1. CONNIE DER TOROSSIAN
23771 FORMELLO, LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653
Phone: (714) 313-8699 Email: prconcon@aol.com
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EDUCATION:
1988 - 1992 California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism,
Newspaper Option and Minor in Political Science
Additional Coursework: International Studies
1986 - 1988 Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, California
Associate Arts Degree in Journalism, May, 1988
MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:
2/10 – Present Director of Partnership Development & Outreach– Housing Opportunities Collaborative
Responsible for all partnership recruitment, onboarding and implementing partnership agreements with
nonprofit, community, lender and business partners resulting in a 60% increase in partners and a 50%
increase in grant revenue. Managed HOC’s Educational Programs, Outreach, and Fundraising programs
which included US Dept. of HUD Affiliates. Successfully applied, administered and meet grant goals for
HUD Housing Counseling grant of $117,000 and over $600,000 in private foundation grants. Also
responsible for all marketing, communications, public relations and outreach for the organization.
Developed strategic marketing and outreach activities for HOC’s events using email marketing, website,
Facebook and social media channels.
Key Achievements:
• Founded and raised initial funding to start the Orange County branch of HOC
• Developed and Implemented Educational Programs that provided in person and online
education to more than 13,500 consumers on home ownership, improving credit,
foreclosure prevention, avoiding real estate scams and fraud, and financial fitness.
• Planned, coordinated and successfully implemented more than 45 events with attendees
ranging from 25 to 600 individuals to meet organization’s community and grant goals.
• Developed integrated marketing campaigns to increase clientele and meet service goals
which included design and layout of brochures, fact sheets, ads, social media and website
posts, and collateral marketing materials
• Successfully implement online digital marketing and social media campaign resulting in
18,000 hits per month on HOC/VCN website and social media channels resulting in an 80%
increase in unique visitors to HOC/VCN website and Facebook pages.
• Provided HOC’s public relations activities and served as company spokesman for
community presentations, city council and county meetings, and conducted numerous “on
camera” interviews with local TV, Radio, online magazine and newspaper reporters. Also
developed successful PR campaign that secured numerous media placements on radio,
TV, newspaper and online news outlets.
1/00 – 12/09 Director of Marketing, Outreach & HUD– Fair Housing Council of Orange County
Designed and implemented an integrated marketing and communications program including marketing,
advertising, fundraising and public relations strategies for this nonprofit organization. Secured positive
media coverage for the agency with development and distribution of news releases, proactive media
relations, relationship building with reporters, and feature article pitches. Developed corporate
communications, speeches and presentations for CEO and Board of Directors to increase visibility and
community awareness of agency and its executive staff.

2. Key Achievements:
 Wrote, developed and produced numerous radio and TV PSA’s, distributing them to local media
garnering valuable positive media exposure for the agency.
 Developed integrated marketing campaigns to increase clientele and meet service goals which
included design and layout of brochures, fact sheets, ads and collateral marketing materials.
 Developed and marketed special events and was responsible for the design and development of
agency website, and all employee communications.
 Planned, coordinated and conducted educational workshops for 20-400 individuals regarding
housing rights and responsibilities.
 Acted as company spokesperson for community presentations, city council and county meetings,
and conducted numerous “on camera” interviews with local TV, Radio and newspaper reporters.
7/97 – 12/99 Public Relations Manager - Esprit Communications/Petersen PR
Strategically planned and implemented public relations plans for a variety of healthcare industry, consumer
and nonprofit clients. Developed media kits, press releases, corporate communications and executive
speeches/presentations, case studies, video news releases, bylined articles and editorial calendars.
Successfully pitched trade and consumer media and secured story placements. Also acted as company
spokesperson and media relations representative for all clients.
2/96 – 6/97 Community Relations Director - The Resource Network
Developed and executed a marketing and communication plan which included the generation and
distribution of press releases, media advisories, brochures and other marketing materials. Also built
relationships with the media, resource providers, sponsors and the community through the on-air radio
program and special events.
8/95 – 1/96 Account Supervisor - City of Hope National Medical Center
Provided marketing and communications support for development staff through writing and distributing
press releases, public service announcements, brochures, flyers, fact sheets, invitations and other collateral
materials. Developed and implemented marketing plans utilizing proactive media relations and secured
media coverage.
3/88 – 9/95 Courier/Employee Relations Specialist - Federal Express
Two part-time positions held within the company. As employee relations specialist, I was responsible for
researching and developing employee communications via video and editorial projects.
8/91 – 6/93 Community Correspondent - Los Angeles Times
Freelance writer covering community events, local school boards, city council meetings, local elections,
toxic emissions and education.
SPECIAL SKILLS & AWARDS: Excellent marketing, communication and fundraising skills; Expertise in
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher; Knowledge of social media marketing, desk top publishing, web
site design and printing; and excellent written and oral communication and training skills.
 NeighborWorks Homeownership Counseling Certification for Program Managers and ED’s, 2015
 CA Senator Lou Correa’s Woman Making a Difference Award Recipient, 2014
 NeighborWorks Approved Instructor, 2010
 NeighborWorks Certificate Foreclosure Intervention and Default Basic Counseling, 2010
 NeighborWorks Professional Certificate in Homeownership and Community Lending, 2010
 HUD Training – How to Write an Effective HUD Grant Proposal, 2010
 HUD Training – Understanding FHA and HUD Reporting Guidelines, 2009
 NCRC Training – Fair Lending and Spotting Predatory Lending Practices, 2009
 Soaring Condor Award by Community Reinvestment Committee and RCAC, 2009
 Instructor for Homebuyer Education HUD Approved Counseling Agency, Since 2004
 Instructor Teaching Fair Housing for Housing Industry Professionals, Since 2000