 2004
Led multifaceted marketing efforts including advertising strategies and all new media which enhanced visibility of the brand and increased revenues.
• Spearheaded multi-million dollar national media buys on behalf of the Chief Marketing Officer. Advised on branding and sponsorship opportunities; negotiated rates; maintained ad schedules and creative production by external vendors and partner agencies; conducted focus groups to assess customer needs and interests; wrote copy for and guided layout and design of marketing collateral.
• Positioned the firm as the “go to” shop for legal services. Publicized first-to-market competitive advantages by implementing custom-tailored and innovative digital content and interactive features on the Website; supervised two direct reports, seven staff and vendors on Web design and content development.
• Art Director, 2008 Communication Arts Photo Annual Awards, Top Five out of 8,500 entries, Andy Goodwin – Photographer, portrait of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal client, Dominick Dunne, for the firm’s annual review.
• Established relationships with the Minority Corporate Council Association (MCCA), setting sponsorship agreements and terms resulting in higher than average speaker placement.
Sonnenschein, Senior Marketing Specialist cont’d.
• Tapped to lead development, execution and distribution of the Centennial documentary, partner memorial and tribute videos to leverage the firm’s rich history for the purpose of growing and extending relationships with clients. Wrote scripts and talking points for leadership; organized the efforts of videographers/photographers and staff in producing pieces for sales presentations, internal communications and TV broadcasts.
American Bar Association (membership organization), Chicago, IL
Marketing Lead 2000 – 2001
• Managed redesign and implementation of the ABAnetwork™ brand and logo, negotiating creative concepts and production schedules w/ design agency.
• Orchestrated planning for ABAnetwork presence at Annual Meeting 2000 in New York, overseeing the budget and logistics; worked with creative agency to develop marketing collateral; handled similar efforts for presence at ABA Mid-year Meeting 2001 in San Diego.
The San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego, CA
Online Marketing Specialist, 1997 – 2000
Implemented effective engagement strategies to ensure positive brand experience and subscriber enthusiasm for online entertainment and news.
• Boosted online traffic and print subscriptions with a $10,000 sweepstakes to promote launch of the new media endeavor; handled strategic planning and coordination of special projects/events; negotiated cross- and on-air promotions with key media affiliates such as local Clear Channel radio stations, advertising clients, local sports franchises and entertainment venues; interfaced with creative, sales and technology departments to respond to sales inquiries, devise loyalty programs and address any challenges.
• Managed outside vendors (graphic artists, copywriters, printers) and media partners on production of multi-media campaigns, collateral (media kits, bill stuffers, etc.) and advertising (print, TV, radio commercials); evaluated and approved creative throughout all phases of development.
• Authored weekly column for ComputerLink; wrote newsletters and press releases; developed creative copy for print, radio and television advertising; authored executive reports and proposals.
Academic Achievements and Language(s)
Graduate degrees pursued simultaneously while working full time.
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2006
• Master of Science - Integrated Marketing Communications, 2005
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• BA, Speech Communications, 1996
Languages -- Spanish
Affiliations
• American Marketing Association, 2002 - Present
• National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), 2008 - Present
• The San Diego Foundation, Marcom Advisory Board, 2008 – Present