Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/633921
AARP has announced that Edna Kane-Williams has been promoted to the role of senior vice president for Multicultural Leadership. In this new role, she will lead the development and execution of AARP's multicultural strategy to increase the organization's social impact and relevance among multicultural audiences. With more than 20 years of experience working in senior management positions at both nonprofit and for profit organi- zations, Kane-Williams has specialized in strategic planning, targeted marketing and program development, with a profound focus on the needs of older adults and multicultural communities. "This new role is incredibly important to me and the organization," said Kane-Williams. "I look forward to working with my colleagues and our community partners to foster meaningful engagement with members and potential members, and increase AARP's multicultural footprint in local communities. Succeeding at this is vital for us to ensure the continued growth and strength of AARP." Prior to her new role, Kane-Williams was AARP's vice president of Multicultural Markets and Engagement where she was responsible for African- American outreach. She previously served as the vice president of Strategy and Communications for the AARP Foundation. Before coming to AARP, Kane-Williams held noteworthy marketing positions, including senior vice president of Communications and Social Marketing at IQ Solutions, where she developed effective communication plans to improve outreach specifically to underserved African-American and Hispanic communities. She also led similar marketing efforts as a senior vice president at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. Kane-Williams graduated from Yale University with a B.A. and received an M.A. from George Washington University. Additionally, she was the recip- ient of a Coro Foundation Fellowship and was also a Diversity Executive Leadership Program fellow for the American Society of Association Executives. On November 16, Kane-Williams will be recognized as "Marketing Executive of the Year" at the 2015 Marketing to African-Americans with Excellence (MAAX) Awards in Chicago, IL for her innovations, contributions and exceptional performance in African-American marketing. N E W S M A K E R S B M & T ••• November/December 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 Meet Puerto Rico (MPR),the organization in charge of bringing groups and conventions to the Island, recently announced the appointment of marketing industry veteran, Nelia Villanueva, as Integrated Marketing Communications Director. Villanueva, who brings more than 15 years of experience in the branding, marketing and communications field, will be based in San Juan with responsibility for the growth of the Meet Puerto Rico brand, including the expansion and support of the newly launched strategic business plan. She will manage and oversee the branding and advertising agency as well as the communications teams in San Juan and the U.S. "We are happy to welcome a professional with Nelia's extensive marketing and communications experience as well as having a strong understanding of the needs of today's brand in an ever changing marketplace," said Milton Segarra, CEO & president of Meet Puerto Rico. "Meet Puerto Rico has undergone tremendous changes in the past two years, including a new branding initiative, and most recently the full roll out of our new business model and two-year strategic and innovation plan. We look forward to the innovative ideas lead- ing to great results for our team from Nelia as we continue our growth." Nelia joins the Meet Puerto Rico team bringing a vast experience in Marketing & Communications. She has spearheaded various global brand- ing initiatives including brand development, advertising and media placement, merchandising, sponsorship and internal and external communications strategies, among other programs. In addition, Villanueva received SME Marketing Excellence Awards in 2010 and 2014 and was also awarded with the Caribbean Business 40 under 40 recognition in 2014. EDNA KANE-WILLIAMS TAKES ON NEW ROLE AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP AT AARP MEET PUERTO RICO NAMES NELIA VILLANUEVA AS DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS