Dave Kooi
Summary
I have rich experience working in online communications, social media, education and marketing for more than 20 years. With a record of success at The Walt Disney Company, Freedom Communications, Times Mirror, and more I have proven to be a valuable thought partner within teams that have transformed traditional brands into a digital powerhouse.
Recently I moved home to Illinois to help care for my family. I have continued working in the periphery of marking for a few local companies in which I have notable success building their online presence and digital acumen.
Previously I was the V.P. of marketing and technology efforts within a regional nonprofit agency in Southern California. A critical partner leading teams dedicated to developing direct relationships with customers, clients and donors and to employ active two-way communication – these channels being integral to influence an audience while adding credibility and awareness of the nonprofit organization.
The programs I develop actively engage advocates and consumers whom, in turn influence intenders by providing communication that occurs through multiple platforms simultaneously. Why engage? Because audiences are already mixing and matching media, therefore companies and organizations need to be represented on the platforms they are utilizing as this keeps brand image and appeal of the organization top-of-mind.
My background, knowledge and proven success across a broad array of business operations has enabled myself to tap into my truly unique history and experience to drive business growth and consumer acquisition.
Skills & Expertise: Online Strategy, Social Media, Content Development, Brand Messaging, Emerging Media, Online Marketing, Interactive Marketing, Account Management, Contract Negotiations, Brand Management, Communication, Public Relations, Photo Editing, Art Creation, Art Direction, Agile and Kanban Methodologies. Team Engagement and Influence.
Recently I moved home to Illinois to help care for my family. I have continued working in the periphery of marking for a few local companies in which I have notable success building their online presence and digital acumen.
Previously I was the V.P. of marketing and technology efforts within a regional nonprofit agency in Southern California. A critical partner leading teams dedicated to developing direct relationships with customers, clients and donors and to employ active two-way communication – these channels being integral to influence an audience while adding credibility and awareness of the nonprofit organization.
The programs I develop actively engage advocates and consumers whom, in turn influence intenders by providing communication that occurs through multiple platforms simultaneously. Why engage? Because audiences are already mixing and matching media, therefore companies and organizations need to be represented on the platforms they are utilizing as this keeps brand image and appeal of the organization top-of-mind.
My background, knowledge and proven success across a broad array of business operations has enabled myself to tap into my truly unique history and experience to drive business growth and consumer acquisition.
Skills & Expertise: Online Strategy, Social Media, Content Development, Brand Messaging, Emerging Media, Online Marketing, Interactive Marketing, Account Management, Contract Negotiations, Brand Management, Communication, Public Relations, Photo Editing, Art Creation, Art Direction, Agile and Kanban Methodologies. Team Engagement and Influence.
Experience
Senior Account Manager
Digital 4 Startups Inc.
2021– Present
Chicago, Illinois
Digital 4 Startups Inc.
2021– Present
Chicago, Illinois
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Creative thought partner and senior manager within a small but robust digital marketing firm dedicated to building strong relationships, and developing measurable strategies with clients of all sizes, from large public companies to sole proprietors. Coordinating with internal and external teams to deliver first class solutions that meet clients needs, and identify growth opportunities. Digital4Startups specializes in integrated marketing, SEM, SEO, Paid Search, Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization, Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest), and Email Marketing A proud member of 1871 in Chicago, and a Google AdWords Premier Partner Agency.
Key accomplishments: - Worked with team leaders to develop new processes for onboarding clients that are not only scalable to client size, but client knowledge and experience level. - Incorporated new software and tracking logs into team processes thus allowing more knowledge sharing and sharing of internal technical resources Key responsibilities: - Manage key portfolio accounts - Drive client retention, renewals, innovation, and satisfaction - Leverage technical tools and quantitive data to manage campaign success - Provide input and develop new processes and workflows - Manage campaign status documentation and strategy observations |
Patient Access / Revenue Cycle
OSF Healthcare Saint Luke Medical Center
2019– 2021
Kewanee, Illinois
OSF Healthcare Saint Luke Medical Center
2019– 2021
Kewanee, Illinois
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Emergency Department mission partner serving OSF St. Luke Medical Center Hospital. First in-line person emergency room patients see when entering the hospital. A high degree of deductive reasoning and logic skills are necessary in order to solve issues that can arise in a complex multi-player organization.
