Ken Hitchner NJ

Hi, I'm Kenneth Hitchner, a Corporate Communications Strategist who knows how to protect and promote the brand. I know how to make people look good by solving their problems. In my spare time, I build reputations, audience and revenues.

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I offer an exceptional record of achievement in the management of corporate social media, public relations, publications, and communications operations within the non-profit and for-profit sectors. My areas of special expertise include developing public relations and communications plans, resolving high-profile issues, and providing PR and social media services for large companies. I am skilled at reorganizing departments to increase efficiency, delivering strategies to drive revenue growth, and maximizing brand visibility for clients. Previously, I served as a PR & Social Media Director, Public Information Officer, Spokesperson, and Press Secretary.

Content Strategy Director (Web, Public Relations & Social Media) at Creative Marketing Alliance/CMA Association Management

July 2014 - Present | Princeton Junction, N.J.

Title: Content Strategy Director (Web, Public Relations & Social Media), CMA Company Name: Creative Marketing Alliance/CMA Association Management Location: Princeton Junction, NJ Time Period: 2014 – Present Job Description: I oversee the development of PR, media relations, social media marketing, digital marketing, and executive communication solutions for this provider of B2B and B2C marketing and communications services. I supervise a team of PR and social media account executives and serve as a member of the New Business team. I also manage publications for marketing clients and associations. Accomplishments: • Increased media placements 400% in 2 years by creating a highly effective scorecard program. • Managed a PR team that placed clients in front of 2.5 million targeted individuals every day in 2017 and averaged a client placement in the news every 7 hours. • Improved media placements from 100 to 1,208 per year by hiring top-tier talent and creating a system of personal accountability. • Played a key role in the New Business team exceeding sales goals from 2014 to 2017 and improving top-line revenue 20% while raising state ranking from 8th to 2nd among NJ marketing firms. • Established the Brand 24/7 program that enabled clients to build brand awareness without using ad dollars. • Reduced costs 36% by negotiating lower pricing with vendors and selecting alternate vendors. • Designed and launched a highly successful Content Marketing team. • Produced a 112% increase in client results by restructuring the department in the first year. • Created an in-house marketing program that delivered a record number of new client contracts. Awards & Recognition: • Facilitated the company earning 2016 Outstanding Small Business of the Year (MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce) by guiding the development of innovative strategic communications brand campaigns. • Led the PR/Social Media unit to 15 industry awards from 2017 to 2018, including Best Social Media for Associations in the U.S. (International Card Manufacturers Association), NJ Ad Club Gold Award-Media Relations (NJSNA), NJ Ad Club Gold Award-Facebook Marketing (NJSNA). • Presented on PR and social media topics for various regional and national groups.

Director, Communications at Professional Service Group Of Central New Jersey

March 2011 - July 2014 | Somerville, N.J.

Kenneth Hitchner promotes the nonprofit's objectives and benefits for the unemployed community through marketing efforts. He motivated 45 percent of members to improve their online professional profiles, leading up to the 2012 PSGCNJ job fair. Kenneth devised and implemented a marketing campaign that increased attendance at the 2012 job fair by 15 percent.

Senior Public Information Officer at NJ Transit

June 2002 - March 2011 | Newark, N.J.

Kenneth Hitchner maintained a media-facing role and successfully handled external and internal communications for New Jersey's public transportation corporation. He served as communications counsel for the executive team; prepared senior leaders for interviews, and wrote speeches for speaking engagements. Kenneth built new employee-centric communications programs to support company's mission. (2006-2011). He developed and implemented communications strategies in connection with system improvements to the Midtown Direct Service, resulting in weekly ridership growth from 4,000 trips to 30,000+ trips from 1996-2006. Kenneth avoided a potential challenge to NJ Transit's reputation after a train derailment incident. Crafted compelling messages and responded immediately to media requests. He conceptualized and created the prototype for a monthly public-facing publication supported by in-book advertising. Program projections included a 12 percent ROI and $189K annual cost savings. Kenneth created the slogan and communication delivery framework for the company’s new executive director, including sharing ideas with internal and external publications in connection with the "€œModernizing our Network" theme focused on developing new transit hubs, green initiatives, and building new partnerships.

Deputy Press Secretary at N.J. Governor's Office

August 2005 - January 2006 | Trenton, N.J.

Kenneth Hitchner was selected to shape external messaging and media-relations strategies for Richard Codey following Jim McGreevey'€™s resignation. He composed 60+ speeches, talking points, press releases, and event briefings that shaped public image and legacy. He promoted external marketing strategy around commitment to public safety and consumer protection.

Senior Editor/Senior Reporter at Thomson Reuters

January 2000 - June 2002 | New York, N.Y.

Kenneth Hitchner was selected to create a new website with original content for Financial Planning Magazine focused on news, commentary, and community for financial planners. He re-launched an existing website with original content for then-Thomson Financial’s Financial Planning Magazine. He grew U.S. market share from zero to 30 percent in just 12 months. He implemented a unique industry-specific coverage strategy, which grew the web audience from 1,500 to 60,000+ unique monthly visitors.

Business Reporter / Section Manager, Sports / Assistant Sports Editor at Gannett

March 1989 - January 2000 | Bridgewater, N.J. and Vineland, N.J.

Kenneth Hitchner built a high performance team for a daily newspaper. He created the structure to report on sporting events at eight high schools with multiple sports per season. He assumed increased levels of responsibility via promotion over tenure. Kenneth placed in the "Top 20 Sports Sections in the U.S."€ as recognized by the Associated Press (1992 and 1993). He was named "€œBest First-Year Journalist in State"€ by The New Jersey Press Association.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick

Certificate

Concentration: Social Media Marketing

Temple University

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Concentration: Journalism

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Concentration: Marketing

HubSpot Academy

Certificate

Concentration: Content Marketing

Activities: I learned how to create content that aligns with the "buyer's journey" and the sales funnel.

Google Analytics

Certificate

Concentration: Analytics

Activities: i learned how to leverage data to improve content and results.

Solving problems, identifying special people, building winning teams, fostering community