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BACKGROUND

BRAND ADVOCATE

Community Partner

ABOUT KIMBERLY ELLIS
Award-winning Public Relations Executive

Award-winning public relations and strategic communications executive and trusted C-suite advisor known for maximizing brand awareness and engagement among internal and external audiences for organizations spanning health care and other sectors.
Relies heavily on market data, leveraging insights to identify the highest potential targets and to craft multi-channel marketing/PR initiatives that support business objectives and deliver exceptional value. Multifaceted expertise across crisis management, government relations, grantmaking and community outreach (particularly to underserved populations.

Brand Visibility

Developed and supported public/private partnerships that elevated Kaiser Permanente’s (KP) brand and cemented KP’s position as a leader in community and children's health in Santa Clara County.

Crisis Management

Acted as facility liaison and media spokesperson for two hospitals, four clinics and later a senior vice president for a business public advocacy group with regional and national exposure.

Community Benefit/Grantmaking Expertise

Helped nonprofit healthcare organization minimize business liability through effectively managing direct investments in community health.

Award-Winning Teams

Nurtured and coached highly-regarded MarComm teams comprised of communications, event management, social media at the Leadership Group and an award-winning KP Norcal Public Affairs team including grantmaking, community relations and government relations that received numerous awards for community service and innovative partnerships.

Awards & Honors

HISTORY
A Winning Career Achieving Stellar Results

  • 2020-Present
    KeeWest Associates
    • Principal and owner of KeeWest Associates; a  woman-owned boutique public relations agency with a particular focus in California's Bay Area and Central Valley regions.
  • 2016 - 2019
    Silicon Valley Leadership Group, San Jose, CA
    Silicon Valley Leadership Group, San Jose, CA
    • Recruited by CEO to advance organizational brand position with constituents and board members while revitalizing traditional, digital and social media marketing strategies due to perceived gap between community name recognition and positive perceptions.
  • 2014 – 2015
    Rose International, Oakland, CA
    STRATEGIC PLANNING CONSULTANT (PLACED AT KAISER PERMANENTE)
    • Re-hired by Kaiser Permanente (via Rose International) as outside consultant charged with reigniting brand visibility and membership growth for KP’s Child Health Program, which, partly due to market changes, had experienced an 11% drop in membership in Northern California within approximately a two-year period.
  • 2000 – 2013
    Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara/San Jose, CA
    SOUTH BAY PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
    • Handpicked and promoted to drive the realignment and integration of two disparate teams to achieve more consistent county-wide branding and services; operations and cost efficiencies; and financial oversight.
  • 2004 – 2010
    Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara/San Jose, CA
    SAN JOSE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
    • Promoted, based on strong leadership skills, to direct an integrated PR team – an achievement considered atypical at the time, as KP rarely allowed a Senior Communications Specialist to bypass the Public Affairs Manager role.
  • 2000 – 2004
    Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara/San Jose, CA
    SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
    • Recruited to help CEO/physician leadership communicate their vision for returning KP to financial stability as well as to help facilitate stronger communication between the hospital and medical group.
  • 1999 – 2000
    Davis & Associates Communications, San Francisco, CA
    ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
    • Developed strategic communication plans and secured media coverage for nonprofit, government and business clients. Wrote speeches for former San Francisco Mayor , Willie Brown, and the City Waste Management Department. Crafted media/community outreach strategy supporting Rite Aid’s expansion in the city. Performed media relations for the three-day Tiger Woods Foundation Golf Clinic and Exhibition, earning coverage in 38 outlets.
  • 1998 – 1999
    KHQ, Channel 6, Spokane, WA
    NEWSROOM TV PRODUCER
    • Managed production and content development for fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom. Oversaw cross- functional team of seven in increasing show ratings by three shares competing against Oprah.
  • 1994 – 1998
    KBAK, Channel 29, Bakersfield, CA
    NEWSROOM TV PRODUCER
    • Produced evening news show, including writing show scripts, organizing news content, graphic design and control room supervision. Promoted four times, culminating in an award-winning show and the opportunity to lead the design and creation of a joint affiliate morning network show. Led cross-functional team of eight. Won Kern Press Club Award for best half-hour newscast with number one 5pm newscast.

“In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign.”

Howard Schultz, Starbucks Former CEO

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(661) 486 - 5256

TOLL FREE

(866) 860 - 1576

EMAIL US

info@keewestassociates.com

LOCATION

Bakersfield, CA - San Jose, CA

Request a quote

CALL US

(661) 235-5018

TOLL FREE

(866) 860 - 1576

EMAIL US

info@keewestassociates.com

Request a Quote

CALL US

(661) 486 - 5256

Toll Free

(866) 860 - 1576

EMAIL US

info@keewestassociates.com

Request a Quote
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At KEEWest Associates, we specialize in communications for clean energy technologies, healthcare and clean tech startups, healthcare, real estate, and utilities. Driven by curiosity and a passion for building meaningful partnerships, we excel in brand positioning, business and project launches, community focused campaigns, communication team support and more.

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