Track patients and visitors through their ER journey, gather demographic data and provide billing along with other essential documentation ensuring a complete and accurate medical record. I assist ER doctors, nurses and technicians in providing essential service. Key accomplishments: - Quick study serving as the night technical expert for my team regarding EPIC, MyChart, and SAP EMR Software, as well as Experian Health OneSource insurance / personal identity verification. - Recipient of two Sunflower Awards from St. Luke Medical Center. Honorees are mission partners who "demonstrate excellence through their expertise and extraordinary compassionate care and service. ... and are recognized as outstanding role models within the Community of Caregivers." Key responsibilities: - Team interaction and mentoring - Patient and visitor interaction and outreach - Orchestrating multi-payer insurance coverage - Insurance eligibility reporting for hospital - Trained EPIC and SAP EMR software user |
Manager, Service & Marketing
Johnson Heating & A/C, Inc.
2016 – 2019
Kewanee, Illinois
Johnson Heating & A/C, Inc.
2016 – 2019
Kewanee, Illinois
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Manager of the service team and marketing initiatives at Johnson Heating & A/C, a busy family owned HVAC and Appliance company serving three counties for over 80 years. Johnson installs, maintains and repairs business and residential systems and maintains a loyal customer base. I continue to maintain their online marketing initiatives and manage their website as a freelance agent.
Key accomplishments: - Built/Designed a new website used for the HVAC and Appliance business. Developed a suite of URL’s to be used in print and online campaigns. Engaged Podium messaging for 24/7 chat service reducing after hour calls. - Developed a social media strategy for Appliance and HVAC Facebook messaging, using inexpensive targeted advertising ($200 per year) Solid increased in page likes > over 10 times and a reach of 27,070 users / 54,467 impressions. - Negotiated contract with AVB Marketing in Sacremento to push all available Appliance products online and to an interactive display within the store to extend the reach virtually of what a small family business can carry physically in stock. Key responsibilities: - Team management and training. - Service and project scheduling. - Certification and MSDS management. - Customer interaction and outreach. - Warranty and rebate claims. - Financial management. - Website design and management - Consumer outreach and marketing. |
Vice President, Marketing & Technology
My Day Counts / Orange County Adult Achievement Center
2014 – 2016
Anaheim, California
My Day Counts / Orange County Adult Achievement Center
2014 – 2016
Anaheim, California
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Leader of marketing and technology efforts for a regional nonprofit agency with one clear mission - "Making Life Better for People with Disabilities". Founded in 1951, My Day Counts is California’s premier provider of innovative services for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Key areas of influence: - Grants and giving - Technology innovation. - Team training and mentoring. - Internal and external communications. - Rebranding and strategic realignment. My technology focus is data management and hardware needs that meet strict HIPAA requirements while ideating creative and contemporary solutions meaningful to the agency. My marketing focus showcases the overall brand while emphasizing growth of business partnerships, vocational training, community-based employment, and fundraising opportunities. The rebranding of the agency from The Orange County Adult Achievement Center to My Day Counts placed the agency in a contemporary context to better compete for funding and to make programming changes. Key accomplishments: - Full rebranding for the nonprofit agency including legal name change from Orange County Adult Achievement Center to My Day Counts. The agency moniker used throughout all divisions; My Job Counts (Job Support and Placement), My Family Counts (Family Connections Services), My Life Counts (On-Site Day Programs), My Home Counts (Independent and Group Living Services, and My Cup Counts (on-site coffee brand / employment). Cross strategy integration included style guide for use of logos, photography, client images, online and outdoor CTAs - Never before done agency social media program featuring public facing Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn profiles. Additional tactics for private moderated Facebook groups targeting communication between clients and families. |
It has been a unique pleasure working with Dave. Not only does Dave bring tremendous talent and dedication to the work place, but he has an ability to inspire others to perform a peak levels. His hard work and creative thinking helped transform our organization. ~ Patrick Faraday, S&O Executive
Manager, Internet Strategy and Business Management
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online / Disneyland Resort
2005 – 2014
Anaheim, California
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online / Disneyland Resort
2005 – 2014
Anaheim, California
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Key player in product development and project management with Disney Parks & Resorts Marketing and Public Relations as well Synergy Strategy across ALL Disney corporate brands. (Studio, Broadcast, Music, Publishing and Interactive) During my tenure I served as a core team member for the award-winning public relations team responsible for unprecedented coverage of Disneyland during its 50th anniversary.
