Resume

KATHERINE MESTOUSIS

Dual Citizenship: United States and Greece (EU)
EU Relocation Ready

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k.mestousis@gmail.com  |  www.linkedin.com/in/kmestousis 

 Strategic Communications Planning Project Management
 Government Relations Writing, Research & Editing
 Social Media & Digital Marketing Content Creation & Website Management
 International Affairs Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
 Campaign Planning & Execution Brand Management
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

WM (Waste Management)
Change & Communications Manager, IT Dept. (Hybrid, Contract) | Feb 2025 – Present
Lead communications and change initiatives to support technology transformation and post-acquisition integration.

  • Manage internal messaging across the IT, HR, Operations, and Sales functions to ensure alignment during system rollouts and organizational shifts.
  • Design and deliver training materials, quick-reference guides, and adoption campaigns that drive employee engagement and accelerate user adoption of new technologies.
  • Serve as the communications bridge between technical teams and non-technical audiences, translating complex digital solutions into accessible narratives.
  • Develop content for AI communications initiatives, helping employees adapt to tools like Microsoft Copilot and other AI-powered platforms.

Allies in Hope (AIH).  June ’22 – November 2024
Director of Advancement
Oversaw all marketing, communications and development initiatives including media relations, social media, volunteer activities, grant development, and more.

  • Manage internal messaging across the IT, HR, Operations, and Sales functions to ensure alignment during system rollouts and organizational shifts.
  • Design and deliver training materials, quick-reference guides, and adoption campaigns that drive employee engagement and accelerate user adoption of new technologies.
  • Serve as the communications bridge between technical teams and non-technical audiences, translating complex digital solutions into accessible narratives.
  • Spearheaded comprehensive rebranding and fundraising campaigns, increasing donor engagement by 18% and growing fundraising revenue by over $170,000.
  • Directed all aspects of marketing and communications for the “Hope for Houston Ball,” which attracted 350+ attendees.
  • Produced over 100 digital media assets (including newsletters, social media content, and website updates) within a 12-month period, driving a 18% increase in digital reach and engagement.
  • Successfully managed multiple grant proposals exceeding $500,000 each, leading to an 65% success rate in funding approvals.

Harris County, Universal Services Department.  July ’22 – June ’23
Communications Manager
Led the Communications Division of Universal Services, which provides technology and fleet support to all other County departments. Served as strategist, advisor, and storyteller in developing and executing internal and external communications.

  • Led marketing efforts for the Harris County 3-1-1 launch, providing access to services for 4.7 million residents and driving a 15% increase in service requests within the first six months.
  • Developed a targeted social media strategy that grew departmental following by 26% and improved engagement rates by 30%.
  • Implemented public relations and media outreach initiatives that resulted in a 25% increase in media coverage and community event attendance.

University of Houston-Clear Lake.  Nov ’21 – July ’22
Marketing Project Manager
Managed multi-channel marketing and communication projects including strategy, timeline, and budget.

  • Managed over 70 marketing projects within budget and timeline constraints, achieving a 95% on-time project completion rate.
  • Conducted risk assessments and budget management for all projects, saving the university an estimated 15% in project-related costs.

Indorama Ventures.  Apr ’21 – Nov ’21
Regional Communications Lead, SAP Project
Oversaw change management communications in the Americas region (US, Mexico, Canada) for the global implementation of SAP software while working with a diverse international team located around the world.

  • Directed change management communications for SAP software implementation across North and South America, achieving a 84% employee engagement rate in training and stakeholder events.
  • Developed and executed virtual town hall meetings and group connects for up to 800 attendees across the US, Mexico, and Canada, improving information retention and employee satisfaction by 20%.

CBRE, Inc.  Nov ’18 – Nov ’20
Sr. Marketing Specialist
Served as the project manager and proposal writer supporting sales and new business development ($5.75 billion in transactions in 2020; 1,223 employees).

  • Led RFPs and proposal processes for government and corporate clients, contributing to over $1 billion in transactions, with a 60% proposal success rate.
  • Managed marketing team operations, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency and ensuring consistent delivery of services during leadership transitions.

City of Houston, Houston Health Department.  Oct ’16 – Nov ’18
Marketing Lead and Media Representative
Managed the $2.5 million Project PrIDE healthcare marketing campaign, a 3-year Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funded grant project addressing HIV prevention and education.

  • Managed the $2.5 million Project PrIDE marketing campaign that reached over 65 million individuals, increasing awareness for HIV prevention efforts among LGBTQIA+ communities by 32%.
  • Led community outreach initiatives and media relations efforts across 35 media outlets, achieving a 25% improvement in campaign reach and visibility.

City of Houston, Houston Public Works (HPW).  Mar ’13 – Oct ’16
Communications Specialist
Served as the communications lead for the Department, Directors Office, ReBuild Houston, and the Houston Bikeways Program.

  • Created and managed social media strategies for Houston Public Works, growing the department’s following by over 13,000 and increasing engagement by 30%.
  • Represented the department at over 50 community events, boosting program awareness by 40% and establishing stronger community relationships.
EDUCATION

University of St. Thomas. Houston TX.  Graduation May ‘19
Master in Liberal Arts – Concentration in International Studies
* Focus on international policy, business, and politics

University of Houston. Houston TX.  Graduated Dec ‘11
Bachelor of Arts in Communication; Minor in Art History

KEY SKILLS
  • Campaign Development: Proven success in creating strategies tailored to local and global audiences.
  • Proactive Storytelling: Skilled in crafting narratives that resonate across diverse channels.
  • Digital Savvy: Proficient in managing digital marketing platforms, analytics, and tools.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Adept at coordinating efforts across cross-functional teams.
  • Project Management: Experienced in overseeing complex projects from ideation to execution, coordinating cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam (Expected Test Date Feb 2025)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) coursework (Jun 3 – Jul 29, 2024)
  • Certified Professional Mediator – Basic Mediation (May 2018)
  • Digital Communications Certificate – Adobe Creative Suite and HTML (May 2015)
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
  • Successfully managed cross-border technology projects and communications strategies
  • Extensive professional experience across the United States and international markets
  • Lived abroad in Chios, Greece for approximately 5 years
  • Extensive travel and cultural immersion in Europe, enhancing global communication skills
  • United Nations Association (Houston Chapter) Board Member (2018-2019)
  • Recipient of a study abroad scholarship to Taiwan while working on master’s degree (2018)
  • Participated in 1-month exchange program in Hanover, Germany while working on bachelor’s degree (2008)