CHANDLER WILSON, MPA
PROFILE
Strategic and versatile communications leader with 20+ years of experience driving brand growth, stakeholder engagement, fundraising success, and organizational visibility for mission-driven organizations. Deep expertise in integrated communications, media relations, executive communications, crisis and reputation management, content strategy, and storytelling. Skilled at translating complex, sensitive, and technical information into impactful narratives that inspire action, strengthen relationships, and advance organizational objectives. Trusted partner to executive leadership, known for building consensus, leading cross-functional initiatives, and delivering high-impact communications programs that produce measurable outcomes.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
● Strategic Communications Leadership
● Brand Strategy & Management
● Project & Change Management
● Content Strategy & Planning
● Creative Direction & Design
● Stakeholder Engagement
● Vendor & Agency Management
● Team Leadership & Development
● Event Marketing & Oversight
● Marketing Analytics & Research
● Media, Agency & Vendor Relations
● Executive & Crisis Communications
● Integrated Marketing Campaigns
● Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Writing, Editing & Storytelling
● Data-Driven Decision Making & Outcomes
● Donor Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
● Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
● Enterprise Editorial, Marcom & Brand Transformation: Directed New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) marcom and brand strategy, launching first enterprise-wide intranet, brand and editorial guidelines, and high-impact multimedia campaigns, increasing audience engagement, page views, open/click through rates, and unique visitors while strengthening brand cohesion and awareness.
● Operational Innovation & Cost Optimization: Implemented new digital platforms, AI-driven tools, and vendor consolidation strategies to streamline content production, strengthen customer experience, and cut external vendor costs by up to 45%.
● Donor/Event Marketing & Communications: Spearheaded communications and creative strategies for 100+ events, including donor and industry events, conferences, and galas such as Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance L’Oréal Legends Gala that raised $4M and record-breaking NYBCe $2.1M fundraiser, elevating event storytelling, brand visibility, and audience engagement.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DANCE ENTROPY, INC. – New York, NY
Board Member (2025-Current)
● Provide strategic marcom guidance and brand support to advance multicultural understanding and wellness through dance. ● Govern creative direction, brand cohesion and awareness, community outreach, and audience development to expand reach. ● Support fundraising, program development, and advocacy initiatives and events, driving organizational growth.
INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT – New York, NY (2024 – Current)
● Advise nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on communications strategy, brand positioning, executive messaging, donor engagement, and event marketing. ● Develop integrated communications plans, fundraising materials, thought leadership content, and marketing campaigns that strengthen visibility and stakeholder engagement.
NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER ENTERPRISES – New York, NY
Director of Corporate Communications & Branding (2019-2024)
Promoted to build and direct enterprise-wide creative marcom, editorial, brand, design, event, and PR strategy. Served as managing editor and creative director of multi-platform campaigns, driving stronger brand recognition, awareness, and engagement.
● Directed enterprise-wide marcom strategy supporting 8 divisions, B2B and B2C initiatives, and a nationally recognized research institute. Oversaw digital, print, social, web, intranet, executive and crisis communications, fundraising communications, and event marketing across multi-platform campaigns and organizational initiatives. Led the development of impact reports, brand standards, newsletters, presentations, advertising, direct mail, and event collateral, contributing to a 20% increase in audience engagement and a 35% reduction in production costs. ● Served as senior communications advisor to executive leadership, providing strategic counsel on organizational reputation, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and enterprise-wide messaging. ● Reduced production expenses 35% with AI-driven SEO, workflow automation, and content management tools. ● Increased employee engagement by 30% through novel intranet content management strategy, created first enterprise employee newsletter and recognition program, and collaborated with HR on promotional materials production and eLearning initiatives. ● Founded cross-functional branding committee and led successful rebrand campaign, decreasing project costs by 25% and developing first enterprise brand standards manual and employee training course during period of substantial growth. ● Led event marketing companywide, including industry meetings, board dinners, thought leadership lectures, and fundraising galas. ● Oversaw campaign budgets, established metrics and KPIs to track progress, and managed external vendor and agency relationships. ● Championed cross-cultural competence in communications by ensuring diverse representation in visual communication across ethnicity, gender, age, and abilities. ● Transformed complex, technical copy into content engaging to key audiences, from donor marketing materials to videos, improving campaign reach and results.
Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications (2009-2019)
● Directed planning and execution of internal/external communications, fundraising, branding, and editorial projects and events.
● Oversaw social media management and strategy and cross-functional collaboration of intranet and website management and message development for continuous SEO improvement. Served as in-house graphic designer and photographer. ● Produced cross-functional creative and editorial content supporting executive communications, research, human resources, legal, fundraising, and B2C/B2B initiatives and managed promotional materials production, marketing staff, and external vendors. ● Spearheaded design and production of marcom assets for 100+ industry, board of trustees, fundraising, and other events, conferences, lectures, and meetings, including the most successful fundraising gala, raising $2.1M+ and elevating brand visibility. ● Implemented cost-savings strategies and customer experience improvements via adoption of new platforms for creating video content, newsletters, templates, and online publications, resulting in 40% decrease in external vendor expenses.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH ALLIANCE – New York, NY
Director of Communications: ● Led integrated marcom, brand, and donor communications strategy that expanded nationwide visibility and donor engagement. ● Partnered with thought leadership, including physicians, researchers, and policymakers, to promote ovarian cancer research. ● Strengthened event storytelling and visibility by securing the opening letter for the OCRA L’Oréal Legends Gala program from then-Senator Barack Obama, inspired by his personal connection to ovarian cancer advocacy. ● Managed external creative and PR agencies to ensure consistent, mission-aligned brand representation across platforms. ● Served as managing editor of publications and redesigned HOPE newsletter to highlight patient voices and thought leadership, increasing audience engagement. ● Produced first Research Compendium showcasing scientific advances and strengthening researcher recognition.
HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY – New York, NY
Assistant Director of Publications & Communications (secured promotion to newly created role overseeing internal and external publications and marcom strategies for the Education Division, including professional, patient, and public education projects and initiatives): ● Directed production of annual reports, brochures, newsletters, and direct mail/digital marketing campaigns. ● Supervised team of freelance designers and medical editors and oversaw public relations and other external agencies. ● Collaborated with senior leadership to deliver deadline-driven CME program marketing, promotional, and educational collateral. ● Led creative direction and editorial oversight of key publications, including the Orthopedic Surgery Annual Report, HSS Journal, HealthConnection newsletter, Alumni News magazine, and editorial standards manual, ensuring high-quality content delivery. ● Spearheaded creation of award-winning patient education brochure and youth nutrition program cookbook lauded for innovative approaches to patient engagement and education.
Assistant Director of Public & Patient Education: ● Directed public and patient education workshops, lectures, support groups, health fairs, and other events. ● Supervised team of 12 coordinators and instructors, managed external vendors, and served on Employee Activities Committee. ● Launched HSS Integrative Care Center’s first Yoga, Pilates, dance, mediation, Tai Chi, and other holistic wellness programs. ● Managed production of annual reports, brochures, and newsletters and conducted market research and audience analysis. ● Oversaw planning, and execution of osteoporosis education symposium, increasing public awareness and engagement. ● Forged strategic partnership with Readymade Productions to produce Yoga for Lupus Patients video.
THE EYE BANK FOR SIGHT RESTORATION – New York, NY
Manager of Hospital & Community Relations: ● Oversaw hospital relations and community engagement across 150+ healthcare facilities. ● Cultivated and maintained strategic partnerships with community and corporate stakeholders. ● Supervised team of 6 marketing liaisons, presented educational workshops, and produced promotional materials. ● Collaborated on fundraising and public outreach events to increase brand awareness and engagement.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
Master of Public Administration, Health Management/Policy
New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
Public Service Scholarship and Institute for Diversity in Health Management Grant Recipient
Capstone Project: Strategic Market Research Targeting Underserved Populations
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration/Marketing
American University Kogod School of Business
Presidential Academic Scholarship Recipient
Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity Member
Graduate Study, Nonprofit Management/Fellowship Recipient (2019)
Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Project Management Certificate (2017)
The University of Chicago Graham School
Marketing for Business Leaders Certificate (2013)
Executive Leadership Certificate (2007)
Cornell University Johnson Graduate School
Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification (2023)
School of Positive Transformation
Fitness Marketing and Management Specialist Certificate (2003)
National Exercise and Sports Trainer Association
COURSES
Brand Marketing and SEO Tools (2025)
Coursera
Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content (2024)
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
Ethics in the Nonprofit Sector (2020)
Role of the Nonprofit Sector (2020)
Columbia University
Project Management (2017)
Pennsylvania State University
Introduction to Ancient Egypt & Its Civilizations (2016)
University of Pennsylvania
Buddhism and Modern Psychology (2014)
Princeton University
Listening to World Music (2012)
University of Pennsylvania
Copyediting (2005)
New York University
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
Marketing/Editing: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, WordPress, Salesforce, Wix, Google Analytics, Grammarly, AP Style;
AI: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Perplexity, prompt engineering, AI-assisted content creation, workflow automation, content optimization; Project Management: Basecamp, ServiceNow, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom; Design/Creative: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva; Video: Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Biteable