Chris Ourand, MIM

(Master of International Business Management)

Severna Park, Md. 21146 (443) 481-8866 chris@chrisocom.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisourand

Marketing, Public Relations and Communications Expert

Award-winning professional with 15+ years of experience leading marketing, PR and internal communications for non-profits and corporations across diverse industries. Respected leader of creative teams, multi-media projects and communications departments. Conceptualize and orchestrate campaigns that support sales, partnerships, and build and reinforce brands. Proven ability to raise awareness, engage audiences, drive marketing response rates and measure success.
Areas of Excellence

Marketing Strategies & Campaigns Experienced Speaker & Moderator Product Positioning, Branding

Public & Media Relations

Corporate, Employee & Investor Relations Government Legislation/ Regulation Monitoring

Social Media

Fund Raising

Blog/Content Writing

Professional Experience Owner | Chris O. Communications | Severna Park, MD| 2003 - Present Develop and fulfill objectives for companies seeking new markets, launching products/services or otherwise capitalizing on competitive advantages. Deploy integrated marketing/content/PR/social media programs that emphasize positioning, strategy, key messages and tactics. Represent companies in B2B/B2C/B2G and non-profit industries needing successful interaction with end user, channel and influencer audiences.
Key Achievements:

Championed the branding effort that guided audiences toward a positive perception of construction/ engineering firm; included succinct messaging, recognizable marketing materials such as a website/ads, and sales support with PR/case studies that highlighted brand's mission Served as outsourced Chief Marketing Officer to launch startup job board/video application site; achieved thousands of users via product demonstrations to feeder groups, through key-word content/SEO, from media stories such as Tech Cocktail, and due to a social media presence that included Facebook pay-per-click advertising/user engagement Reinforced customer loyalty with email marketing for provider of enterprise software and technology; resulting awareness/education achieved hundreds of web page views and dozens of business development conversations Created employee communications program to help ITT divest and split into three companies Increased number of entries by 50% for National Capital Business Ethics Awards Supported procurement efforts at defense contractors with strategic reviews and technical writing

Publisher/Editor | Arundel Business News | Severna Park, MD | 2009 - 2012 Sold this publication after building a substantial base of advertisers and subscribers into a community. Participants received a weekly email, commented on content in the blog and contributed to an active LinkedIn group regarding local businesses and events. Corporate Communications Manager | Metastorm | Columbia, MD and London, UK | 2001- 2003 Built this process management software firm and its brand in an emerging market. Oversaw new corporate identity and Web development, heightened trade-show presence and managed public and analyst relations. Created valueproposition collateral that educated prospects, customers, partners, investors, media and analysts and drastically increased product demand.
Key Achievements:

Chris Ourand, MIM

(Master of International Business Management)

Severna Park, Md. 21146 (443) 481-8866 chris@chrisocom.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisourand

Successfully launched firm's first public relations program, achieving placement of prominent features and bylined articles in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and trade publications including Federal Computer Week and Web Services Journal Produced advertising, webinars, collateral and demographic information in support of sales presentations and other objectives; efforts were credited as instrumental in a positive movement in market-ranking research and white papers Drove the analyst relations program that led to Metastorms placement in the leadership section of the first Gartner Magic Quadrant report for BPM software Earned commendations that led to industry awards and non-compensated speaking engagements to heighten awareness of the firm and its products and services

Senior Account Manager | Strategic Communications Group | Silver Spring, MD | 1998 - 2001 Increased market share for technology clients focused on enterprise software and professional services clients in commercial real estate and management consulting. Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies for public relations, advertising, and sales promotions to end users and resellers. Oversaw three teams that successfully enhanced third-party credibility through media coverage, industry award opportunities and speaking engagements. Held full P&L responsibility.
Key Achievements:

Raised analysts, venture capitalists and other influencers awareness of clients by creation of strong, lasting and mutually beneficial relationships between them and the client Built sales pipeline through advertising and direct marketing campaigns Co-authored Best Practices Manual for Public Relations that was distributed company-wide and to clients

Director of Marketing & Communications | NIMA International | Washington D.C. | 1995 - 1998 Director of Communications & Public Affairs | National Association for Senior Living Industries Annapolis, MD | 1991 - 1995 Event Planner | Marriott Corporation | Bethesda, MD | 1989 - 1991 Institute for International Studies & Training | Japan | 1988 Education Master of International Business Management; University of Maryland, College Park, MD Bachelor of Science, Journalism; University of Maryland, College Park, MD Professional Affiliations

Social Media/Event Committee Member, Chesapeake Regional Technology Council Member, Public Relations Society of America Former Board Member and current participant, Anne Arundel Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program; implemented development effort that raised funds and helped meet budget