Damon May                hellodamon@gmail.com • 941.744.7251  DamonMay.com • LinkedIn 

Strategic communications professional with 25 years of experience designing and delivering public information campaigns, humanitarian communications, and digital engagement strategies across nonprofit, healthcare, education, and international development environments. Experienced in stakeholder engagement, integrated campaigns, and cross-cultural communications that strengthen organizational visibility, improve communication systems, and support mission-driven objectives. Founder of an international humanitarian organization in Ukraine with field experience in donor engagement, community outreach, and communications in complex environments. 

CORE COMPETENCIES  

• Strategic Communications & Public Information

• Advocacy & Public Awareness Campaigns

• Crisis Communications Planning

• Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Digital Engagement & Social Media Strategy

• Integrated Campaign Development

• Cross-Cultural & International Communications

• Content Strategy & Editorial Management

• Communications Systems & Process Improvement

• Brand Strategy & Creative Direction

• Project & Workflow Management

• Web Strategy, UX/UI & Digital Platforms

• Video Production & Multimedia Storytelling

• Monitoring, Analytics & Communications Reporting 

TOOLS & PLATFORMS 

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere)

• Canva • Figma • CapCut

• WordPress • Squarespace

• Google Workspace • Google Analytics

• Hootsuite • Social Media Analytics & Content Management

• Asana • Monday.com

• Video Production • Email Marketing • Print Production Systems 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

Communications Officer & Marketing Specialist 

Church of the Palms, Presbyterian Church USA                                                       Sarasota, FL | 2025 - Present

  • Lead strategic communications across digital, web, email, print, and social platforms to strengthen community engagement and organizational visibility.

  • Increased social media impressions by 624%, content views by 70%, and audience engagement by 40% within six months through improved content strategy and communication systems.

  • Produce weekly publications, annual reports, and high-volume communications materials while maintaining 100% on-time delivery.

  • Developed organization-wide brand guidelines and a strategic crisis communications plan to improve message consistency and organizational readiness.

  • Partner with ministry leaders and stakeholders to translate priorities into clear, audience-focused communications. 


Senior Graphic Designer & Creative Editor  

Empath Health                                                                                                                 Clearwater, FL | 2024 - 2025

  • Developed integrated communications assets across print, web, email, and social channels, increasing engagement by 25%.

  • Led organization-wide Canva adoption, training more than 30 staff members and improving design efficiency by 40%.

  • Standardized cross-department workflows, reducing production turnaround times by 30%.

  • Produced patient-facing materials, medical manuals, enrollment collateral, and healthcare marketing campaigns across multiple platforms. 


Senior Graphic Designer & Marketing Specialist
School District of Manatee County                                                                              Bradenton, FL | 2014 - 2024 

  • Led integrated communications and marketing campaigns utilizing PPC, programmatic display, social media, and geofencing strategies that contributed to a 20% increase in enrollment.

  • Developed branding initiatives, video campaigns, publications, and community outreach materials supporting more than 50 schools and departments.

  • Strengthened district-wide communication systems and brand standards to improve consistency and stakeholder engagement.

  • Directed multiple website redesigns, improving usability, accessibility, navigation, and digital conversion pathways.

  • Managed marketing budgets and vendor relationships, delivering cost-effective, results-driven campaigns. 


Founder & Executive Director 

Building Hope in Ukraine, Inc.,                                                                     Kyiv & Tulchin, Ukraine | 2010 - 2014 

  • Founded and led an international humanitarian organization serving vulnerable children and families across Ukraine.

  • Developed donor communications systems, branding, fundraising campaigns, and engagement strategies supporting sustained international partnerships.

  • Coordinated cross-cultural teams and local partners to deliver humanitarian aid and community outreach initiatives.

  • Designed communications materials and public awareness efforts that increased organizational visibility and support. 

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Communications and Humanitarian Programmes Lead
Youth with a Mission (YWAM)                                                                                         Kyiv, Ukraine | 2006 - 2010 

  • Led communications initiatives and humanitarian outreach programs supporting international NGO operations.

  • Produced communications materials in English, Ukrainian, and Russian for diverse audiences and stakeholders.

  • Developed donor engagement systems and communications resources supporting international fundraising efforts.

  • Delivered training workshops on nonprofit branding, strategic messaging, and visual communications. 

EDUCATION 

BA: Communication and Media Production: Ball State University | Muncie, IN 
Study Abroad: London, United Kingdom

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Google Digital Marketing Certification
• Google UX Design Certificate
• University of Michigan – Leadership & Communication
• University of South Florida – DEI Certificate 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• American Advertising Federation (AAF) Addy Angel Award – Art Direction
• NSPRA Golden Achievement Awards (3)
• SUNSPRA Medallion Award
• Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Excellence Award 


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Volunteer, Zonta International (advocacy against violence toward women and child marriage)

• Volunteer, Remote Area Medical (healthcare access initiatives)

• Former Member, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary