Kristin Guira Lawrence has over 15 years of experience in communications, public relations, and proposal management roles in both the public and private sectors. She provides expertise in media relations, graphic design, social media, event planning, and written communications. Her resume highlights leadership roles, awards, and accomplishments from positions at A·C·T Environmental & Infrastructure, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, and the University of Florida IFAS 4-H Youth Development Program.

1. Kristin Guira Lawrence, M.S.
1130 S. Kissingen Ave. ♦ Bartow, Fla. 33830 ♦ KristinGLawrence@aol.com ♦ (352) 278-0807
Kristin Guira Lawrence, M.S. Page 1 of 4
E X P E R I E N C E
Proposal Manager & Communications Specialist March 2012 – Present
A·C·T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., Bartow, Fla.
 Led efforts to capture requests for proposal & qualifications activities.
 Redesigned, wrote, organized, prepared, managed and submitted all corporate RFPs, RFQs & deliverable products.
 Secured long-term contracts & immediate work for public & private sector clients
 Coordinated internal & external communications/messaging & public relations campaigns, including social media.
 Assisted with special event planning and execution.
 Responsible for media relations & inquiries.
 Created advertisements as needed for marketing corporate sponsorships.
 Developed graphics and printed collateral materials for proposals & other business & community relations needs.
 Managed contracts relative to proper internal processes & responsiveness to clients’ needs.
 Brand development & management.
 Served on committee for annual Chili Cook Off benefitting the United Way of Central Florida, sponsored by A·C·T. Served
as event photographer, developed all collateral materials, responsible for publicity including social media. Increased
donated chili entries by 37%, attendance by 33% & funds raised by 27%.
Communications Specialist January 2006 – February 2012
Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Bartow, Fla.
 Provided vital link between government & citizens by communicating policy & services information. Listened & responded
to citizen needs, building trust & establishing two-way dialogue.
 Provided strategic counsel to county commissioners, county manager, senior management & designated staff to improve
& maintain positive perceptions of Polk County through public relations & communications initiatives.
 Provided education & outreach through special events, publications, speaking engagements & media relations.
 Managed all internal communications, including publishing employee newsletter, coordinating executive level messages &
acting as a communication conduit between employees & leadership.
 Taught writing and photography workshops for employees who contributed to internal newsletter.
 Sought opportunities to create cost savings, including saving $160,000 for an internal communications campaign by
creating and running the campaign in-house, rather than using a vendor.
 Coordinated ongoing media relations with Polk County, Tampa & Orlando markets.
 Taught internal media relations class for employees with the potential for regular media interaction.
 Planned, prepared, developed & maintained audio/visual presentations, promotional brochures, fact sheets, news
releases, photographs & other periodicals, newsletters & related reports for internal & external audiences.
 Provided support to Polk Government Television as camera operator, sound technician, script writer & grip.
 Ensured clarity & consistency of organizational message with all communications for internal & external audiences.
 Provided immediate disaster/crisis communication response including 24/7/365 on-call media response for public safety
emergencies, natural & manmade disasters & other events.
 Worked with Information Technology Department to redesign & maintain county website.
 Managed communications team members, outside agencies, interns & volunteers through major projects.
Public Relations & Communications Coordinator March 2003 – January 2006
University of Florida IFAS 4-H Youth Development Program, Gainesville, Fla.
 Managed routine & crisis communication with internal & external audiences & the media.
 Managed statewide communication arts education program, including public speaking, photography & art programs.
 Complied with USDA guidelines to ensure proper use of 4-H name & emblem.
 Sponsored the state 4-H Ambassador Program.
 Photographed 4-H events & activities, & maintained photo, video & PSA archives.
 Developed news releases & articles for the media & for “SHARE” & “Impact” magazines.
 Planned, coordinated & executed annual 4-H Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee.
 Facilitated two-way communication between state office & stakeholders in 67 counties & the Seminole Tribes.

2. Kristin Guira Lawrence, M.S. Page 2 of 4
Graduate Research Assistant May 2001 – August 2002
University of Florida, Department of Agricultural Education & Communication, Gainesville, Fla.
Executive Intern May 2000 – June 2001
Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Gainesville, Fla.
E D U C A T I O N
2002 Master of Science, Agricultural Communication.
University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
2001 Bachelor of Science, Dual Major in Animal Science & Agricultural Communication.
University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
K N O W L E D G E, S K I L L S & A B I L I T I E S
AP News Style, Digital Photography, FEMA National Incident Management (NIMS) Certified
Computer Software Proficiencies: Microsoft Office, Microsoft CRM; Adobe Creative Suite.
A F F I L I A T I O N S & C O M M U N I T Y I N V O L V E M E N T
2006 – Present Florida Public Relations Association, Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2011 – 2015 Chapter Secretary
2012 – Present Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk Committee
2012 Rising Leader
2012, 2009 Media Breakfast Committee
2009 – 2011 Local Image Awards Committee
2008 Local Image Awards Co-Chair
2006 – Present Member, Bartow Chamber of Commerce (through current employer)
2006 – Present Member, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce (through current employer)
2012 – Present Member, Mulberry Chamber of Commerce (through current employer)
2012 – Present Industry and Community Advisory Panel for Polk County (through current employer)
1983 – Present Girl Scouts of America
2015 Volunteer. Inaugural Polk Pride Celebration. Red carpet photographer for fundraising kick-off.
2012 – 2015 Volunteer. Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk. Finish Line & Awards Photographer.
2006 – 2012 City, County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) (National)
2006 – 2012 Florida Government Communicators Association
2008 State Conference Committee Co-Chair
2009 State Crystal Awards Chair
2010 Treasurer
2006 – 2012 Member, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
2006 – 2012 Member, Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce
2008 – 2009 Toastmasters International
2006 Board of County Commissioners United Way Fundraising Committee, Public Relations Chair
2003 – 2006 Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents, Public Relations Committee
2003 – 2006 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
2003 – 2006 Public Relations Committee, National 4-H Week Task Force
2003 – 2006 Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Marketing Council
2003 – 2006 Society for Government Meeting Professionals
2002 Alpha Tau Alpha, University of Florida Epsilon Chapter
1997 – 2002 Sigma Phi Alpha, University of Florida
1998 – 1999 Event Coordinator
1996 – 2002 Block & Bridle Club, University of Florida

