Natalie Okonkwo

Profile

PR professional with 7 years driving earned media and brand reputation for consumer and B2B clients across retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. Specializes in crisis communications, executive visibility programs, and multichannel media campaigns. Secured more than 340 media placements in a single year and reduced client response time during crises by 60% through a standardized rapid-response protocol.

Work Experience

Senior Public Relations SpecialistMar 2021 - Present

Clearline Communications Group, Chicago, IL

Orchestrated a 12-month product launch campaign for a SaaS client that generated 180 earned media placements in outlets including Forbes, TechCrunch, and Inc., lifting brand search volume by 38%.
Developed and executed a crisis communications plan for a regional healthcare network facing regulatory scrutiny, reducing negative media mentions by 54% within 90 days and preserving a $2.1M sponsorship contract.
Managed a team of 3 junior specialists and an external media monitoring vendor, cutting monthly reporting turnaround from 5 days to 1.5 days by introducing a standardized Meltwater dashboard workflow.

Public Relations SpecialistJun 2018 - Feb 2021

Hargrove & Voss Agency, Milwaukee, WI

Pitched and secured 160+ media placements annually across print, digital, and broadcast for a portfolio of 8 consumer packaged goods clients, exceeding quarterly KPIs by an average of 22%.
Built and maintained a media contact database of 1,200+ journalists and editors, improving pitch open rates from 14% to 31% over 18 months through targeted segmentation and personalized outreach.
Wrote and distributed 45 press releases and 12 bylined executive articles per year, contributing to a 19% increase in client share of voice within their respective industries.

PR CoordinatorAug 2016 - May 2018

Meridian Brand Studio, Milwaukee, WI

Supported media relations for 5 regional retail and hospitality clients, coordinating 80+ press inquiries per quarter and maintaining a 97% on-time response rate.
Drafted talking points and media briefing documents for C-suite executives ahead of 14 broadcast interviews, receiving direct client commendation for accuracy and clarity.
Assisted in planning and executing 6 press events annually, each drawing an average of 35 credentialed media attendees and generating local coverage in 4+ outlets per event.

Profile

Work Experience

Education

Skills

Links