Kristen Knapp

Hi, I am Kristen Knapp, Director of Communications for Florida Health Care Association. I am a Certified Association Executive and am both Accredited in Public Relations and a Certified Public Relations Counselor.

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Kristen Knapp has over 20 years experience in local and statewide media relations, managing public relations campaigns, special event management and planning, crisis communications, sponsorship development, public speaking and promotional marketing. Kristen Knapp is also experienced in managing 501c3 foundation areas, including budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, board relations, membership recruitment, grant writing and volunteer management. 

Vice President of Public Relations at The Able Trust

April 1997 - May 2008

The Able Trust is a statewide, nonprofit foundation with a mission to be the leader in providing Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through fundraising, grant programs, public awareness and education. Since its establishment in 1990, The Able Trust has awarded over $21 million in grants to individuals and nonprofit organizatinos for employment purposes, enabling over 2,000 Florida citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce each year. The Able Trust youth programs provide leadership and career development to nearly 2,500 students with disabities annually, helping to reduce the drop out rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST/MARKETING DIRECTOR at Kidd & Co

January 1996 - January 1997

Coordinated media relations/media training, special event planning and communications activities for clients representing healthcare, association, telecommunications and nonprofit industries Developed and implemented marketing plan for company's growing web business Handled new business development and public relations project management for association, healthcare, banking, telecommunications and nonprofit clients

DIRECTOR of DEVELOPMENT at United Cerebral Palsy

January 1994 - January 1996

Instituted the agency's first Board of Trustees and Collegiate Board, with responsibilities including developing board purpose and goals, recruiting volunteer members, facilitating participation in agency fundraising and promotional efforts Implemented and managed organization's public relations programs, media activities, fundraising efforts, special events and educational seminars Designed agency's communication tools, including quarterly newsletter and promotional pieces

STAFFING SUPERVISOR at Kelly Temporary Services

January 1992 - January 1994

Recruited, placed and supervised staff of over 100 temporary and temp-to-permanent employees Developed comprehensive knowledge of human resource activities, including the ADA, worker's compensation and unemployment benefits

DIRECTOR of COMMUNICATIONS at Florida Health Care Association

May 2008

Develop and manage Association's annual communications plan and budget Oversee statewide media relations activities, including press conferences, editorial board visits, feature articles and development of related press materials, as well as serving as Association media spokesperson Manage the creation and distribution of communication tools, including print and electronic newsletters, critical membership alerts, Association Web site content, annual report and promotional pieces Support government affairs team with the development of legislative issue papers, bulletins and talking points, and coordination of membership grassroots advocacy campaign efforts, including legislator e-mail campaigns, facility tours, Lobby Wednesdays activities in Tallahassee Manage Association's social media, including Facebook and Twitter presence, legislative blog and online video messages Provide public relations counsel to the Association executive director in the strategic planning process Conduct media trainings for and provide PR counsel to the Association membership on critical industry issues

Florida State University

1988 – 1992

BACHELOR of SCIENCE

I am an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association. I enjoy playing tennis, Pilates, boating and spending time with my hubby, two boys and our springer spaniel.