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Derek DeVries
Grand Rapids, MI
Communications Technology Manager, Grand Rapids Community College
Education
Fans (4)
Groups (10)

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About Me

A communications / public relations / social media pro in West Michigan trying to get past the beta version of his life cycle.

Work History

  • Grand Rapids Community College
  • Communications Technology Manager
  • September 2001 to Present
  • • Social media policy dir. / practitioner
    • Web design (oversaw 3 iterations of GRCC website), managed dev. of sub-sites incl.www.grccevents.com.
    • Content master for grcc.edu website
    • Managed GRCC Call Center/Switchboard: oversaw two full time employees and four student employees
    • New Media Development (CD/DVD-ROMs)
    • Employee communication
    • Managed Marketing/Advertising Campaigns
    • Brand identity management and consulting (including development/trademarking of college mascot, logo and other branding tools).
    • Co-producer of TV programming
    • Media relations / pitching
    • Event planning
    • Photography (events, portraits, features)
    • Research / environmental scanning
    • Writing: speeches, policies, strategic vision, features, etc.
    • Graphic design and creative services
    • Consulting on technology issues
    • Public relations / crisis communications counsel (serve on Risk Management Team, Emergency Management Team)

  • Grand Rapids Community College
  • Adjunct Faculty
  • January 2007 to Present
  • Adjunct faculty teaching COM 135 (Interpersonal Communication) and COM 131 (Public Speaking)

  • Seyferth & Associates, Inc.
  • Staff Assistant
  • August 2000 to September 2001
  • • Working on the accounts of Roskam Bakery/Starr Puffs Bakery, BISSELL, Inc., McDonald’s, Universal Forest Products, North Ottawa Community Health System (NOCHS), The Detroit Medical Center, the Great Lakes Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, Grand Valley State University, Manatron, Grand Rapids Community College, and the West Michigan Strategic Alliance among others.
    • Writing copy for internal and external communication, designing graphics and webpage material. Also photography for various projects and production of video content for client events.
    • Researching and creating information databases as well as providing news mining services.
    • Consultant on technology issues and strategies as well as products and services as a member of the New Media Committee.
    • Event coordination and staffing.
    • Media relations.

  • Grand Valley State University
  • Adjunct Faculty
  • January 2006 to April 2007
  • Adjunct faculty teaching COM 320 (Vision and Culture) and CAP 220 (Fundamentals of Public Relations)

Education

  • Grand Valley State University
  • Master of Science, Communications
  • 2003 - 2005
  • Dean's List

  • Grand Valley State University
  • Bachelor of Science, Communications, Public Relations
  • 1998 - 2000
  • PRSSA Chapter President, Dean's List

  • Lansing Community College
  • n/a, Courses for Transfer via MACRAO Agreement
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Staff Writer - the Lookout, Honors Scholarship Recipient

Specialties
Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Employee Communications, Online Reputation Management, Social Media, Web Development, Writing, Photography, Project Management, Event Planning, Ideation

Groups (10)

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Fans (4)

Website Designer
Ryan Paugh
Mark Pyk
Emily Stoddard Furrow

Following (6)

kristi gail hatsell
Robin
Leah Zuber
Ryan Paugh
Emily Stoddard Furrow
Mikinzie Stuart