ABOUT ME
Mary Rose Cox is an experienced communications professional with a strong background in public relations, marketing, and storytelling. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Storytelling at Hope Partnership, Cox plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to strengthen communities, empower neighbors, and build hope through holistic care. At Hope Partnership, she oversees the development and implementation of marketing strategies that amplify the impact of the organization’s work with individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.
With over a decade of experience in media relations, crisis communications, strategic planning, and marketing management, Cox’s expertise extends to a wide range of communication platforms. Her work empowers marginalized communities by sharing stories that highlight the achievements of individuals on their journey toward self-determined success. She works collaboratively with internal teams, community partners, and stakeholders to amplify the organization’s voice in the fight to break the barriers of poverty and homelessness.
In her role, Cox is responsible for the creation of integrated marketing and storytelling plans, managing Hope Partnership's social media presence, and developing content for various channels, including websites, newsletters, and fundraising campaigns. By focusing on trauma-informed and equity-centered communication, Cox ensures that the organization's message resonates with diverse audiences, driving awareness and support for Hope Partnership’s transformative programs.
Cox holds an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Central Florida and has built a reputation for excellence within the public relations industry. Previously, she served as the Education & Outreach Leader for Toho Water Authority, where she developed communication strategies to support organizational goals. She is also a dedicated community leader, currently serving as the Past President of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay and contributing to various professional organizations, including the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA).
Through her work, Cox combines her passion for storytelling with a deep commitment to social impact, driving positive change and advocating for those experiencing poverty and homelessness.
EDUCATION
MAY 2004
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
B.A., INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
MAY 2002
VALENCIA COLLEGE
A.A., GENERAL STUDIES
EXPERIENCE
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND STORYTELLING, HOPE PARTNERSHIP, INC.
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Lead and mentor cross-functional teams to create and execute strategic communications, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
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Developed and implement storytelling strategies, managing content across multiple platforms to engage external audiences and promote the mission.
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Build strategic relationships to create compelling marketing materials, support fundraising and advocacy efforts.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH LEADER, TOHO WATER AUTHORITY
2021 - 2023
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Developed and successfully executed strategic action plans for community involvement that enhanced growth in environmental education.
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Managed all record keeping, tracking, and reporting associated with assigned programs, and events.
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Executed multiple assignments simultaneously, while working independently and with other collaborators.
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Led and facilitated speaking engagements.
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Collaborated in the creation of communications materials, including press releases, video scripts, website, social media, newsletters, and intranet content.
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Led, mentored, and evaluated interns by conducting performance reviews, and fostering professional development.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, TOHO WATER AUTHORITY
2008 - 2021
Responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic marketing and communication plan for the Water Authority.
Effectively connected with all stakeholders, employees, business partners, community agencies, and media partners.
Created informative, and engaging press releases, press kits, and related marketing materials.
Responsible for media relations and served as primary spokesperson for all media inquiries including on camera interviews.
Provided presentations to community partners and customers that increased brand awareness and promoted a positive image of the Water Authority.
CERTIFICATIONS
2021
CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGER
Completed the Certified Public Manager Program at Florida State University. The Certified Public Manager® program is a nationally-recognized program for training and developing public managers and supervisors.
2018
CONTENT MARKETING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
PRSA Content Marketing Certificate Program is designed to teach and empower users to develop content strategies and tactics that deliver quantifiable business outcomes.
LEADERSHIP
PAST PRESIDENT, ROTARY CLUB OF KISSIMMEE BAY
2024 - PRESENT
VICE CHAIR, PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE - FWEA
2023
2023 - Curre
LEADERSHIPFPRA GRADUATE
2021
LEADERSHIP OSCEOLA GRADUATE
2011
BOARD MEMBER, OSCEOLA COUNTY YMCA
PREVIOUS
CHAIRPERSON, POINCIANA AREA COUNCIL, KISSIMMEE-OSCEOLA CHAMBER
PREVIOUS
VIDEO PROJECTS
Social Media Examples
This content was created to align with strategic public education goals that engage residents about water conservation, sustainability, and the vital role of water utilities.
Digital Designs
Designs showcased were all made using the Canva on-line graphic design tool.
Clean and practical flyer design for a lawn maintenance class. Includes class details, schedule, and contact information. Clear visual of company logo and a crisp layout for easy readability.
Artwork from local students, focusing on water conservation was compiled into a school year calendar. This calendar has been distributed to our schools and is available for free to visitors and customers at Toho Water.
This poster, designed for outreach events, presents three key educational initiatives. Printed on foam board for easy display, it delivered information clearly and effectively.
This postcard, designed for a future sharing the love fundraising campaign uses a delicate and simplistic design style.
Writing & Plan Samples
This plan represents a commitment to dynamic and adaptive communication strategies.
Reminder to readers about what should never be disposed of down the drain or toilet.
Opportunity to learn about the Toho Assistance Program (TAP) to help others who may be going through a financial hardship to pay their water bill.
As the Vice Chair for the Public Communications & Outreach Committee for the Florida Water & Environment Association I created a toolkit for the team to use to customize outreach to their specific County.