Jacki Halas

environmental enthusiast; avid sports fan; runner; news junkie; style spy; Spartan alum; communications professional at blue cross blue shield of michigan; board of director for international association of business communicators (detroit)

Profile

Jacki Halas
Director of Marketing at Digital Roots
Public Relations and Communications | Greater Detroit Area, US

Experience

  • Nov 2012 - Present
    Director of Marketing / Digital Roots
  • Jun 2012 - Present
    Communications Board Chair / International Association of Business Communicators - Heritage Region
  • May 2012 - Present
    Digital Communications and Social Media Strategist / Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • May 2011 - Present
    Event Logistics/PR for President and CEO / Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Feb 2011 - Present
    Managing Editor / Girls in Tech Detroit
    • Improved digital publishing process and attracted new contributing bloggers and guest writers to site • Developed editorial calendar with best-in-class approach to blogging in effort to spotlight and connect Metro Detroit’s finest female technology enthusiasts
  • Jan 2009 - Present
    Board of Director / International Association of Business Communicators - Detroit
    • Helped to connect Detroit-area communications professionals through this organization; played integral part in boosting chapter registrations and retaining members • Developed and coordinated social web presence; introduced new tools and technology to Association
  • Mar 2008 - Present
    Communications Specialist / Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
    • Played active role in launching social media initiatives, including online newsroom, Healthier Michigan microsite, corporate blog, brand presence on numerous social networks

 • Successfully led, coordinated and executed upon integrated communications campaigns to increase web adoption by 22 percent and heighten public awareness about Michigan Blues’ nonprofit mission • Produced award-winning business-to-business and member collateral for new health care plans • Worked cross-functionally across organization to implement new communication technologies, such as on-hold audio messaging to promote online suite of wellness resources
  • Jan 2006 - Present
    News Correspondent / Capital News Service
    • Reported on political issues from state capital for wire news service
 • Regionalized stories for local Michigan newspapers • Regularly published in various newspapers across the state (14 in total)
  • Dec 2006 - Present
    Public Relations / Michigan Nature Association
    • Utilized media relations skills to secure news coverage and cause marketing tactics to develop effective communications collateral and public service announcements • Assisted in planning and hosting events that genereated funds and awareness for land conservancy efforts
  • May 2006 - Present
    Features Writer / The Oakland Press
    • Wrote business, entertainment, health and fashion feature stories for the daily paper • Designed a features page cover using InDesign
  • Feb 2006 - Present
    Press Office Intern / Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
    • Planned and facilitated press conferences and media events • Revised important documents, such as Michigan’s Air Toxics Rules • Provided insight and counsel on how to better structure website to enhance the user experience
  • Oct 2005 - Present
    Copy Editor / Red Cedar Log
    • Planned and edited content for the nation’s largest yearbook • Managed a team of journalism interns who wrote contributing stories
  • Oct 2004 - Present
    Staff Writer / E.J. Magazine
    • Wrote feature stories for one of the only student-produced magazines about environmental issues in the country • Publication received a first-place Mark of Excellence Award for Best Student Magazine from the Society of Professional Journalists and was awarded the Environmental Business Award by the Michigan Audubon Society while I was a contributing writer
  • Feb 2003 - Present
    Staff Writer / The Big Green Online Magazine
    • Recruited to write for Michigan State University’s first online magazine • Covered campus and student issues; helped to promote and expand publication’s brand and circulation

Education

  • 2011 - 2014
    Central Michigan University
    Masters in Business Administration, Leadership
  • 2003 - 2007
    Michigan State University
    B.A. in Journalism, Environmental Studies
    Activities: Public Relations Student Society of America, Journalism Student Advisory Council, Environmental Journalism Association (Secretary), Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment

Additional Information

Websites:
Michigan Discount, Healthier Michigan, Company Website
Interests:
Journalism, market trends, environmental and public health issues, volunteering, running, soccer, snowboarding, Detroit sports
My LinkedIn
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