Ruth Gregory Goodridge
Fairview,NC
Summary
Dynamic individual with extensive experience in communications, public relations, and digital marketing. Known for fostering teamwork, developing innovative communication strategies, and enhancing organizational visibility, while contributing to measurable growth in community involvement and audience engagement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Website Developer and Horticulturist
Peter Gentling
Asheville, NC
03.2025 - Current
- Built a responsive website to showcase original artwork for client that enhances user experience across multiple devices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and implement website features.
- Collaborate with client to implement visually appealing and functional web layouts on an on-going basis.
- Streamline codebase for improved site performance and faster load times.
- Manage website maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and security updates are applied regularly.
- Cultivate native plant species to support local biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Conduct soil assessments and implemented appropriate amendments for optimal plant growth.
- Improve soil quality by incorporating organic matter and appropriate amendments, promoting healthy root systems for native plants.
- Enhance native plant health by implementing sustainable horticultural practices and monitoring growth progress.
- Reduce invasive species populations through targeted removal efforts, allowing for the reestablishment of native flora.
Director of Communications
The French Broad River Garden Club Foundation, Inc.
Asheville, NC
07.2023 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented strategic communication plans to enhance community engagement initiatives.
- Collaborated with board members to create impactful marketing materials for events and fundraising efforts.
- Managed social media platforms, increasing follower engagement through targeted content strategies.
- Coordinated public relations campaigns, fostering relationships with local media outlets for enhanced visibility.
- Conducted training workshops for staff on effective communication practices and brand messaging consistency.
- Analyzed audience feedback to refine communication strategies, improving overall outreach effectiveness.
- Oversaw production of newsletters and promotional content, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and branding standards.
- Improved social media presence with tailored content strategies for each platform, resulting in higher audience engagement.
- Negotiated partnerships with event organizers to secure strategic speaking opportunities for company leaders, strengthening industry credibility.
- Spearheaded rebranding initiative, aligning visual identity with company values and strategic direction.
- Optimized email marketing campaigns for improved open rates, click-throughs, and conversions.
- Revamped website content to improve user experience and increase web traffic.
- Increased media coverage through targeted press releases and proactive media outreach.
- Developed key messaging for all external-facing materials to ensure consistency across channels.
- Assisted with media interviews, prepping guests and offering assistance with presentation equipment setup and IT assets.
- Managed communication department's annual budget.
- Evaluated program effectiveness to determine return on investment.
- Developed creative presentations, photography, and videography for internal and external application.
Senior Website Developer
North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance
Asheville, NC
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Completed full redesign of existing website to improve navigation, enhance visuals, strengthen search engine rankings, and highlight research initiatives of students and faculty.
- Took initial concepts and produced multiple design mock ups and prototypes to strengthen designs, enhance user experiences, and improve site interactions.
- Led the integration of SEO strategies into web development projects to improve search visibility.
- Created powerful Content Management System (CMS) to serve as interface for client, streamline content updates and improve workflow efficiency for end users.
- Employed coding practices based on commonly accepted standards to establish site layout and user interface.
- Conducted regular site audits to identify areas for improvement in user experience and functionality.
- Developed user-friendly web forms with validation and error handling.
- Conceived and built optimized landing pages for integration and cross-browser compatibility.
- Conducted unit testing to deliver optimal browser functionality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and deliver optimal solutions.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Reading Tutor - Reading Buddies Volunteer Program
William W. Estes Elementary School
Asheville, NC
03.2018 - 05.2020
- Facilitated classroom discussions and engaged students in collaborative learning activities.
- Facilitated one-on-one reading sessions for up to 4 students at a time to enhance student literacy and comprehension skills.
- Collaborated with teachers to align reading activities with classroom curriculum and objectives.
- Supported lead teacher by organizing lesson plans and maintaining classroom order.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring to struggling students individually and in small groups to enhance student understanding of core subjects and reinforce learning concepts.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations and resources.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
Director of Communications
The American Chestnut Foundation
Asheville, NC
03.2014 - 09.2017
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and executing strategic communications plans.
- Developed key messaging for all external-facing materials to ensure consistency across channels and touchpoints.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch successful, new website and integrated marketing campaigns.
- Managed communication department's annual budget of approximately $30,000.00.
- Supported fundraising initiatives through the development and implementation of external communication strategies and materials.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Launched successful digital marketing campaigns that achieved goals for increased website traffic.
- Optimized email campaigns to increase open and click-through rates.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Collaborated with board members to create impactful marketing materials for events and fundraising efforts.
- Managed social media platforms, increasing follower engagement through targeted content strategies.
- Oversaw the production of newsletters and promotional content, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and branding standards.
Director of Communications
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
06.2001 - 09.2012
- Developed and implemented alumni engagement strategies to enhance relationships of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch successful integrated marketing campaigns for more than 50,000 alumni.
- Coordinated events and programs that fostered networking opportunities for alumni and current students.
- Managed communication department's annual budget.
- Managed communication channels, including newsletters and social media, to keep alumni informed of Institute and School activities.
- Coordinated with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create targeted outreach initiatives for diverse alumni demographics.
- Developed and implemented strategic communication plans to enhance alumni engagement initiatives.
- Analyzed feedback from alumni events to improve future programming and increase participation rates.
- Improved social media presence with tailored content strategies for each platform, resulting in higher audience engagement.
- Directed and optimized School projects in marketing, alumni connections and fundraising.
- Optimized email marketing campaigns for improved open rates, click-throughs, and conversions.
- Redesigned School website to improve user experience and increase web traffic.
- Enhanced alumni engagement by organizing and executing successful events and programs.
- Increased media coverage through targeted press releases and proactive media outreach.
- Facilitated networking opportunities among alumni both locally and globally through interactive events.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Collaborated with board members to create impactful marketing materials for events and fundraising efforts.
- Oversaw the production of newsletters and promotional content, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and branding standards.
- Developed key messaging for all external-facing materials to ensure consistency across channels and touchpoints.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism; Major in Advertising
University of Georgia
GA1994
Skills
- Project management
- Multimedia storytelling
- Creative content development, strategy and curation
- Problem-solving
- Web development, maintenance and analytics
- Media relations
- Press releases
- Customer engagement
- Public relations
- Social media campaigns
- Digital communications
- Photography and videography
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Website Developer and Horticulturist
Peter Gentling
03.2025 - Current
Senior Website Developer
North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance
11.2024 - 03.2025
Director of Communications
The French Broad River Garden Club Foundation, Inc.
07.2023 - 06.2025
Reading Tutor - Reading Buddies Volunteer Program
William W. Estes Elementary School
03.2018 - 05.2020
Director of Communications
The American Chestnut Foundation
03.2014 - 09.2017
Director of Communications
Georgia Institute of Technology
06.2001 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism; Major in Advertising
University of Georgia