Carol D. Payto
Carol returns to the Sports Commission with vast experience in marketing, public relations and corporate sales, Carol has developed marketing strategies, public relations campaigns and corporate sponsorship packages for retail, professional and amateur sporting organizations, art organizations, international hospitality corporations and sports venues and has served as a Trustee or Committee Member for many non-profit and civic organizations.
Carol’s professional experience includes her position in marketing and sales for Hard Rock International, where she was responsible for forming partnerships with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians, Lake Erie Monsters, Cleveland International Film Festival, MAC Conference, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Great Lakes Science Center. Carol was recognized for her Marketing expertise while attending Hard Rock International’s Marketing Conference for the Eastern United States and Canada.
As Director of Marketing for Tower City Center , she was responsible for the launch of a new image and advertising campaign, the development of marketing strategies and training programs, creation, implementation and execution of events, corporate partnerships, merchant and media relations.
In her role as Director of Public Relations, Programming and Corporate Sales with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Carol was responsible for public and media relations, including collaboration with the White House Press Corps, the development and execution of specific programs related to three centers of excellence in Education, Economic Development, Culture and Arts and securing corporate and foundation funding.
As Director of Marketing and Community Relations for The Cleveland Force professional soccer team, Carol played a key role in the development of an overall marketing strategy, community programs, the creation of advertising and promotional pieces and media planning, earning her an "Employee of the Year" award. Carol also developed and implemented significant grassroots programs including the “Kick In and Win” Program with the Cleveland Municipal School District and the Cuyahoga County Library Summer Reading Program.
While Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Cleveland SportsPlex, a 155,000 square foot multi-functional sports and event facility, Carol co-directed FitQuest, a program developed for school-aged children that focused on physical, mental and social wellness in youth through athletics.
As Co-Director of Brecksville Center for the Arts, Carol spearheaded an overall marketing strategy to increase student enrollment and secure corporate, public and private funding. She created strong community-centered art programs including a successful Cultural Series and a well-received summer camp curriculum. Carol also formulated a solid volunteer base and played a major role in the Center’s primary fundraising event, publicity campaigns and curriculum planning.
Additional experience includes Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Internationals Soccer Club, Local Organizing Committee member for the Women’s Final Four, Marketing Committee member for the Cleveland International Film Festival and Go Red for Women, Board Member for the FBI Citizens Academy-Cleveland Foundation and Trustee for The Ryan Foundation.
Carol resides in Brecksville, Ohio.
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