Brand Strategy & Design System
I helped lead the communications and brand strategy for Hickory Point Bank & Trust, supporting the development and rollout of messaging that reinforced the bank’s identity as local, experienced, and invested in the communities it serves. My work focused on aligning brand voice, visual identity, and communication channels to create a consistent and recognizable presence across marketing materials, events, and digital platforms. Through strategic messaging and brand planning, I helped highlight the bank’s commitment to trusted local relationships while positioning it as a forward-thinking financial partner for customers and businesses. This work strengthened brand clarity and ensured communications consistently reflected the bank’s values and community-focused mission.
Hickory Point Bank Impact Stories
Board & Colleague Leadership
I served as President and Chair of the Innovation Committee, where I led initiatives focused on identifying new opportunities to strengthen organizational growth, modernize processes, and encourage forward-thinking solutions. In this role, I guided cross-functional collaboration and helped shape innovation strategies that aligned with broader business objectives. I also served on the Communications and Technology committees, where I worked closely with leadership to evaluate emerging tools, improve communication frameworks, and support digital advancement. Through these roles, I regularly engaged with and presented insights to the Board of Directors, helping inform strategic decisions and ensure innovation, technology, and communications remained aligned with the organization’s long-term vision.
Brand Transformation and Digital Enablement
I played a key role in advancing Hickory Point Bank & Trust’s digital capabilities by helping lead several major platform improvements that modernized how the bank served customers and communicated internally. I guided communications and change management for initiatives including a website redesign, intranet modernization, mobile app launch, and the implementation of a new online banking system, ensuring both employees and customers were informed and confident through each transition. These efforts helped strengthen the bank’s digital presence, improve user experience, and support evolving customer expectations. I later returned as a contractor to design and build the bank’s website myself, further enhancing its functionality, usability, and alignment with the bank’s brand and long-term digital strategy.
PR & Thought Leadership
At Hickory Point Bank, I supported thought leadership initiatives that reinforced the bank’s position as a trusted local financial partner. Through media relations, strategic video campaigns, and well-developed communications strategies, I helped highlight the expertise and community commitment of the organization. I also supported community events and integrated marketing efforts that strengthened local engagement and visibility. By leveraging a variety of communication tactics across media, digital, and in-person channels, these initiatives helped build credibility and deepen connections with the communities the bank serves.
Media Relations & PR
I supported media relations and public relations efforts that strengthened Hickory Point Bank’s visibility and reputation within the communities it serves. By working closely with local and regional news outlets, I helped secure coverage that highlighted the bank’s expertise, community involvement, and financial insights. My work included developing press materials, coordinating interviews, and building relationships with journalists to ensure accurate and timely storytelling. These efforts helped position the bank as a trusted local resource and amplified key initiatives across earned media channels.
Brand Management
I supported brand management efforts for Hickory Point Bank & Trust by helping establish and govern brand standards to ensure a consistent and professional identity across all communications. I worked to develop and reinforce brand guidelines, messaging, and visual standards that aligned with the bank’s community-focused values and strategic goals. By collaborating with internal teams and reviewing materials across marketing, digital platforms, and customer communications, I helped maintain a cohesive brand presence while enabling teams to effectively represent the bank. These efforts helped strengthen brand clarity, improve consistency, and ensure Hickory Point Bank & Trust’s identity remained trusted and recognizable across its markets.
Executive Comms
I supported executive communications for the senior leadership team and CEO at Hickory Point Bank & Trust, helping ensure key messages were clearly communicated across the organization and to external stakeholders. My work included developing talking points, presentations, internal updates, and strategic messaging that aligned leadership communications with the bank’s business objectives and brand voice. By partnering closely with executives, I helped translate complex initiatives—such as digital transformation efforts and strategic priorities—into clear, engaging communications that kept employees informed, aligned, and connected to the bank’s vision.
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