ANN ARBOR- Ann Arbor SPARK has named Elizabeth Parkinson as its director, marketing and public relations. Parkinson will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated marketing and public relations plan for SPARK, a non profit economic development consortium in Washtenaw County.
Parkinson?s role will include developing and implementing tradeshow marketing and other special events, as well as managing SPARK’s Web-related strategy. Parkinson will also oversee SPARK’s communications strategies, including its newsletter and Web site communications, public relations activities, and investor and community relations.
“Elizabeth Parkinson is a multi-talented individual who will enable Ann Arbor SPARK to create a proactive and responsive regional economic development organization,” said SPARK CEO Michael Finney. “Elizabeth’s breadth of marketing and public relations experience, coupled with her results-focused style, will enhance Ann Arbor SPARK’s ability to promote the region’s assets in targeted locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.”
Parkinson is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in both internal and external communications. Prior to joining SPARK, Parkinson spent 10 years with Edelman in Chicago, advancing from vice president, producer, to general manager, executive vice president, of its Creative Solutions Group.
Parkinson developed integrated campaigns for non-profit clients including Illinois Board of Tourism, Mexico Ministry of Tourism, Second Harvest and the Chicago Children’s Museum. She contributed counsel and materials for the successful attraction and relocation of Boeing to Chicago. Her additional clients ranged from Microsoft and Gateway in technology to consumer product brands Kraft, KFC and Pizza Hut.
Parkinson is a graduate of Alma College where she earned a bachelor of liberal arts in marketing and accounting.
Ann Arbor SPARK, is a non-profit organization working towards establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, the Herbert and Grace Dow Foundation, Pfizer, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
For more information, click on AnnArborSpark.Org
