Katelynn Ralston
Lexington
Summary
Strategic marketing and communications leader with over 10 years of experience in higher education and workforce development. Expertise in developing integrated marketing strategies, enhancing digital engagement, and managing brand initiatives that align with institutional goals. Leverages analytics and audience insights to drive results in enrollment and advancement efforts.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Marketing and Digital Strategies
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
05.2023 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership for integrated marketing, communications, branding, and digital engagement initiatives supporting academic programs, workforce development, advancement efforts, student engagement, and community partnerships.
- Lead development and execution of institution-wide marketing strategies aligned with college and statewide KCTCS priorities.
- Direct brand management efforts to ensure consistency across academic, workforce, advancement, and community initiatives.
- Oversee content strategy, creative development, digital advertising, media buying, social media, video production, and print communications.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders to advance institutional goals and strengthen reputation.
- Analyze market trends, employer feedback, audience behavior, and campaign performance to inform strategic decisions.
- Lead Anthology Reach marketing automation efforts including campaign strategy, messaging development, compliance, analytics, and lead nurturing.
- Develop communications materials, promotional campaigns, and storytelling initiatives supporting workforce partnerships and institutional visibility.
Founder, Marketing Consultant & Creative Strategist
Do & Hope, Coach & Consult
08.2019 - Current
- Provide strategic marketing, branding, content development, and website consulting services for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Develop content strategies and editorial plans that improve visibility and customer engagement.
- Design and launch websites supporting business growth and brand development.
- Deliver visual storytelling and creative assets through photography and branding services.
Freelance Photographer & Illustrator
Independent Creative Professional
05.2008 - Current
- Develop visual content and storytelling assets that enhance branding, marketing, editorial, and community initiatives.
Director of Digital Strategies
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
10.2021 - 05.2023
- Led digital strategy and online engagement initiatives.
- Managed digital communications channels, content strategy, website initiatives, and audience engagement efforts.
- Advanced institutional visibility through data-informed digital marketing approaches.
Interim AVP of Strategic Communications
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Provided executive-level communications leadership and strategic guidance during a transitional period.
- Advised leadership on institutional messaging and communications priorities.
- Coordinated cross-functional communications initiatives supporting organizational goals.
Administrative Assistant II
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
03.2020 - 10.2021
- Progressed into strategic marketing responsibilities supporting workforce development initiatives.
- Conducted competitive analyses of workforce websites across the KCTCS system.
- Increased social media engagement by approximately 1,800% within 30 days through strategic content planning and SEO-informed practices.
- Evaluated campaign effectiveness through analytics and implemented optimization strategies.
- Supported development of marketing plans, digital content, and workforce-focused communications.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art (Digital Photography & Ceramics)
Transylvania University
Lexington, KY05-2013
Some College (No Degree) - Commercial Photography
Nossi College of Art
Nashville, TNSkills
- Digital Marketing and Lead Generation
- Integrated Marketing & Communications
- Digital Media Strategy
- Content Strategy & Storytelling
- Brand Strategy & Governance
- Enrollment & Workforce Marketing
- Market Research & Analytics
- Marketing Automation
- Website Strategy
- Reputation Management
- Executive Communications
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Crisis Communications
- Higher Education Strategy
- Strategic Marketing Leadership
Languages
Brazilian Portuguese
Elementary
Certification
- Graphic Design Essentials - Canva, July 2024
- Supervisor Training Academy - BCTC, March 2024
- Agency Specialist Certification: Corporate Communications - Meltwater, May 2023
- Agency Specialist Certification Level I: Crisis & Issues Communications - Meltwater, May 2023
- Creating Searches with Boolean: Advanced - Meltwater, May 2023
- Content Marketing and SEO Fundamentals - Semrush, October 2021-2022
- Role of Content Exam - Semrush, October 2021-2022
Timeline
Director of Marketing and Digital Strategies
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
05.2023 - Current
Interim AVP of Strategic Communications
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
08.2022 - 11.2022
Director of Digital Strategies
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
10.2021 - 05.2023
Administrative Assistant II
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
03.2020 - 10.2021
Founder, Marketing Consultant & Creative Strategist
Do & Hope, Coach & Consult
08.2019 - Current
Freelance Photographer & Illustrator
Independent Creative Professional
05.2008 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art (Digital Photography & Ceramics)
Transylvania University
Some College (No Degree) - Commercial Photography
Nossi College of Art