ABOUT EMILY PORTER

With a career spanning several industries and all aspects of integrated marketing, I bring in-depth professional expertise, loads of practical experience, and a high level of enthusiasm and personal commitment. I develop strategies, tactical plans and hands-on implementation in branding, communications, public relations, marketing and strategic alliances.

I am also connected to a network of excellent freelance talent and collaborate with Trellis Agency, a full-service creative and interactive services firm with an impressive client list that includes AOL, Fannie Mae, GEICO, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Philadelphia Insurance, The Smithsonian and World Access.

Richmond: Fast-Paced Growth
Before launching Porter Positioning, I was VP of Marketing & Communications for World Access, an insurance and assistance business providing global protection and emergency medical services for several industries, including credit cards, financial services, healthcare, and travel & entertainment. A wonderful company and on-going client, World Access is a fast-paced, high-growth business experiencing tremendous success.

The Boston Years: Internet & High-Tech
During the dot com boom, I helped launch an idealab! Internet company as VP of Marketing in Boston, MA, raising funding, building an integrated strategy and leading a positive, risk-taking team that achieved stellar results (including a front-page Wall Street Journal article). I was also VP of Marketing Communications for Applix, a global business intelligence and CRM platform provider, during a tech industry upheaval.

Big Apple, Big Brand: American Express
As part of quintessential corporate America, I served as Director of Public Affairs and Communications for American Express in NYC. I ran PR, marketing communications and industry relations strategies for the company’s Card, Travel, Global Branding & Advertising, and Merchant Services areas. A few highlights: achieving significant ROI by helping evolve an elite product to a value-backed prestige brand appealing to a broad base of businesses and consumers; leading record-breaking PR and advertising; working with great partners like Jerry Seinfeld, Tiger Woods, Disney, Delta, the National Retail Association, etc.; helping launch the company’s first website; serving as a privacy and travel industry advocate.

DC: Professional Associations
In Washington DC, I ran PR and marketing communications for trade associations, including the American Society of Travel Agents. At ASTA, I had one of the best jobs ever, traveling the world, promoting leisure and business travel. I stayed in the best resorts in exotic places, but always off-peak. I was in Istanbul during a blizzard, Puerto Rico during a hurricane, Cairo during 120-degree heat… you get the picture. I love the travel business, from achieving outstanding results during good times to managing crises as they arise.

Activities & Education
A professional speaker and writer on a wide range of topics, I offer presentations, brainstorming and training sessions for individual employees and business groups. A big fan of volunteerism, I serve on the Executive Committee and Board for Junior Achievement and supported Massachusetts General Hospital, The Shackleton School, JA of NY, Ayuda and The Smithsonian Institution. I have a B.A. in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and studied graduate-level Creative Writing and Anthropology at The American University.