About Girl Friday


		About Girl Friday Deidre Erin DeMerritt, Owner I grew up in Southern Oregon, but always knew I would land in Portland. I graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and then high-tailed it up to the big city. I have now lived here for over 12 years and know PDX like the back of my hand. I live in Southeast Portland with my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks - Rowan and Lunan. I have had the opportunity to manage a wide range of marketing projects for a variety of organizations, from public relations to marketing, event planning to restaurant openings & management, energy efficiency education and grant writing. Professional Experience Business Development/Marketing Associate Fluid Market Strategies, Portland, OR Corporate identity development including website and collateral pieces Research and coordination of new business opportunities Writing and editing for internal and external documents, including contracts and business solicitation Event Planner Food In Bloom, Portland, OR Complete event design including menu, décor and timeline; from original proposal through contractual process Event management and on-site supervision of staff, vendors and volunteers Events Manager The Oregon Garden, Silverton, OR Responsible for planning and execution of all on-site events, public and private (weddings, amphitheater concerts, corporate meetings, family reunions, group tours) Events department budget development and management Developing marketing strategies to increase facility rentals Donor Relations Mercy Corps, Portland, OR Responsibilities included direct donor contact including assistance, recognition and appreciation projects, in person, over the phone and through written correspondence Project coordination of Mercy Kit holiday sales and distributions Successfully managed and supported partner project relationship (VH1 Classics) Event Coordinator Bruce Goldberg & Co. Event Production, Portland, OR Responsibilities included budget development and management; hiring, training and supervision of 30+ employees, product purchasing, event management and coordination. Event management and organization, coordinating all details and ensuring events ran smoothly; events ranged from intimate brunches for 20, themed parties for up to 1800, to invitation-only dinner with celebrities, state/local officials and upper-management. Organized all event details with sponsors, clients, vendors and venues. Managed volunteers and staff, and monitored events on-site to ensure quality and service. Budgeted and tracked planned events, meeting and often coming in under strict budget guidelines. Documented correspondence, attendance and result of all events for use as future reference. Implemented project task checklist for off-site events and daily in-house management Project Manager Portland Energy Conservation, Inc., Portland, OR Responsibilities included budgeting management, design, production and shipping of marketing materials Managed design, written content and production of quarterly newsletter The Washline/At Home Developed and managed database for media contacts, customers and utilities members Supervised Field Representatives for 4-state territory. Coordinated design, production and distribution of Energy Star® marketing materials for tradeshows and outreach events throughout Pacific Northwest Business Development Associate Classical Chinese Garden Trust, Office of Mayor Vera Katz, Portland, OR Responsibilities for this short-term project position included coordinating marketing material design and production Constituent development and expansion Event coordination including private mayoral luncheons, board meetings and fundraising galas Electronic record-keeping including management of financial and in-kind donations Account Coordinator Cole & Weber, Public Relations Department, Portland, OR Responsibilities included coordination of client meetings and off-site and in-house events Managed National and International media contact database Planned, coordinated and implemented press conferences and press events, including media contact and follow up Creative development and production of marketing material, including invitations, media teasers, media kits and press packets Education Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon Course work included: School of Psychology: Conflict Management, Crisis Intervention Strategies School of Journalism: Mass Media and Society, Information Gathering Political Campaign & Community Service Experience Field Activities Volunteer Organization Computer Database Management Fundraising and Special Events Coordination Direct Mail Strategies Constituent Development Contribution and Expenditure (C&E) Report Administration US Congress, 1st Congressional District - November 1997 - May 1998 Portland City Council - June 1998 - November 1998 Multnomah County Commissioner - March 2001 - May 2001

Girl Friday - A term used to describe a faithful female employed to do several different jobs.