Few projects are as impactful—or as fast-paced—as leading a major public service campaign during a global crisis. From 2020 to 2022, as the director of marketing and communications in the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, I managed a public outreach and education initiative as part of Utah’s vital COVID-19 pandemic response. This initiative focused on developing, deploying, and maintaining the powerful #InUtah brand to encourage the patronage of locally owned small businesses.
Our goal was simple: provide clear, consistent, and actionable information to the public. This wasn’t just a single ad; it was an integrated communications ecosystem, spanning websites, media partnerships, educational videos, engaging podcasts, and timely press releases. The scope required constant innovation and flawless execution across all channels, ensuring that essential information—like flu shot awareness—reached every corner of the state.
I have to give a shout-out to our partner, RUMOR Advertising, for their exceptional work in developing and managing the #InUtah initiative alongside the GOED communications team throughout its two-year run. Their creativity and commitment were essential to the initiative’s award-winning success.
Some impressive industry recognition validated the effectiveness of our work. Our campaign earned a 2021 Telly Award for local TV PSA production. We were also honored as 2021 Adobe Government Creativity Finalists for both our #InUtah multi-channel campaign strategy and graphic design efforts. Further demonstrating the campaign’s excellence, we secured two Gold Davey Awards for integrated campaigns in 2020 and 2023. This recognition is a testament to how deep expertise, clear strategy, and a strong partnership can deliver impactful public service communications.