STRATEGY | BRANDING | ACTIVATION
In their words…
We've had the privilege of working with some of the best and brightest people helping them forge a path to a better future for their institutions and organizations. Here’s what they have to say:
Monique Moore Pryor, Esq.
Chief Engagement and External Affairs Officer
Tearanny Street
Executive Director, Marketing Communications and Special Events
St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY
At a time when the College was undertaking a bold strategic plan and was severely understaffed, Verna was able to quickly jump in and put our marketing efforts on solid strategic footing. In partnership with our Exec. Director of Marketing, Verna and her GreenLight team leveraged their higher ed expertise, strong collaboration skills, and get-it-done attitude to develop and execute a refreshed brand and recruitment messaging strategy, new omni-channel brand campaign, campus launch and visual identity roll-out plans, and updated recruitment materials for SFC. It was a pleasure working with the GreenLight team.
Her leadership in the campaign, “This is how we do business...,” was nothing short of brilliant. We now have a portfolio of 7 graduate programs and our enrollments have increased well over 50% as a result of unique offerings (part of the recommendation) and an authentic marketing campaign which increased queries, put more potential students in the funnel, and ultimately has breathed new life into our graduate business portfolio.
Dayle M. Smith, PhD
Dean, College of Business Administration
Loyola Marymount University
David H. Kalsbeek, PhD
Consultant, Human Capital Research
Senior Vice President – emeritus, DePaul University
Verna immediately ratcheted up the university’s marketing intelligence, bringing intentionality, information and integration to what previously were fragmented, rudderless and ill-informed efforts. She was remarkably successful due to her polished professionalism, personal poise, commanding expertise, sensitivity to the academic climate and culture, thorough preparation, excellent project management, and sound data-based arguments and recommendations. Verna continues to be the standard of marketing professionalism against which I measure all staff, agencies, and consultancies.
Her leadership in the campaign, “This is how we do business...,” was nothing short of brilliant. We now have a portfolio of 7 graduate programs and our enrollments have increased well over 50% as a result of unique offerings (part of the recommendation) and an authentic marketing campaign which increased queries, put more potential students in the funnel, and ultimately has breathed new life into our graduate business portfolio.
Dayle M. Smith, PhD
Dean, College of Business Administration
Loyola Marymount University
Lisa Dutton, PT, PhD
Dean, College of Health Professions
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
As the University and College of Health Professions explored possible new program offerings, Verna provided comprehensive market analyses that allowed us to make well-informed, data-driven decisions about whether and how to move forward. She listened carefully to our needs, sought clarification as she engaged in the work, and delivered detailed reports that reflected her deep insight and understanding of the higher education landscape. We are grateful for her work and look forward to opportunities to engage her services in the future.
Verna has the incredible ability to cut through the clutter and reveal the essence of a brand. She partnered with our leadership team and numerous key constituents, bringing clarity to what defines and distinguishes a North Shore Country Day education. Verna accomplished in just a few months— what we had spent years trying to do ourselves—creating a tiered framework for our messaging to be integrated throughout our communications, marketing and fundraising.
Tura Cottingham
Director of Marketing and Communications
North Shore Country Day School
Verna identified the need to create a strong brand identity in order to attract a larger student enrollment and to create a financially sustainable institution. Her demographic research was critical to the decision of DePaul University to become the academic partner of our new Catholic High School. From an initial enrollment 8 years ago of less than 400 students, DCP now educates 940 students and that number is expected to rise to 1100 students in the upcoming year.
Mary A. Dempsey
President, DePaul College Prep
As a marketer, change agent, organizational leader, what sits at Verna's core is her desire to make a difference and add value. But, what truly differentiates Verna is her style and approach to getting to the solutions. She listens. She leads. And, she cultivates trusted relationships. Verna is willing to explore ideas using unconventional approaches. She can articulate a vision that is far-reaching and aspirational, but will undoubtedly roll up her own sleeves and contribute beyond measure to get there.
K.K. Neilsen-Cleland
AVP, Corporate and Employer Partnerships
DePaul University
I had the pleasure of producing a video project under the guidance of Verna Donovan for DePaul, taking the project from conception through completion. I found that throughout the process her vision was clear and communication concise. She had an impeccable knowledge of the brand and was able to translate that into a compelling narrative.
She instinctively knows how to motivate those around her and makes everyone excited about any task that they are working on! She is always marketing-minded and keeps focus on the big picture, maintaining a broad perspective. I would not hesitate to work with Verna again!
Tracy Heropkie
Executive Producer, Mode Project
Verna was extraordinarily helpful to me as we explored ways to position the organization to optimize philanthropic opportunities. In addition to her well-honed skills and knowledge directly related to marketing and branding, she demonstrated a rare capacity to get things accomplished across a complex institution. Regardless of the circumstances or challenges at hand, Verna was always clear and calm. She is a good listener, an excellent presenter, and has the heart of a servant leader. In addition, her energy and enthusiasm is infectious.
Erin Minne
Fundraising Consultant and Coach
Senior Vice President of Advancement, emeritus, DePaul University
As AVP at LMU, Verna quickly gained the trust and confidence of relevant stakeholders and delivered impactful wins amidst complex department structures and ever-changing business requirements. She shines as a leader and is respected as a collaborator; she puts in the hard work, provides the safe space for colleagues to contribute as a team, and encourages them to shine as individuals.
Jessica Georgopoulos
Digital Marketing, Social Media, & Communications Consultant
Former, Director of Recruitment Marketing, LMU
Over the 15 years I have known Verna, I have found her to be a wicked smart, strategic thinker and thought partner, always leveraging her incredible depth of operating experiences across multiple company/client situations. In addition, her ability to build and nurture strong business relationships, as well as consistently being proactive, pragmatic and resourceful makes Verna one of my absolute go-to's when I need some true business, strategy or marketing partnering.
Scott Davis
Chief Growth Officer, Prophet
Having worked closely with Verna, she has consistently proven herself to be extremely strong in the areas of marketing, management & brand strategy. Most impressive is that Verna has the rare combination of being proficient in research, strategy, communication and leadership.
Ryan Smith
Senior Vice President, Playfly Premier
