Expertise:
Branding; Strategic planning; Multichannel marketing; Product launches
Major Product/SVS:
Educational curricula and products
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mount Holyoke College (1976)
Work History:
Vice President, Marketing/Curriculum Publishing, School Specialty, Inc. (2007-Present); Director of Marketing and Sales/Educational Productions, WGBH (Public Broadcasting) (2005-2007); Director of Sales and Marketing, Heinemann (2000-2004); Vice President, Marketing, Merriam-Webster (1996-2000); Vice President, Marketing, IDG Books (1993-1996); President, Scriptographic Communications (International Subsidiary) (1990-1993); Director of Product Development, General Manager/Healthcare Market, Channing L. Bete Co.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was the development of a successful national public relations campaign that positively positioned Merriam-Webster against a negative story. She delivered the message that trying to censor the dictionary isn’t reasonable; it’s a well-researched reference tool we all need to trust. The most gratifying aspect of her career is fostering the professional development and growth of the people who work with her and for her.
Number Of Years In Profession:
26
Number Of Years In Current Position:
6
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her ability to develop clear objectives and stay focused; to having had good mentors, and to ensuring that the people who work for her have daily opportunities to grow professionally.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she believes in making a difference in children's lives through their education.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Burns is a results-oriented and data-driven strategist who has proved her leadership abilities by generating double-digit sales increases, launching new products, establishing and revitalizing brands, and creating innovative go-to-market strategies. She enjoys marketing because it is "a never-changing world of ideas," and she is always looking for the right idea to apply to the situation before her. She sets clear goals and finds creative approaches to meet them. Her many career accomplishments include successfully launching a new distance-learning digital program, in part through a unique business development strategy; developing a sales organization to focus on moving mid-level customers to become large-order ones; revamping her company's product development process to bring products to market in 50 percent of the time; and
establishing a marketing engagement pyramid, integrating sales and marketing initiatives to increase sales and referrals. In addition, Ms. Burns has been the co-owner of Ovedia Artisan Chocolates since 2004, with primary responsibilities for sales, marketing, and testing new recipes. For more information about Ovedia's decadent truffles, buttery caramels, and exquisite chocolate barks, visit http://www.ovedia.com.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Leading a team in the development of multichannel marketing initiatives to ensure a strong brand and market presence; Working hand-in-hand with sales and product management personnel to meet business objectives
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Burns hopes to continue working and growing in the area of electronics, digital marketing and education.