Parkinson Named Director, Marketing & Public Relations

Ann Arbor SPARK Names Elizabeth Parkinson Director, Marketing and Public Relations
November 30, 2006

Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location, recently named Elizabeth Parkinson as its director, marketing and public relations. In her new role, Parkinson will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated marketing and public relations plan to achieve Ann Arbor SPARK’s business development goals.

“Elizabeth Parkinson is a multi-talented individual who will enable Ann Arbor SPARK to create a proactive and responsive regional economic development organization,” said Michael A. Finney, CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. “Elizabeth’s breadth of marketing and public relations experience, coupled with her results-focused style, will enhance Ann Arbor SPARK’s ability to promote the region’s assets in targeted locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.”

In her role as director, marketing and public relations, Parkinson will develop Ann Arbor SPARK’s marketing plan, develop and implement tradeshow marketing and other special events, and manage Ann Arbor SPARK’s Web-related strategy and presence. Parkinson will also oversee Ann Arbor SPARK’s communications strategies, including its newsletter and Web site communications, public relations activities, and investor and community relations.

Parkinson is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in both internal and external communications. Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, Parkinson spent 10 years with Edelman in Chicago, Ill., advancing from vice president, producer, to general manager, executive vice president, of its Creative Solutions Group.

Parkinson developed integrated campaigns for non-profit clients including Illinois Board of Tourism, Mexico Ministry of Tourism, Second Harvest and the Chicago Children’s Museum. She contributed counsel and materials for the successful attraction and relocation of Boeing to Chicago. Her additional clients ranged from Microsoft and Gateway in technology to consumer product brands Kraft, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Parkinson is a graduate of Alma College in Alma, Mich., where she earned a bachelor of liberal arts in marketing and accounting.

About Ann Arbor SPARK
Representing all communities in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, the Herbert and Grace Dow Foundation, Pfizer, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.