Biography

Mary Patton is a seasoned communications practitioner specializing in media relations and public relations. She manages a variety of public relations and marketing initiatives including the creation, development and promotion of:  press releases; media pitches; web sites; marketing materials; special events; and, event publicity.

Founded in 2001, Patton Public Relations, Inc. has successfully managed projects for numerous clients including:   Capital Acceleration Partners, Coakley Real Estate, Glazen Creative Studios, The Human Fund, inPLAY EVENTS, Liberty Bank, N.A., Ohio Geese Control, Perspectus Architecture, and Terrapin Ridge Farms, to name a few.

Prior to starting Patton Public Relations, Mary was Director of Public Relations for FutureNext Consulting, Inc., a Virginia-based e-business consultancy, where she managed the company’s media relations efforts on a national level and secured placement in many top technology and business publications. Mary coordinated publicity efforts with FutureNext’s partners, wrote case studies about client success stories, and served as the company’s liaison with the major research firms.

From 1995 to 1999, Mary was Director of Public Relations and Account Manager for one of Cleveland’s pioneer Web development firms — Vantage One — which was sold to FutureNext in 1999. Vantage One received widespread recognition in regional and national business publications as a result of Mary’s PR efforts. Mary also had extensive experience leading the development of Web sites for many companies and non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio.

Prior to Vantage One, Mary served as an Account Executive with David L. Hopcraft & Associates and as a Communications Specialist with the Greater Cleveland Growth Association (now the Greater Cleveland Partnership). She has done pro bono PR work for many local non-profit organizations, including MedWish International.

PROFESSIONAL & VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT:

Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) – Member

Press Club of Cleveland – Board Member

Independent Practitioners Group – Member

Diana Hyland Miracle Fund – Friend of the Fund and Publicist

Heights Youth Theatre – Advisory Board

John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association – Member; serves on Communications Committee

John Carroll University Alumni Association – Former Board Member

Achievement Centers for Children – Former Board Member

Beaumont School – Former Board Member

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

John Carroll University Alumni Medal – 2005

John Carroll University Alumni Volunteer Service Award

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, John Carroll University, Cleveland, Ohio