I am a seasoned communications and public relations leader with 30+ years of experience shaping strategy, branding, thought leadership and campaign development for high-profile clients. I excel at turning complex topics into compelling media narratives, securing national and international coverage across traditional and digital outlets, and guiding CEOs, academics, and authors to elevate their visibility. My work spans books, corporate initiatives, and cannabis industry initiatives, with a track record of delivering measurable results for challenging clients. With an MBA in Marketing Management and deep experience in business, leadership, management, and cannabis sectors, I develop external communication strategies, manage teams and external agencies, and build enduring relationships with media, publishers, academics, and industry leaders. I’m skilled at crafting messaging, press materials, pitches, and interviews, and I am known for collaborating effectively with executives and thought leaders to position them as recognized authorities.…

Tess Woods

I am a seasoned communications and public relations leader with 30+ years of experience shaping strategy, branding, thought leadership and campaign development for high-profile clients. I excel at turning complex topics into compelling media narratives, securing national and international coverage across traditional and digital outlets, and guiding CEOs, academics, and authors to elevate their visibility. My work spans books, corporate initiatives, and cannabis industry initiatives, with a track record of delivering measurable results for challenging clients. With an MBA in Marketing Management and deep experience in business, leadership, management, and cannabis sectors, I develop external communication strategies, manage teams and external agencies, and build enduring relationships with media, publishers, academics, and industry leaders. I’m skilled at crafting messaging, press materials, pitches, and interviews, and I am known for collaborating effectively with executives and thought leaders to position them as recognized authorities.…

Available to hire

I am a seasoned communications and public relations leader with 30+ years of experience shaping strategy, branding, thought leadership and campaign development for high-profile clients. I excel at turning complex topics into compelling media narratives, securing national and international coverage across traditional and digital outlets, and guiding CEOs, academics, and authors to elevate their visibility. My work spans books, corporate initiatives, and cannabis industry initiatives, with a track record of delivering measurable results for challenging clients.

With an MBA in Marketing Management and deep experience in business, leadership, management, and cannabis sectors, I develop external communication strategies, manage teams and external agencies, and build enduring relationships with media, publishers, academics, and industry leaders. I’m skilled at crafting messaging, press materials, pitches, and interviews, and I am known for collaborating effectively with executives and thought leaders to position them as recognized authorities.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Principal/Owner at TESS WOODS PR, LLC
January 1, 2013 - Present
Full-service media relations and public relations consulting for businesses, non-fiction authors, thought leaders, consultants, coaches, entrepreneurs, and cannabis professionals. Develop external strategies to increase brand awareness and thought leadership through media interviews, article placements, podcasts, and broadcast appearances; craft client positioning and storytelling; create press releases and pitches; oversee written materials and media outreach.
Vice President, Media Relations at Newman Communications
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2013
Managed a portfolio of 50+ projects, led a team of up to 12, and delivered national media exposure across television, radio, print, online, blogs, and social media. Directed growth strategies, campaigns, and publishing consulting; guided high-profile authors and public figures; orchestrated media for book launches, tours, and events.
Assistant Director, Publicity at John Wiley & Sons
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2002
Led publicity for a broad line of business and finance titles, managing a six-figure annual budget and a team of four. Developed publicity strategies, collaborated with marketing, and secured placements with major outlets; represented the company at trade shows and national conferences; contributed to book launches and author tours.
Associate Manager, Publicity and Marketing at Pearson Education (Prentice Hall Direct / Press Imprint)
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2000
Helped grow the publicity department, created press materials, pitched media, and managed author tours and signings. Worked with major imprints and contributed to marketing materials and book promotion campaigns.
Media Relations Associate at Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (now Thomson Reuters)
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1998
Supported media relations activities for financial analysis products and services, contributing to media outreach and placements.
Senior Editorial Assistant at Research Institute of America Group (now Thomson Reuters)
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1997
Assisted with editorial workflows and communications initiatives, supporting publicity and content development for research products.

Education

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management at PACE University, Lubin School of Business
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Dean's Scholarship at PACE University, Lubin School of Business
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1996
Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing at Loyola University, Maryland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1995
Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management at PACE University, Lubin School of Business
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing at Loyola University, Maryland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Dean’s Scholarship, Lubin School of Business
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1996

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Other

Skills

Experience Level