Expertise in supporting the Disneyland Resort brand Marketing efforts through ideation and management of a suite of high-profile interactive online products. I am an excellent strategic thinker with a through understanding of the marketplace by way of: - Revenue growth. - Innovative solutions. - Online strategy and development. - Multi-year thinking. Key accomplishments: - Cars Land Website and Holiday Overlay - Integrated website to support Cars Land, the Disneyland Resort’s newest Land at Disney California Adventure Park. Prelaunch, Launch and Sustain tactics for multi-year use allowed content updates and overlays to support pre-opening communication, cadenced messaging during the first season of operation and a holiday overlay to support re-visitation. - Disneyland Mobile Website - not a facelift but a new mobile site made speed-to-market (eight weeks) using agile methodologies. Goal was to ultimately meet customer demand (requirements) for content available via smart devices that enhance the in park experience as well as pre-visitation research. - Official Disneyland Resort Podcast - Ideation and execution of the first ever Podcast produced for the Walt Disney Company. This podcast series has been identified as one of the first successful corporate podcasts. - Pirates of the Caribbean Red Carpet Live Webcast - Relation management between Disney and MSN for the first live online webcast showcasing the red-carpet arrivals for the premier of film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest' which pushed over 1.5 million live feeds. |
It is a pleasure working with Dave. He is extremely savvy and passionate about what he does which shows in the quality of his work. His appetite for knowledge and growth is infectious. ~ Tera Thomas, CSM
Team Leader, Content Center
The Orange County Register
2001 – 2005
Santa Ana, California
The Orange County Register
2001 – 2005
Santa Ana, California
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Newsroom Team Leader, Photo Editor and Art Director of Multimedia Design leading a team of award-winning imaging technicians and interactive designers. Areas of influence included:
- Team mentoring - CCI Newsdesk workflow - Print to online ideation - Online revenue enhancements Integral in expanding the reach of traditional media distribution online through new and innovative online storytelling by way of interactive presentation models. Key accomplishments: - Led the Photo Imaging and Multimedia team online production of four award winning SNDies - A first for the organization. Awards for interactive presentations showcasing; Lucha Libre - history of the high-flying, risk-taking style of Mexican wrestling, Toxic Treats - the hidden threat of lead tainted children’s candy, Mars Attracts - the voyage of the planetary rover, Doorway to Space - history of Boeing Aerospace and space exploration innovation. - Super User of CCI Newsdesk pagination system. Traveling to Denmark and domestic support conferences. My work included identifying integration upgrades making online publishing more fluid and cost effective. |
Dave brings to his work a sense of creativity and enthusiasm that is contagious and ongoing... whether its a small project or something huge and complex, Dave will bring tonnes of new ideas to the table. ~ Neil Pinchin, Online VP
Adjunct Professor
Central Connecticut State University School of Arts and Sciences
1999 – 2001
New Britain Connecticut
Central Connecticut State University School of Arts and Sciences
1999 – 2001
New Britain Connecticut
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Taught and developed intermediary and advanced photography courses based on traditional and digital means of production.
These courses intersected technique, design and the history of photography targeting the needs of undergraduate and graduate level university students. |
Photo Imaging Specialist III
Hartford Courant
1994 – 2001
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford Courant
1994 – 2001
Hartford, Connecticut
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Expertise in photo imaging technology for an award winning editorial photography team. Accurate process control from camera to print / online during unique shift from analog to digital means of production. Areas of influence include:
- Color management training and theory. - Technology discovery and testing. - Solution management. - Process control. My achievements: - Served on various technical committees integrating new technologies into a traditional newsroom. Test and target pagination systems - choosing CCI Newsdesk in partnership with CCI Europe. Test and target digital asset management and archiving systems - choosing Cumulus by Canto. - Wrote imaging processing training procedures and workshop used by photojourhalists and technicians to ensure ethical digital manipulation of images. |
Education
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Central Connecticut State University
Master of Science (M.S.) Art / Education 1995 – 1997 Graduated with Honors Bradley University Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Communications, Photojournalism 1983 – 1987 |
Accomplishments
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Rebranding OCAAC: 1951-2015
