Nicolette La Piana is applying for an Associate Community Relations Specialist position at Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). She currently works as an Associate Marketing Specialist at OCTA where she has gained experience in community outreach, public speaking, and event planning. Her resume highlights her qualifications including strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. She is seeking a new role where she can further utilize her skills to promote OCTA's community outreach efforts.

1. Nicolette La Piana
102 Bennett Ave. # 6
Long Beach, CA 90803
March 12, 2014
Orange County Transportation Authority:
Community and Media Relations Department,
It is with great pleasure that I submit my résumé and ask your consideration for the Associate Community
Relations Specialist position.
In my current role as an Associate Marketing Specialist at OCTA, I have expanded my knowledge of
marketing practices and the importance of community outreach and interaction. I have been able to continue
the development of my professional community relations skills over my tenure at OCTA, creating a positive
reputation as a liaison for both internal and external constituents.
My responsibilities at OCTA provide opportunities for me to utilize business reporting skills to report the
significance of various outreach events and efforts produced. Using the resulting metrics allows for
adjustments to improve outreach efforts in serving the community and meeting the transportation needs of
targeted groups. I have experience collaborating with consultants, affiliate agencies, cities and public and
private companies. My experience includes developing speaking points for OCTA Board members and
executive staff, as well as agendas for events. My event planning skills have been refined through the
organization and execution of public community meetings, Customer Roundtables, the Annual OCTA Bike
Festival, and promotional events such as the BRAVO launch, Lunar New Year, Angels Express, and various
Metrolink events.
My wide-ranging customer service abilities are utilized when interacting with existing customers as wellas
with critics of OCTA’s products or services. I am wellversed in principles and techniques of public outreach,
public speaking, and event planning. I am able to successfully organize, interpret, and clearly explain policy
and procedure information in order to accomplish OCTA objectives.
As an emerging professional in the transportation industry, I am always looking for networking opportunities,
and I have played a key role in establishing and launching the Anaheim/Orange County chapter of Young
Professionals in Transportation. I currently serve in the Vice Chair of Special Events position.
My combined work experiences have provided me with the necessary qualifications to excel in the role of
Associate Community Relations Specialist. My proficiencies include: ability to communicate clearly and
tactfully, computer software and analytical skills, organization and efficiency skills, problem solving and
leadership skills, and the ability to successfully and professionally contribute as a member of a group and as an
individual. These tools will allow me to succeed, and I am certain that I will be a great addition to the
Community and Media Relations team.
The enclosed résumé provides more information pertaining to my work experience and education. I would
appreciate the opportunity to interview for this position and discuss what I may further contribute to the
Community and Media Relations Department at OCTA.
Sincerely,
Nicolette J. La Piana

2. Nicolette J. La Piana
102 Bennett Ave. # 6
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 243-6103 n.lapiana@yahoo.com
Objective To use my proficiencies to promote OCTA’s community outreach efforts as they relate to the
Agency’s major projects, services and the Community and Media Relations team.
Qualifications
 Self motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks and adapt quickly to challenges
 Ability to meet deadlines and to manage multiple projects with attention to detail
 Excellent public speaking, oral and written communication skills
 Professional when dealing with internal associates and external clients
 Innovative when adopting effective solutions with the appropriate resources to meet objectives
 Seeks and strives for growth opportunities as a professional
Professional Experience
OCTA - 05/2013 – Present: Associate Marketing Specialist
 Represent OCTA at community events and provide information on promotions, services, and
projects
 Organize, coordinate, and execute customer roundtable meetings and targeted focus groups
including logistics, development of materials, and presentations
 Develop and manage contractual agreements with OCTA pass sales vendors,social service
agencies, and non-profit organizations
 Maintain strong business relationships with the county’s major bus pass sales vendors/distributors
 Proactive in establishing and developing new contacts for targeted groups
 Compose clear and concise news articles regarding current project updates for newsletter
 Generate detailed analytics reports on a monthly and quarterly basis
 Manage and organize mailing lists containing OCTA clients and partners
 Collaborate with contractors,agencies and employers
 Update and maintain guidelines for various programs
 Design and revise reference materials for both internal and external audiences
 Current Vice Chair of Special Events for Young Professionals in Transportation Anaheim/Orange
County chapter
OCTA - 05/2012 – 05/2013:AssistantMarketing Specialist/Senior Customer Relations
Representative
 Prepare and provide presentations to community organizations and targeted groups
 Implement marketing campaigns for bus,rail and pass sales programs
 Knowledgeable of OCTA’s policies, fare media and pass sales program
 Coordinate and manage materials for Senior Program and Rideshare Program
 Organize and facilitate off-site and on-site events efficiently
 Effectively utilize sales and marketing strategies when partnering with vendors for events
 Maintain strong intra-department relationships to achieve goals
 Produce comprehensive analytics reports for multiple programs and maintain special event data
records
 Implement department and agency’s goals and objectives with Integrity and a Can-Do Spirit

3. OCTA - 09/2011 –05/2012:Rideshare Intern
 Analyze data and create monthly reports for multiple programs measuring return on investment
 Update and maintain data to generate reports quarterly and year to year comparisons
 Configure Employer Pass and Vanpool Programs statisticaldata and review client accounts
 Serve as a liaison for the Rideshare team by to external clients
 Communicate program updates to employers ranging from HR Directors to Executive Staff by
being well versed in OCTA programs to ensure needs are met within the appropriate programs
Education
BA in Consumer Affairs
California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, 2011
Related courses:Public Speaking, Consumer Resource Management, Marketing/Consumer
Behavior, Community and Urban Development, Economics
Completion of OCTA’s Project Manager Academy, 2013
Completion of Transit Paratransit Management Certificate through University of the Pacific, Eberhardt
School of Business,2013