Helen Linardakis
As my most recent boss lovingly coined me, I am a unicorn.
My account management skills are "old school" -- smart, strategic, client-centric, with dedicated work ethic. My goal is for everyone to be successful, and because of that I am proud of the EFFIEs I’ve won and the millions I have helped raise for nonprofit organizations.
In addition, as a creative I care deeply about the work and making it better. I understand and respect the process, and can defend it to clients while respectfully explaining to the creative team why a change is needed. I ensure there is a strategic purpose to everything.
I am also a numbers person who never met a spreadsheet I didn't like. Not only will I set up the document with formulas to make it efficient and run itself as much as possible, but it will also be amazingly designed.
Fastidious attention to detail, team player, intense curiosity, and fearlessness in my willingness to tackle anything, are just some of the skills that round out my brand of account management.
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
BLUE SKY AGENCY
June - November 2024 | Atlanta, GA
The short tenure is due to the agency unexpectedly closing.
Oversaw key client relationships and spearheaded successful multi-channel campaigns, ensuring seamless communication between clients and agency teams. Conducted Salesforce data strategic analysis and behavioral analysis to inform decision-making and optimize campaign performance. Led project management and strategic planning efforts, focusing on building brand identity and maximizing customer satisfaction. Managed a wide range of accounts, including Ameris Bank, driving significant business growth through innovative marketing strategies.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
CLIFF VALLEY SCHOOL
August 2022 - June 2024 | Atlanta, GA
In my role at Cliff Valley, I provided strategic leadership during an unexpected staffing crisis, drawing on my extensive experience and commitment as a parent of an 11-year student. I spearheaded initiatives to elevate the school's brand and communication strategies, enhancing visibility and engagement across all platforms.
Key achievements included:
Directed the redesign of the Cliff Valley School and Cliff Valley Institute websites, ensuring a modern, user-friendly experience.
Led the enhancement of the school's social media presence, incorporating professional photography and video to drive engagement.
Developed and implemented comprehensive marketing strategies for the Cliff Valley Summer Institute and admissions, resulting in increased enrollment and visibility.
Conceptualized and executed high-impact fundraising initiatives, including themed auctions and events that strengthened community ties.
Launched successful school spirit campaigns and branded merchandise that fostered pride and connection among students and families.
Oversaw the creation of marketing materials for the annual drama club performance and school yearbook, ensuring high-quality materials.
Acted as the official school photographer, providing visual content for the website, social media, and internal communications, significantly enhancing the school's visual storytelling.
Designer
Conception, Designer, Photographer, Video Editor
Designer
Designer, Photographer
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
CHEMISTRY
January - August 2022 | Atlanta, GA
The short tenure is due to the immediate staffing need at Cliff Valley School.
In a leadership capacity, I spearheaded the management of two key accounts, overseeing a team of account executives. I collaborated closely with creative, strategy, and media teams to guarantee the success of our clients.
With Walker & Dunlop, I supervised two commercial shoots, as well as managed the development, execution, and success of three product line campaigns across various national platforms.
As the lead on the Atlanta Dream account, I orchestrated the successful relaunch of their brand for the new season. Our team executed a comprehensive cross-channel campaign throughout Atlanta, resulting in sold-out games and a substantial boost in positive PR for the new team management.
Account Director
MARKETING & PR MANAGER,
CREATIVE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
WESTFALL GOLD, Fundraising Agency
September 2018 - January 2022 | Atlanta, GA
I excelled in crafting and implementing comprehensive strategies for company marketing and public relations. Known for my adaptable "can-do" attitude and willingness to tackle any challenge, I adopted a flexible approach to fulfill various roles within a small budget, ensuring that all tasks were completed effectively and efficiently.
As an account executive I managed the client and event materials for nonprofit major donor weekends helping to raise over $20 million.
Created, executed, and managed the marketing and PR launch of the book The Courage Factor. Created a campaign and edited all videos on the Bob Westfall YouTube Channel.
Designed, executed, and managed Westfall Gold brand and sales materials: yearly report, webinars, proposals, social media, etc.
Created, designed, and executed Bob Westfall brand materials.
Manager & Video Editor
Manager & Video Editor
Conception & Video Editor
ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR
CRAFTED, Advertising Agency
September 2007 - September 2010 | Charlotte, NC
As the sole account supervisor at a ten-employee design shop, I managed all clients, designers, and schedules while supporting the owner in maintaining the firm's operations. My responsibilities included developing and implementing strategies for a wide range of design projects, such as brand identity systems, logo development, website development, direct mail programs, brochures, trade show booths, interior space design, and other promotional materials.
Lead Account Supervisor for 7,000SF OKUMA Booth
MARKETING MANAGER
FULL FRAME DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
September 2006 - September 2007 | Durham, NC
As a key member of a five-person team, I played a pivotal role in managing a multi-million dollar, four-day film festival. My efforts focused on enhancing the festival's brand perception by elevating the quality and consistency of its identity across various elements such as sponsor packages, badges, and signage. This improved visual identity played a crucial role in securing multiple corporate sponsors through our rebranding efforts.
Manager & Designer, all materials
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
MCKINNEY
September 2001 - August 2006 | Durham, NC
During my time at McKinney, I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of accounts, including Longhorn Steakhouse, NASDAQ, and The NC Museum of Art. My role involved executing competitive analysis, research, and business analysis for new business pitches, while also assisting with coordination. I was also privileged to be considered the go-to Account Executive for Chief Creative Officer David Baldwin.
Managed the client and campaigns including TV, radio, print, out-of-home, social media, experiential, and brand identity development.
Two gold and one silver EFFIEs.
NCMA Defying Gravity, Handout: AE
NCMA Defying Gravity, Print: AE, Illustrator
NCMA Defying Gravity, Guerilla: AE, Stewardess
NCMA Defying Gravity, Guerrilla: AE
NCMA Defying Gravity, Print: AE, Illustrator
NCMA Defying Gravity, Mall Banner: AE, Illustrator
MY ALTER EGO…
FINE ARTIST
ELENI
Oct 2010 to Sep 2018
While balancing the responsibilities of raising my son, I built an extensive portfolio and maintained a robust social media presence. My role also involved managing online ad campaigns, sending out press releases, and securing new projects. Some of my notable projects include creating over 170 one-of-a-kind felt employee doll portraits for Moo.com, being featured in Slate Magazine and Creative Review, and creating puppets of Tegan & Sara for their "Dying to Know" music video.
MAKING IT SHOW AUDITION FINALIST
Due to my extensive experience in felt-based creative work, I was invited to audition for the NBC hit show "Making It" on two occasions. While I successfully progressed to the final round of auditions, I ultimately (thankfully) did not secure a spot on the show.