Feb 2015 – Present OCAAC 1951-2015 is a high-profile project dedicated to research, reflection and rebranding of The Orange County Adult Achievement Center to ( My Day Counts ) - a premier nonprofit serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The new moniker ( My Day Counts ) speaks to the philosophical attributes of the agency and the work they do to support adults with disabilities. Benefits of the project are holistic in intention and designed to instill meaning for all persons touched by the organization; Staff, Funders, Clients, Family and Community. My Day Counts and so does yours! Download Project Brief PDF My Day Counts Responsive Website Feb 2015 – Apr 2015 Rebranding requires many new tools to meet goals and targets. Replacing a ten-year-old website required more than a new look and logo but consideration of now agency employees, clients, guests and donors access our content and ultimately interact. Based on the principle (Content Is Like Water) with a mission of simplicity, we crafted a new My Day Counts website based on responsive responsive design accessible to all who seek our information. Use of forms and a new online store allow never before access for revenue generation but also instant access for those who seek and need our assistance. A key win to the site is the use of space to allow photography to set an emotional tone thus giving time the user opportunity to consume content. A suite of cul-de-sac landing pages and hefty use of analytics tagging assist with production of e-newsletters and development of social media content. See project My Day Counts Create Messages of Love and Support Feb 2015 – Feb 2015 At My Day Counts we recognize that people and values are our greatest assets as we aim at empowering the lives of individuals with developmental & intellectual disabilities. Through the power of social media we learned that a girl in a neighboring community wished to receive 2500 birthday cards for her 25th birthday so our clients and team members rallied to help Ashley Diaz from Whittier California make her birthday wish become a reality. Although My Day Counts clients did not directly know her, they were very happy to be a part of her journey and made hand made birthday cards and wishes will help tip the scale for Ashley to receive 2,500 cards on her 25th birthday. You see … Ashley has Down syndrome and her mother Cindy is hoping the abundance of cards will brighten her day. Cards from My Day Counts were delivered by hand for Ashley’s birthday and clients and staff alike met in person and online. #2500cardsforashley! The project received local and national media attention across major ABC & CBS affiliates. L.A. Philadelphia and NYC pushing the highest CPM value for the media hit. See project Cars Land Website & Holiday Overlay Apr 2012 – Jan 2014 Integrated website to support Cars Land, the Disneyland Resort’s newest Land at Disney California Adventure Park. Prelaunch, Launch and Sustain tactics for multi-year use allowed content updates and overlays to support pre-opening communication, cadenced messaging during first season of operation and a holiday overlay to supporting re-visitation. The first socially integrated interaction on Disneyland.com allowing customization, sharing and live game play against others. Welcome to Radiator Springs, customize your ride, cruise by fine shops and race to the finish! Disneyland Mobile Website Nov 2011 – Nov 2011 Disneyland Resort Mobile Website … not a facelift but a new mobile site made speed-to-market (eight weeks) using agile methodologies. Goal was to ultimately meet customer demand (requirements) for content available via smart devices that enhance the in park experience as well as pre-visitation research. Key wins were to reduce number of clicks to target, remove small targets, improve image quality and feature images and other seasonal content with geo-target CTAs. Winner of multiple travel and lifestyle online awards. Disneyland Resort Podcast Jun 2005 – Jul 2007 Ideation and execution of the first ever Podcast produced for the Walt Disney Company. The Disneyland Resort Podcast was designed to engage a vibrant and growing online fan community by providing unique content featuring behind the scenes interviews and storytelling to support the 50th anniversary celebration. This podcast series has been identified as one of the first successful corporate podcasts. See project Pirates of the Caribbean Live Webcast Jun 2006 – Jun 2006 Relation management between Disney and MSN for the first live online webcast showcasing the red-carpet arrivals for the premier of film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest' which pushed over 1.5 million live feeds. Timed strategically, guests also enjoyed the re-launch of the enhanced "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction at Disneyland Resort - just in time for Summer! See project UCLA - Student Media Course: New Media Feb 2005 – May 2005 As a visiting adjunct professor I taught senior level courses in New Media for the UCLA Student Media Department. With an emphasis in mass communication for the online and non traditional media user, the semester long courses focused on the unique characteristics of online presentation and story telling from the POV of a traditional print based discourse. |
Awards
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Addy, Bronze: Cars Land Micro Site
W3, Gold: Cars Land Interactive Site Interactive Media & Webby: Disneyland Mobile Site WebAward, Outstanding: World of Color Site WebAward, Outstanding: Soundsational Summer WebAward, Outstanding: Disneyland Celebration Central AD:TECH, Best Site People's Award: Dream Suite Virtual Tour Hermes Creative, Platinum: Dream Suite Virtual Tour TELLY, Silver: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage CD Rom TELLY, Bronze: Pirates of the Caribbean Premiere CD Rom PRSA Prism, 1st Place: Pirates of the Caribbean Webcast PRSA Prism, 1st Place: Pirates of the Caribbean Media Kit SNDies, Multimedia: Lucha Libre & Toxic Treats SNDies, Multimedia: Mars Attracts & Doorway to Space City of Anaheim: Recognized as a founder and creator of the Art Crawl Experience |
Wait, There's More
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Please visit my full LinkedIn business profile for:
-Skills & Endorsements -Recommendations -Media Samples -Volunteerism -Certifications -Courses |