About Todd DeFeo

Highlights

  • Spearheaded the launch of a global survey for a consumer products company, which generated more than 43 million impressions in about six months. I also managed a product tester program that generated more than 9,000 applications and wide brand visibility.
  • Created a multimedia/online campaign to complement the announcement of an internet safety survey, earning placements in consumer publications such as PC Magazine (also syndicated on Yahoo! News), on parent-targeted Web sites, parent-moderated blogs and social networking sites.
  • Built from scratch a successful media relations campaign for an international software company. As part of the program, I developed press materials, identified key journalists at top-tier publications and established relationships, opening the door to media opportunities and placements.
  • Among the first reporters at the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper to regularly blog about my beat and connect with readers. I was the first reporter to publish video news stories on the newspaper's Web site to accompany the online version of my articles. In doing so, I created a framework for other reporters to follow -- one that is still in use today.

Experience

Weber Shandwick Worldwide, Atlanta, Georgia
Account Supervisor, May 2007-Present

  • Plan and execute strategic public relations/marketing plans for clients ranging from state associations to publicly traded companies to international companies
  • Assist with trade show and event coordination
  • Coordinate and conduct executive media training sessions
  • Build and present compelling presentations
  • Develop press materials (including news releases, case studies and byline articles) conveying key messages to generate interest and action from journalists at critical media outlets
  • Cultivate relationships with key journalists and community leaders
  • Implement social media efforts to complement traditional media relations
  • Work with sister advertising agency to provide clients with comprehensive marketing services

Athens Banner-Herald, Athens, Georgia
Regional Reporter, December 2004-May 2007

  • Responsible for cultivating sources and generating content in two of the nation's fastest-growing counties
  • Wrote articles for the traditional print edition and created multimedia offerings -- including video news segments and audio slideshows -- for the online edition; among the first reporters to regularly blog
  • Repeatedly garnered awards for reporting, including Story of the Year honors from the Georgia AP

Henry Herald McDonough, Georgia
Reporter & Columnist, September 2004-December 2004

  • Reported on education, covering a 32-school system in the then ninth-fastest growing county in the nation
  • Composed a weekly column on historical events, personal hobbies and viewpoints of everyday life

The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville, Tenn.
Reporter & Columnist, February 2002-May 2004

  • Covered criminal justice, the state legislature and local governments in Middle Tennessee
  • Wrote a column giving my take on road trips and leisure activities aimed at reaching Generation X

Education

  • Denison University, Granville, Ohio (2001) -- B.A. in History
  • Disney University, Lake Buena Vista, Florida (1998) -- Ducktorate Degree
  • The Lovett School, Atlanta, Georgia (1997) -- High School Diploma with Honors

Awards & Honors

  • Phoenix Award for Media Relations -- Consumer Products from the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter (November 2008)
  • First place investigative reporting from the Georgia Press Association (June 2008)
  • First place deadline reporting from the Georgia Associated Press (April 2007)
  • Story of the Year from the Georgia Associated Press (April 2006)
  • First place public service reporting from the Georgia Associated Press (April 2006)
  • Second place award for best news story from the Tennessee Press Association (June 2003)
  • Eagle Scout Award from Troop 477, Dunwoody, Georgia (December 1994)

Extracurricular Activities

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