3. Kristin Guira Lawrence, M.S. Page 3 of 4
C O N T I N U I N G E D U C A T I O N & P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T
2006 – Present FPRA Monthly Professional Programs
2014 Webinar: Social Network & Policy
2012, 2010, 2008, 2007 Florida Public Relations Association Conference (State)
2011, 2010, 2007, 2006 City, County Communications and Marketing Association Conference (National)
2010, 2009 Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference
2010 Florida Association of Counties Legislative Policy Conference
2008 Adobe Illustrator Advanced, University of South Florida
2008 Adobe Illustrator Beginner, University of South Florida
2008 Adobe InDesign Advanced, University of South Florida
2008 Adobe Photoshop for Print, Advanced, University of South Florida
2008 Adobe Photoshop Intermediate, University of South Florida
2008 Teleseminar, “Re-engineering Employee Communications,” Public Relations Society of America
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 Florida Government Communicators Association Conference (State)
2006 Adobe InDesign Beginner, University of South Florida
R E C O G N I T I O N / C O M M E N D A T I O N S
INDIVIDUAL
2013 A·C·T Environmental & Infrastructure Core Value Award for Maximum Flexibility
2012 Rising Leader, Florida Public Relations Association, Dick Pope, Polk County Chapter
2006 - 2012 Numerous Polk County Board of County Commissioners KUDOS Awards – Formal Recognition Program for Peers to
Recognize Peers for Outstanding Performance
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
2010 Silver Circle Award (2nd
Place), “Wellness: Invest for Life,” Internal Public Relations Program, 3CMA (National)
2010 Grand Image Award: “Wellness: Invest for Life,” Internal Public Relations Program, Florida Public Relations Association,
Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2010 Grand All Image Award: “Wellness: Invest for Life,” Internal Public Relations Program, Florida Public Relations
Association, Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2010 Savvy Award (1st
Place), “e-Town Hall,” 3CMA (National)
2010 Grand All Image Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Public Relations Association (State)
2010 Image Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Public Relations Association (State)
2010 Judges’ Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Public Relations Association (State)
2010 Grand Image Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Public Relations Association, Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2010 Robert Havlick Award for Innovation in Local Government, “e-Town Hall,” Alliance for Innovation (National)
2009 Crown Crystal Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Government Communicators Association
2009 Crystal Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Government Communicators Association
2009 Judges’ Award, “e-Town Hall,” Florida Government Communicators Association
2008 1st
Place Crystal Award: “Fire Fee PowerPoint” – Technology Services, Florida Government Communicators Association
2008 1st
Place Crystal Award: “I-4 Pile-up, A Classic Crisis Communications Story” – Crisis Communications, Florida
Government Communicators Association
2008 Savvy Award (1st
Place): Passport to Polk – Polk County Legislative Day in Tallahassee, 3CMA (National)
2008 Award of Distinction: Passport to Polk – Polk County Legislative Day in Tallahassee, Florida Public Relations Association
(State)
2008 Gold Telly Award: Passport to Polk – Polk County Legislative Day in Tallahassee, Polk County Advertising Federation
2008 Award of Distinction: Fire Fee PowerPoint, Florida Public Relations Association (State)
2008 Image Award: Fire Fee PowerPoint, Florida Public Relations Association, Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2008 Judges’ Award: Fire Fee PowerPoint, Florida Public Relations Association, Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2008 Grand Image Award: Fire Fee PowerPoint, Florida Public Relations Association, Dick Pope Polk County Chapter
2008 Judges’ Award: Passport to Polk – Polk County Legislative Day in Tallahassee, Florida Public Relations Association, Dick
Pope Polk County Chapter
2007 All America County Designation (initiative participant)

4. Kristin Guira Lawrence, M.S. Page 4 of 4
2007 Golden Image Award: Passport to Polk – Directory of Services, Florida Public Relations Association (State)
2007 2nd
Place Crystal Award: Passport to Polk – Directory of Services, Florida Government Communicators Association
2007 MarCom Platinum Award (International): Passport to Polk – Directory of Services
2007 1st
Place Crystal Award: Passport to Polk – Polk County Legislative Day in Tallahassee, Florida Government
Communicators Association
2007 MarCom Gold Award (International): “Pieces of Polk” – Internal Newsletter
2006 Award of Excellence: “Pieces of Polk” – Internal Newsletter, Florida Public Relations Association (State)
2006 1st
Place Crystal Award: “Pieces of Polk” – Internal Newsletter, Florida Government Communicators Association
2006 3rd
Place National Award of Excellence – Internal Newsletter, 3CMA
2002 1st
Place Photo Story Entry, National ACT Critique & Contest
2002 2nd
Place Digitally Enhanced Photo Entry, National ACT Critique & Contest