Tess Woods

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.

About

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.

  • 31 years' experience
  • Joined March 2026

Languages

  • EnglishFluent

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services
  • Education
  • Other

Work experience· 6 roles

Principal/Owner · TESS WOODS PR, LLCJan 2013 – Present · 13 yrs 11 mos

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 · Newman CommunicationsJan 2002 – Dec 2013 · 12 yrs

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 · John Wiley & SonsJan 2000 – Dec 2002 · 3 yrs

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 · Pearson Education (Prentice Hall Direct / Press Imprint)Jan 1998 – Dec 2000 · 3 yrs
Media Relations Associate · Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (now Thomson Reuters)Jan 1997 – Dec 1998 · 2 yrs
Senior Editorial Assistant · Research Institute of America Group (now Thomson Reuters)Jan 1995 – Dec 1997 · 3 yrs

Education· 5

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management · PACE University, Lubin School of Business2030 – 2000
Dean's Scholarship · PACE University, Lubin School of Business2030 – 1996
Bachelor of Arts in English/Writing · Loyola University, Maryland2030 – 1995
Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management · PACE University, Lubin School of Business2030 – 2000

Certifications and awards

Dean’s Scholarship, Lubin School of Business2030 – 1996

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