Damon May

Strategic Communications Officer and Ukraine NGO Founder

hellodamon@gmail.com • 941 744.7251
DamonMay.com • LinkedIn • Sarasota, FL

SUMMARY

Strategic communications professional with 20 years developing high-impact campaigns for healthcare, education, and international humanitarian organisations. Founded and led international NGO in Ukraine serving vulnerable populations including orphans and at-risk children, crisis pregnancy, disabilities, and humanitarian aid. Lived and worked in Kyiv for four years building cross-cultural teams and delivering multilingual communications. Proven expertise in health communications, advocacy, visual storytelling, child protection messaging, and stakeholder engagement. Multilingual (Ukrainian, Russian, French, Italian - beginner proficiency). Seeking to leverage communications expertise and international field experience in support of global health, humanitarian, or development missions.

HUMANITARIAN LEADERSHIP & FIELD EXPERIENCE

As Founder and Executive Director of Building Hope in Ukraine, I led an NGO serving orphans and vulnerable children across rural Ukraine. This experience taught me: ✓ Cross-cultural team building and management in complex postSoviet contexts ✓ Child protection messaging and anti-trafficking advocacy campaigns ✓ Navigating government partnerships, international donors , and community engagement ✓ Delivering multilingual communications (English, Ukrainian, Russian) with cultural sensitivity ✓ Operating effectively in resource-constrained and administratively complex environments

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS EXPERTISE

Beyond field work, I bring professional communications experience including:

✓ Public health messaging and health equity campaigns for underserved populations

✓ Education access and workforce development communications

✓ Brand development, visual storytelling, and multimedia production

✓ Budget management, vendor coordination, and project leadership

My work has been recognised with multiple awards including the American Advertising Federation Angel Award and two National School PR Golden Achievement Awards

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Languages: English (Native) | Ukrainian, Russian, French, Italian (Beginner/Conversational)

Regional Expertise: Ukraine & Eastern Europe, United Kingdom | Post-Soviet Contexts | Rural Development & Healthcare Environments | European Humanitarian Operations

EXPERIENCE

Communications Officer & Marketing Specialist

Church of the Palms, Sarasota

December 2025 - Present

• Directed the planning and delivery of multi-channel communication products (digital, social media, web, email, and print) to support organizational visibility, community engagement, and program awareness, resulting in a 70% increase in social media content views

• Developed and scheduled social media content using established content calendars; monitored analytics and performance indicators to inform messaging effectiveness and audience reach, contributing to a 40% increase in audience engagement

• Produced high-volume communication materials, including weekly publications and annual reports, ensuring accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and alignment with organizational branding and messaging standards, print shop operations, while supporting on-time delivery of 100% of scheduled communications

• Coordinated with internal stakeholders to translate organizational priorities into clear, audience-appropriate messaging, contributing to improved cross department alignment and message consistency across platforms

Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Editor

Empath Health

January 2024 - November 2025

I successfully transformed the creative landscape at Empath Health by delivering high-quality design solutions that resonated with our audience.

• Designed and delivered high-impact creative assets, including brochures, logos, advertisements, and videos, elevating brand presence across digital and print platforms.

• Innovated design strategies by incorporating the latest industry trends, achieving greater audience engagement and alignment with business objectives.

• Streamlined project workflows with cross-functional teams, ensuring on-time delivery within budget while maintaining brand integrity.

• Launched and managed of org-wide Canva system, onboarded team and optimized workflows.

Executive Director

Building Hope in Ukraine

April 2014 - January 2025

• Founded international nonprofit providing humanitarian assistance to orphans and vulnerable children in rural Ukraine

• Developed and executed comprehensive anti-human trafficking awareness campaign, producing digital assets, print materials, and microsite that increased partner helpline engagement by 30%

• Established Ukraine's first pro-bono advertising agency for local NGOs, providing strategic communications support to 15+ organisations

• Managed international, cross-cultural team coordinating aid distribution and programme implementation across multiple regions

• Cultivated sustainable donor relationships through strategic communications and storytelling

• Produced child protection messaging and advocacy materials addressing exploitation, trafficking prevention, and family reunification

• Developed comprehensive communications packages including campaign visuals, social media toolkits, and partner-ready templates

Founder and Executive Director

Building Hope in Ukraine

January 2010 - April 2014

Kyiv, Ukraine and Tulchin, Ukraine

• Founded international nonprofit providing humanitarian assistance to orphans and vulnerable children in rural Ukraine

• Developed and executed comprehensive anti-human trafficking awareness campaign, producing digital assets, print materials, and microsite that increased partner helpline engagement by 30%

• Established Ukraine's first pro-bono advertising agency for local NGOs, providing strategic communications support to 15+ organisations

• Managed international, cross-cultural team coordinating aid distribution and programme implementation across multiple regions

Cultivated sustainable donor relationships through strategic communications and storytelling

• Produced child protection messaging and advocacy materials addressing exploitation, trafficking prevention, and family reunification

• Developed comprehensive communications packages including campaign visuals, social media toolkits, and partner-ready templates

Senior Graphic Designer and Marketing Specialist

School District of Manatee County April 2014 - January 2024

At the School District of Manatee County, I played a pivotal leadership role and successfully transformed the marketing landscape, driving significant enrollment growth and brand cohesion.

• Led multi-channel marketing campaigns, increasing engagement through targeted strategies in PPC, programmatic display, social media, and geofencing that led to a 20% increase in enrollment

• Conceptualized and executed visually compelling branding materials, including logos, video marketing campaigns, and event collateral, enhancing visibility and reputation.

• Redefined brand standards and communication strategies, strengthening alignment across 50+ schools and departments. • Led multiple website redesigns, improving usability, compliance, sales funnel, and navigation.

• Managed a marketing budget, delivering ROI-focused campaigns and cost saving vendor negotiations.

Communications and Humanitarian Programmes Lead

Youth With A Mission January 2006 - January 2010

Kyiv, Ukraine

• Directed communications strategy, brand management, and humanitarian aid distribution for international organisation

• Produced marketing materials in English, Ukrainian, and Russian with cross-cultural sensitivity for diverse audiences • Developed and delivered training seminars on strategic nonprofit branding, messaging, and visual communications

• Built donor communication systems supporting international operations and resource mobilisation Education Ball State University Page 4 of 5 BA, Communication and Media Studies

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Production: Ball State University | Muncie, IN

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

· Certified Workflow Specialist | Asana

· Inspiring & Motivating Individuals | University of Michigan

· Google UX Design Certificate | Google

· Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion | University of South Florida

· Certified Digital Marketer | Google

Awards & Recognitions

· Angel Award for Art Direction | American Advertising Federation

· Golden Achievement Awards (2x) | National School Public Relations Association

· Medallion Award | Sunshine State School Public Relations Association

· Insignia Award for Best Customer Service | Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Leadership & Community Engagement

· Zonta International: Campaigning for women’s rights and anti-violence initiatives.

· Remote Area Medical: Delivering free medical and dental care to underserved populations.

· U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: Supporting operational readiness and community safety initiatives.

· Building Hope in Ukraine: Mobilizing humanitarian and military aid for displaced communities.

Key Achievements

· Revitalized branding for 50+ schools, boosting engagement by 30% with cohesive logos, events, and campaigns.

· Led data-driven marketing campaigns, increasing enrollment by 20% and optimizing budgets.

· Founded Ukraine’s first pro-bono ad agency, securing funding and aiding 1,000+ underserved people.

· Created award-winning ads and videos that boosted brand visibility and earned national recognition.