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Canyon College

Lee Ann Franceschi
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Biographical Information

Professional Experience

*Vice President and Director, 1980-Present
Adventures in Travel, Inc. - Serve in consultant capacity in the areas of sales, marketing, administration and advertising to this large, successful full-service travel agency.

*President, 1994-Present
Franceschi Advertising and Public Relations, Inc. - Handled all public relations activities for clients, including press conferences, crisis control, new product roll-out and grand openings. Functioned as campaign manager for political candidates, coordinated events and appearances. Placed statewide media buys, and worked on various publications, such as Florida Trend in coordinating special magazine sections.

*Executive Director, 1994
Citizens for A Safe Florida- Contracted to head this philanthropic group in its efforts to improve the criminal justice system in Florida. Managed the effort to put a Constitutional amendment on the ballot, comprised of a 14 point program, the cornerstone of which was dedicated to funding a Criminal Justice Trust Fund. Handled the legislative lobbying efforts that went along with this effort. Dealt with the media via releases and press conferences. Raised money and performed tasks associated with fund-raising and association management. (Short-term political assignment)

*Lobbyist, 1993-1994
Barbara Palmer and Associates - Tracked legislation, lobbied issues in the 1994 regular and special session of the Florida Legislature for clients in the health care, mental health, hotel and personal care business. (Short-term assignment prior to and during Legislative session)

*Director, Southeast Builders Conference, 1992-93
*Director of Conventions and Education
Florida Home Builders Association - Handled all association activities for SEBC, and was staff liaison with FHBA committees. Directed sales and was responsible for the profitability of Southeast Builders Conference, second largest regional building trade show and expo in the U.S. Handled all communications including print and broadcast. Was responsible for $750,000 budget, 430 exhibitors and 5000 delegates, and all aspects of show management and educational programs.

*Coordinator of The Florida Census, 1989-90
Executive Office of the Governor - Planned, coordinated and implemented statewide public awareness campaign for Florida Census '90. Created public service campaign utilizing all media. Appointed 22 member Complete Count Committee, was elected Chair of Committee, coordinated with Governor and Legislature.

*Campaign Manager, 1989
Representative Al Lawson Campaign, Florida House - Managed campaign staff, volunteers, advertising and publicity campaign for successful reelection of five-term House member. Coordinated with House and Senate leaders as well as lobbyist community, in successful fund raising effort.

*Vice President of Marketing, 1984-89
Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. - Administrative position with financial advertising and public relations firm, servicing banks, S&L's and credit unions throughout the southeast. Involved with all marketing, public relations, communications and multi-media campaigns for those accounts.

*Vice President and General Manager, 1980-84
Adventures in Travel, Inc. - Created and organized new travel agency. Set up office procedures and supervised 16 agents. Directed growth of agency from zero billings to over $4 million in sales in three years. Handled all advertising and public relations activities. Initiated the study abroad contract with FSU and administered it for three years.

*Chief, Bureau of Visitor Development, 1975-80
Florida Division of Tourism, Department of Commerce - Administrative position handling major promotions, marketing and public relations for Florida tourism. Planned major meetings and industry functions at national conventions.


Education

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
* Major in Business, Field of Public Relations and Management


Professional Associations and Awards

Past and Present
* AAF Addy Award Recipient
* American Advertising Federation, 1975-80, 1985-89
* Zonta Club of Tallahassee, President, 1987

*Professional Woman of the Year 1988

*Director, 1997-98
ZPPC (Past Presidents' Council) 1996-97

*Chair, ZPPC, 1997-98

* Easter Seal Society, Volunteer of the Year, 1985

* Florida Public Relations Association: President, 1977
Most Outstanding Chapter President, 1977
Vice President, 1976
Secretary, 1975
State Vice President, 1976-78
State Board of Directors, 1976-80

* Golden Image Award for Florida Division of Tourism campaign, 1976

* American Society of Association Executives, 1975-80, 1991-93

* Florida Society of Association Executives, 1991-93

* Tallahassee Society of Association Executives, 1975-80, 1991-93

* American Society of Travel Agents, 1975-84

* American Society of Travel Agents, S.E. Chapter Charter Member, 1980-1984