One of the many outstanding presenters at the NFPW conference last fall in South Carolina was Katie Freseman. She is a social media expert and shared digital marketing tips with others during the conference. She is also a past graphic designer for the NFPW Agenda publication. This talented woman continues to excel in all she does. She just added “super Mom” to her talents, with the birth of her darling daughter earlier this year. Meet another unique and unbelievable NFPW member, Katie Freseman.
Katie Freseman
Name: Katie Freseman
City and State: Greer, SC
Affiliate and any leadership positions: Media Women of South Carolina
Years a member of NFPW: 10 years
Tell us a little about you.
I graduated from North Carolina State University in 2005 and have over 10 years of experience in the communication field. Although I love all aspects of the communication field, I have a passion for digital marketing.
As the first public relations director of The Charles Lea Center (2006 – 2008), I was able to build a department for a large agency from the ground up, including a social media presence. One of my greatest accomplishments at the Center was the implementation of a second brand geared toward businesses for the Center’s adult workforce. The Workability brand and related collateral was developed to present businesses with a viable option for their outsourcing and hiring needs.
As the first communications director at the Spartanburg Humane Society, SHS, (2008 – 2013), one of my many achievements was implementing a digital media presence. I implemented a social media strategy and began utilizing Facebook, Twitter and e-marketing to reach the shelter’s target audiences: supporters, donors, volunteers, clients, adopters and even humane education participants. While I was there, the digital marketing presence grew to include thousands of followers with monthly engagement reaching over 100,000 impressions and monthly digital marketing fundraising efforts raising hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
As a member of the University Communications staff at the University of South Carolina Upstate, I work with a team of individuals to manage the University’s web and social media presence. I manage a 75 member team of website content contributors and dozens of social media accounts on a wide variety of channels across the campus.
Outside of work I volunteer my time creating the digital newsletter for Lowcountry Lab Rescue and also recently completed a social media campaign for the Spartanburg Area Conservancy that doubled their Facebook likes while also raising their post reach and overall engagement to their highest levels since the page’s inception. I enjoy spending time with my newborn daughter, husband and two labs.
Any career advice you would give?
I think having good boundaries is especially important for success both professionally and personally. I find myself to be much more effective and successful when I have taken time for myself. Taking time out for lunch or a short afternoon walk around our campus helps me to refocus and reengage myself.
Katie Freseman with newborn daughter Stella Elise.
Which talent would you most like to have?
As a new mom, I find myself sleep deprived more often than not. If there was a way that I could survive on less sleep and still run at 100%, I would sign up for that in a heartbeat!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I have been fortunate enough to visit many places that I would love to live if money were no object. At the top of my list is Hawaii. Colorado is a close second. I love spending time outside hiking and running.
What book are you reading?
Working full time and being a full time parent does not leave a lot of time for reading. However, on my current list of books to read is the latest Janet Evonovich book in the Stephanie Plum series as well as Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Although I have lived in the south my entire life, I thoroughly enjoy skiing. My husband and I make it a point to go skiing every year. We prefer to ski the Rocky Mountains but enjoy a trip to the Appalachian Mountains, too.
Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?
MWSC has provided me with the opportunity to meet many talented women (and a couple of men, too) in my field.
Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.
Because I spend so much of my time on social media for work, I tend to be a bit of a lurker on social media. www.facebook.com/katiefreseman www.twitter.com/kfreseman
Talking with Teri 