Company:KC Projects, Birmingham, AL, USA
Company Description:We are fashion forward publicists with a passion for what we do. We bring a fresh perspective, solving problems and identifying client needs. As public relations practitioners, we are your advocate and ambassador, providing our clients a gateway to carefully cultivated media contacts.
Nomination Category:Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category:Employee of the Year – Business

Nomination Title:Alicia Rohan, Media Relations Executive

Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated employee since the beginning of July last year (up to 525 words):

Alicia Rohan epitomizes what it takes to be named Employee of the Year. Her strategic planning skills, ability to cultivate and strengthen core business relationships and the continual out-of-the-box approaches are just a few of the qualities that make this Media Relations Executive a success in the public relations industry and a key player for KC Projects PR.

Joining the KC Projects team in September 2011, Alicia continuously excels in all levels of service, drive, intuition and outreach to develop strategic plans to increase overall awareness for her clients. She is an expert in developing, organizing and executing strategic plans for a range of industries including finance, construction, and fashion. During her time with the firm, her executive management style and innovative approaches to branding have been instrumental, increasing the client portfolio by 43.75% and retaining 90% of clients over this time period.

Alicia’s approach to the media world has evolved with the times. Whether print, TV or digital, all press is important to her, and when media professionals need a source for a story, Alicia Rohan is on their speed dial. Key coverage secured by Alicia includes:

• Over $1.2 million in television coverage for clients from July 2014 to July 2015, including securing Amanda LeBlanc as a regular contributor for The Steve Harvey Show and Birmingham’s local Fox affiliate.
• AlaBev featured in USA Today, as well as multiple stories on AL.com showcasing its portfolio of brands
• Amanda LeBlanc featured in This Old House, Huffington Post and Forbes discussing organizational tips
• Capstone Building Corp. featured several of its projects in multiple local publications, Multi Housing News, Multifamily Executive and Alabama Construction News
• Gus Mayer featured boutique in Southern Living
• Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management featured in Birmingham Magazine for Christmas giving

Alicia plays an integral role in fulfilling client expectations via communications:

• Develop and implement quarterly newsletter for Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management
• Planning and executing an industry trade show for AlaBev bringing in over 500 customers to experience their vast portfolio
• Develop and implement FoodBar’s Eat it, Grow it, Live it program with Children’s Hospital, where Chef George taught families how to grow their own vegetables and cook with them for a healthy lifestyle
• Facilitates relationships with key fashion influencers for Gus Mayer through semi-annual trend preview events to result in blog posts and social media posts
• Successfully launches Gus Mayer’s new active wear line through strategic planning and integration of press coverage, blogger relationships and a launch event
• Strategically place Capstone Building Corp. within key local and industry publications
• Develop and implement signature events for Swoozie's to increase sales, including a housewarming party introducing their new location, blogger event, Southern Belle 101 day camp

Alicia fearlessly works to place clients in the best light but also finds time to serve her city. She’s served as Chairperson for Ladies’ Day Out with the BBVA Compass Bowl since 2008 as well as board member for PRSA Alabama. A love for youth, Alicia served as President for Make-A-Wish Alabama’s Junior Board in 2012 and Walk Now for Autism Speaks Publicity Chair for 2012.

Provide a brief biography of the nominated employee (up to 125 words):

As Media Relations Account Executive for KC Projects, Alicia Rohan’s role is imperative to the success of not only the firm, but a portfolio of over 20 brands ranging from ServisFirst Bank, Capstone Building Corp. and Gus Mayer. Alicia’s ability to continuously manage, maintain and secure press coverage for multiple clients on a daily basis, while strategizing for successful long-term plans is second to none. She takes pride in the development of strong relationships with the media, clients and community to always aim to tell the client’s story in the best light to the right audience. Creativity and out-of-the box thinking have provided clients with successful stories increasing awareness in outlets including Birmingham Business Journal, This Old House, Huffington Post, Southern Living and American Banker.