Name of winner: Katie Kirkpatrick

Name of individual award: Renaissance Rising Star

Title: Communications Representative

Company: Bayer Corporation

Education: Ms. Kirkpatrick holds B.A. degrees in English and Communications from Robert Morris University. She is currently studying to earn her M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business (expected 2013).

Hometown: Johnstown, PA

Individual Award Winner Biography:

Katie Kirkpatrick joined Bayer Corporation as a communications representative in March 2009. She provides external and internal communications support on behalf of Bayer Corporation. Her responsibilities include national and local media relations; executive communications support; social media strategy; process development and implementation; internal writing and editing.

Prior to joining Bayer, Ms. Kirkpatrick was a marketing communications specialist at NOVA Chemicals, Inc., a Canadian commodity chemicals company. She developed marketing communications strategies for the polyethylene and polystyrene businesses and products. She began her career with NOVA Chemicals in 2007 as an intern.

About Bayer Corporation:

Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. As an inventor company, it sets trends in research-intensive areas. The company’s products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. The Corporation is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its role as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. Economy, ecology and social responsibility are corporate policy objectives of equal rank. In North America, Bayer had 2011 net sales of EUR 8,177 million ($11,366 million) and employed 15,800 at year-end.

Mission & Vision Statement –

Company mission “Bayer: Science For A Better Life“

Bayer is an inventor company with a long tradition of research. By applying science to the major global challenges, we deliver innovations that address unmet customer and market needs. Our focus on innovation is the key to maintaining or gaining a leading position in every market in which we operate. It is also the foundation for improving the lives of many millions of people.

Education: I hold a BS in Public Relations from West Virginia Wesleyan College and an MBA from Carlow University.

Current Livelihood: I work in Highmark’s Subsidiary Marketing Group as the Internal Communications Consultant. My role is to manage and implement internal communications across two of Highmark’s key subsidiaries that have almost 1700 employees across the nation.  I believe that an informed and engaged workforce is better connected to their work and the company.

Childhood Ambition:   Well, when I was very little my Dad took me into his office a few weekends and perched me up at his secretary’s desk while he did some work.  I remember playing with all the Post-It notes, glue sticks, highlighters and fancy pens. It was all so fun to me!  I was certain that one day I’d be a secretary! 

Draw to the Communications Field:  I was a high school senior on a campus tour of Wesley Virginia Wesley College and my tour guide was a Public Relations major.  I had never heard of PR, but when he explained his classes and potential career options, I was sold.  My first job out of college was in media relations, then I worked for a nonprofit where I did almost every aspect of the communications field.  I have to say that I love it all.  I can’t see myself doing anything else.

Most Memorable Experience as a Communications Professional: Probably one of my first real experiences is one of my most memorable.  I was an intern at a small PR agency in Arlington, Va. and was charged with securing media coverage for a news conference we were planning for a client.  The conference was scheduled just a few days after the 2000 Presidential election.  For the first time in history, the election between George W. Bush and Al Gore was too close to call and a decision was not made for almost a month later.  We rescheduled the news conference, and the press release I wrote was picked up by major print outlet across the nation.  Seeing my text in USA Today was such a rush, and presenting a happy client with an impressive clip report was an even better feeling.

Recommended Reads: Since change is always a constant, I recommend “Our Iceberg is Melting” by John Kotter as a fun read that really puts change management into perspective.

Favorite Thing to do in Pittsburgh:  I love to run and despite our hills, Pittsburgh offers so many great places to get out and enjoy a run.  My favorite running spot is the Montour Trail, especially through Bethel Park, Peters Township and Cecil.  I’ve also ran the Pittsburgh Half marathon the past three years, and that race makes me proud to be a runner and proud of our city.

The Last Word: The PRSA keeps me updated on the latest news and events in our evolving field.  I feel better informed by being a part of this organization.  Thank you!

PRSA Pittsburgh would like to welcome Jennifer and all of our new members to the chapter!!