Holly Plato
Prince George,B.C.
Summary
Communications professional with strong track record in strategic messaging, media relations, and crisis management. Known for effective team collaboration and driving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in content development, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement, with proactive and adaptable approach to evolving challenges.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
01.2019 - 03.2025
- Led transformative communication strategies for regionally significant economic development organization
- Oversaw brand positioning, media engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and digital content delivery to elevate organization’s visibility and impact across Northern B.C
- Key Achievements:
- Led full organizational rebrand in 2020, modernizing visual identity, messaging, and digital presence to better reflect Northern Development’s mission and regional impact
- Elevated brand recognition and stakeholder engagement through cohesive communications across traditional and digital platforms, resulting in increased media coverage and regional support
- Developed and executed multi-channel strategic communications plan that enhanced transparency and showcased organization’s contributions to economic development
- Produced major publications, including annual report, State of the North economic report, and newsletters, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with brand voice
- Oversaw complete overhaul of the Northern Development website and its social media strategy, significantly increasing reach, engagement, and accessibility
- Directed Indigenous Engagement Plan, working collaboratively with First Nations and the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation to advance legislative changes and increase Indigenous representation on governance boards
- Built internal communications capacity by delivering training, consulting services, and support to partner communities lacking in-house PR expertise
- Managed communications department and budget, setting annual objectives and measuring progress against strategic KPIs
Senior Communications Advisor, Media and Communications
RCMP Headquarters
09.2013 - 06.2018
- Provided divisional communications and strategic planning advice to senior leaders and communications specialists
- Supported RCMP operations with impactful media strategies and internal communications aligned with public safety objectives
- Key Contributions:
- Responded to media inquiries, conducted on-air interviews, and authored high-impact press releases
- Created speeches, Q&As, media advisories, and content for traditional and social media
- Managed communications for sensitive and high-profile events, coordinating with investigators and stakeholders
- Produced annual reports and recruitment marketing materials
- Developed compelling human-interest stories to boost RCMP's public image and engagement
Communications Advisor, Northwest Region Recruiting
RCMP Headquarters
04.2009 - 09.2013
- Drove recruitment-focused communications strategies at both regional and national levels
- Key Contributions:
- Created and implemented strategic marketing plans with multi-platform advertising
- Produced recruiting manuals, annual reports, and national strategy documents
- Delivered training on media relations for recruiters and internal stakeholders
Marketing Director
St. Vital Shopping Centre
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Directed mall marketing operations, strategic planning, and brand alignment across campaigns and public initiatives
- Key Contributions:
- Repositioned brand through consistent internal/external messaging and creative execution
- Managed large-scale ad campaigns using diverse media
- Delivered community events and fundraising campaigns to drive traffic and elevate brand presence
Education
Creative Communications Diploma (Honours) - Journalism
Red River College
Winnipeg, MBSkills
- Strategic Communications
- Public Relations
- Brand Strategy
- Organizational Rebranding
- Indigenous Engagement
- Content Creation
- Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Budget Management
- Team Leadership
- Publication Development
- Speech Writing
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Web Publishing
- Social Media Strategy
- Internal Communications
Affiliations
Canadian Public Relations Society, Northern Lights Chapter, Accreditation Chair
Professional Development
- Governance Essentials Program (GEP), ICD-Rotman, 2023
- Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), CPRS, 2022
- Cultural Intelligence, Aboriginal Awareness, Social Media and Web Accessibility Seminars
- Adobe InDesign, Dreamweaver, Contribute, ASAP School of Business
Certification
Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
Timeline
Director of Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
01.2019 - 03.2025
Senior Communications Advisor, Media and Communications
RCMP Headquarters
09.2013 - 06.2018
Communications Advisor, Northwest Region Recruiting
RCMP Headquarters
04.2009 - 09.2013
Marketing Director
St. Vital Shopping Centre
08.2007 - 05.2009
Creative Communications Diploma (Honours) - Journalism
Red River College
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