Hi, I’m Sarah Burgess Galatas!
Welcome and thanks for visiting! Learn more below about my background, experience, skills and how I can add value to your company. Please direct any questions via email or the contact form.
References available upon request.
ABOUT
As a proud Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mississippi State University, I am passionate about written and verbal communications. I am inspired by telling dynamic stories and strategically building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their target audiences through the lens of marketing and sales. Outside of my professional role as a communications and marketing practitioner, I am also an ambivert (introverted extrovert), native Memphian, maker, gardener and rare plant collector.
Professional Experience
Throughout the years, each of my professional experiences has been an opportunity to learn and grow and has greatly contributed to the person I am today. Check out my full background below to learn more.
Freelance Communications Consultant
January 2023-present
Provide strategic marketing and communications guidance to best reach clients’ internal and external audiences
Develop consistent company branding guidelines and messaging
Onboard new vendors and integrate new point-of-sale systems
Create various communication materials, including website copy, internal and external business announcements, social media posts, etc.
Monitor news and significant developments with competitors to better inform clients’ business decisions
Marketing & Communications Advisor, Huey's Restaurants
October 2020 – January 2023
Strategized and implemented all marketing, communications and advertising efforts through Huey’s corporate office
Utilized strategic insight from agency, corporate and nonprofit experience to provide creative problem solving and solutions
Managed Huey’s brand and reputation through integrated communication strategies across digital, print and social media channels
Served as the company’s voice by engaging with various stakeholders through internal and external communication platforms, including online reviews, social media, website submissions and more
Negotiated vendor partnerships, contracts, sponsorships and community outreach opportunities
Worked in tandem with human resources to support administrative functions and provide crisis communication expertise
Crafted and edited corporate-wide communications to inform more than 50 managers and 600 employees across 10 restaurants
Monitored and reported various local, state and national regulations and trends to help leadership make informed operational decisions
Created brand standards and visual identity guidelines, updated digital content and oversaw full website redesign
Senior Public Relations Specialist, ALSAC / St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
October 2015 – May 2020 (impacted by reduction in force during pandemic)
Created and executed communications plans and public relations materials to support programs across paid, earned, shared and owned media channels to increase fundraising and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital among target audiences
Managed communications planning and activations for more than 200 major events annually, including the organization’s largest single-day fundraiser, St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend, which grew in revenue from $8.2 million in 2015 to $12.3 million in 2019
Spearheaded communications efforts for more than 45 St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway locations nationwide
Coordinated logistics and hosted ~25-35 media partners' annual visits to the hospital’s campus for various campaigns
Crafted media materials, including media alerts, press releases, media lists, press kits, backgrounders and campaign media reports
Planned and executed media events and press conferences to complement communications efforts for key programs and events
Conducted proactive outreach and maintained relationships with local, regional and national media outlets and digital influencers to secure media coverage
Provided crisis communications messaging and counsel for nearly 40 field development locations
Compiled metrics and reports for executive leadership that were used to inform high-level business decisions
Collaborated with internal and external video crews for media-related needs, including production of public service announcements, broadcast segments, video and radio news releases, as well as satellite media tours
Negotiated a contract and onboarded a new media monitoring vendor, while serving as the team’s point person for system utilization questions during the election cycle
Account Assistant, Obsidian Public Relations
June 2014 – October 2015
Collaborated with account managers to develop and implement PR strategies for a variety of clients simultaneously
Created tactics to support each client’s PR strategy, including: PR timelines, press releases, media advisories, social media strategies and management, naming and branding strategies, advertising plans and recommendations, internal communication documents, speaking points, digital newsletters, event promotion and additional account support
Developed relationships with and pitched to local, regional and national media outlets
Implemented and promoted Obsidian’s annual “PR 180” program, which provided pro bono public relations work to a charitable organization for one year
Coordinated various advertising routes for clients
Prepared clients for media appearances and interviews
Communications Assistant, MSU Communication Internship Program
August 2013 - May 2014
Rebranded and promoted MSU Department of Communication's internship program
Updated and created digital versions of internal communication pieces
Met with students regarding internships and provided proper internship search tools, resume building and interviewing tips
Connected students to employers seeking interns
Level 2 Public Relations Intern, Obsidian Public Relations
May 2013 - August 2013
Wrote and distributed media releases, pitches and advisories
Assisted account managers with various client events and tasks, including: research, media list building, creating social media posts and media relations
Communications Intern, Department of Communication (MSU)
April 2012 - May 2013
Organized, promoted and acquired sponsors for annual departmental events
Oversaw departmental website and logo redesign
Updated and redesigned departmental student handbook
Edited news releases and designed various departmental assets (posters, fliers, etc.)
Senior Lead Trainer, PRIDE Youth Programs
June 2010 - January 2013
Led the Training Team and planned various conferences, workshops and training sessions
Hired incoming trainers
Trained youth in various areas, including communication, leadership and team building
Planned and led annual national conference and Youth Summit camp
Expertise
Adobe Creative Suite
InDesign, Photoshop, etc.
Microsoft Office Suite
Media Monitoring/Reporting
Muck Rack, Cision, iQ Media,
Meltwater, etc.
Digital Content Curation
Crisis Communications
Web Management
Reputation Management
Software
Marqii, Review Trackers, etc.
Google & Social
Media Analytics
Creative Direction & Design
Photography
Social Media Management
Hootsuite, TweetDeck, etc.
Education
August 2010 - May 2014
Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations
Magna Cum Laude graduate
Lambda Pi Eta (communications honor society)
Dean's Student Advisory Council (College of Arts & Sciences)
Communication Ambassador Program
"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."