KIZZYA.

PAYTON
3338PINEGROVEDRIVEBATONROUGE,LA70816|paytonkizzy@gmail.com|225-907-4122

Top-performing marketing and communications expert with more than 11 years of experience in analysis, planning,
design and implementation of public relations, communications and advocacy program strategies.
StrengthsFinder 2.0 Top Talent Themes:
Relator Regarded as a team coach that shares knowledge, skills and experiences.
Activator Expert in launching projects and making things happen by turning thoughts into actions.
Developer Recognizes and cultivates potential in colleagues and in management situations.
Significance Independent thinker and recognition of others achievements.
Strategic Communications Advocacy/Policy Efforts Crisis Response
Community Engagement Reputation Assessment Social Media Website Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CURRENT
BREC operates public park and recreation facilities and programs throughout East Baton Rouge
Parish. This award-winning agency is a member of NRPA (National Recreation and Park
Association), is nationally accredited and ranks 6
th
in the nation as one of America's premier
recreation and park departments.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Assist in marketing and communications planning for the two-time gold medal, award-winning recreation and
parks agency in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Support the development and management of a $500,000 marketing budget and the implementation and
evaluation of a wide range of strategies and tactics, including sales and media buys, presentations, publications,
media relations, advertising and special events.
Participate in coordinating meetings for community leaders, individual citizens and special interest groups to
develop the 10-year strategic plan that will guide the $70.5 million capital improvement plan for the
organizations184 parks and special facilities covering more than 6,000 acres.
Promote and assist in planning special events, including grand openings, ground breakings, appreciation
luncheons, conferences and special meetings, which have an average attendance of 350-500 people.
20112012
LOUISIANARECOVERYSCHOOLDISTRICT NEWORLEANS,LA
Ranked 1
st
in the nation for school choice by the Brookings Institution, the Louisiana Recovery School District is a
special district of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). Charged with an unprecedented challenge and
developing innovative and sustainable schools, the RSD maintains a steady pace of transformation and is the largest
charter school system in the nation.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
Managed a marketing and outreach campaign that was used to successfully register more than 30,000 students
for direct-run and charter school students in the city of New Orleans first citywide, centralized enrollment system.
Led the successful rebranding efforts of the Recovery School District over a 12-month process that involved the
development of a new logo, widespread community engagement, parental involvement, and local student and
school buy-in.
Effectively responded to and managed more than 50 crisis situations impacting students and families enrolled in
local direct-run and charter schools through successfully managing the media along with internal and external
communications.
Expanded marketing and communications efforts to engage all diverse cultural communities in New Orleans,
including Hispanic and Vietnamese populations.
20052011
LOUISIANACOMMUNITYANDTECHNICALCOLLEGESYSTEM BATONROUGE,LA
One of the fastest growing two-year college systems in the nation, LCTCS provides strategic management and
support for Louisiana's 13 community and technical colleges. The colleges award associates degrees, technical
diplomas, and industry-based certificates in programs that are aligned with business and industry and local
economies.
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC INFORMATION
Developed and implemented successful advocacy campaigns to advance public policy efforts, which resulted in:
o The successful passage of more than 20 pieces of legislation that directly impact Louisianas workforce
development and business and industry community.
o The passage of a $173 million bond package that led to 23 facilities projects throughout the state.
Guided the development of outreach and marketing efforts that resulted in doubling the systems enrollment from
30,000 students in 2005 to 74,000 students in 2011.
Launched an aggressive outreach and recruitment campaign following Hurricane Katrina that enrolled more
than10,000 individuals to participate in a federally funded construction training program to support the rebuilding
needs of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
Effectively responded to and managed numerous crisis and disaster situations and guided the system through
the process with the organizations reputation remaining intact.
20022005
SOUTHERNUNIVERSITYSYSTEM BATONROUGE,LA
The Southern University System is the nations only historically black university system. The System has a Law
Center, Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and four-year and two-year campuses located in Baton Rouge,
New Orleans and Shreveport.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Produced a high-quality quarterly magazine circulated to more than 20,000 Southern University System
supporters.
Managed the publication's general editorial direction, including: advising on the coverage angle, publication's
overall organization, and story ideas.
Provided input on matters related to layout and design. Wrote and assisted with editorial news coverage and
features, and in securing local and national advertisers.
Edited and wrote articles to be published in the System magazine.
20022005
SOUTHERNUNIVERSITYAGRICULTURALRESEARCHANDEXTENSIONCENTER BATONROUGE,LA
For residents in 34 parishes, the Southern University Ag Center provides research-based solutions in the areas of
agriculture, human development, and food and environmental systems to teach new solutions that will help transform
their quality of life.
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Led the successful branding process for the Southern University Ag Center, including the development of the
organizations first logo, tagline, website, and other appropriate communications policies, standards, and
procedures.
Developed statewide partnerships with farmers, business and industry leaders, and local communities to assist
in educating the general public about the new organization.
Served as a member of the colleges advocacy team, and assisted in the development of the legislative agenda
for the Southern University Agricultural Center.
EDUCATION
SOUTHERNUNIVERSITYANDA&MCOLLEGE BATONROUGE,LA
MASTER OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS - 2002 - PUBLIC RELATIONS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS - 1999 - PRINT JOURNALISM

ADDITIONAL
PROFESSIONALAWARDS
National Council for Marketing and Public Relations Gold Medallion of Merit Award
Advocacy and Governmental Relations Campaign
National Council for Marketing and Public Relations Bronze Medallion of Merit Award
Promotion Campaign for a Special Event
American Advertising Federation of Northeast Louisiana
Gold Addy Award, Special Printed Piece
PROFESSIONALASSOCIATIONS
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
PRSA Baton Rouge Chapter
National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR)
AWARDSANDDISTINCTIONS
Forty Under 40 Award Recipient, Baton Rouge Business Report
50 for the Future, Capital Area United Way
Baton Rouge Area Leadership Class of 2009, Baton Rouge Area Chamber
COMMUNITYANDCIVICINVOLVEMENT
Board Member, East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control
Board Member, March of Dimes - Capital Area Division
Board Member, Girl Scouts - Louisiana East
Junior League of Baton Rouge
RECOMMENDATIONS
For any business looking for a dynamic and creative leader, Kizzy Payton should be a welcomed asset to your team. I've worked with Kizzy in a
variety of situations including in local non-profit organizations and on the East Baton Rouge Library Board of Control. While working with
Kizzy, I found her to be confident, professional, a good problem solver, and a pleasure to be around.
Jamie Griffin
Vice President of Administration, Raising Canes Dallas, TX

Kizzy is an out-of-the-box thinker who enjoys the challenges of PR, even in the trenches of crisis communications. She is enthusiastic about her
work and strives to provide her best. Her service toward the causes of education and life-long learning are commendable. Definitely invite her in
for an interview; she will win you over!
Wynne Waltman
Account Supervisor, The Graham Group Baton Rouge, LA