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I handle the strategic and day-to-day communications functions of a statewide association representing more than 7,000 physicians across all specialties. Duties publications management, website content and design, marketing communications, brand management, public relations, media relations, social media, and event planning, while also assisting in legislative advocacy.
As hokey as it may sound, I have a passion for effective communications and I believe it is the cornerstone of any successful company or organization. I was working as a communications specialist for a financial software company in Grand Rapids (yes, I was commuting) when I saw this job listed on cmprsa.org. As the patient of a doctor of osteopathic medicine for many years, I jumped at the opportunity to support and promote a type of medicine that most people misunderstand or of which they are simply unaware. One of the things I like most about my job is the variety. Each day is something different, whether we're mobilizing our members to support or oppose a particular piece of legislation or I'm simply preparing the latest issue of our monthly electronic newsletter or quarterly four-color magazine for publication. Our staff is small but committed and we are a tight-knit group of professionals.
I moved to Lansing to attend Michigan State University and simply never left. My friends and family were here and I could see that it was a city that had great potential, though it was largely unrealized at the time. Lansing was quite different when I first got here. Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly Oldsmobile Park) was just an idea and downtown Lansing was a wasteland after 5 p.m. Old Town was barely a concept and comprised mostly abandoned buildings and panhandlers. Neither was a place you wanted to frequent after dark.
Over the last 10 years, though, we've seen a great transformation and I'm excited that I've been here to be a part of it. Downtown has become a great place to work AND play and Old Town has grown into a vibrant community of its own. I believe REO Town is poised to make a similar transformation in the next few years.
Largely through social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook, I've become part of a group of young (and youngish like me) professionals such as YSG Lansing who are passionate about staying here and helping to transform our city even further. I definitely have the #lovelansing spirit and plan to spend the rest of my life right here.
Follow me on Twitter
@ryanknott