Hello! I’m Hector Contreras.

With over 20 years of experience in communications, I have built a career crafting compelling narratives, enhancing brand visibility, and driving engagement across multiple industries. From journalism to corporate communications, my expertise spans media relations, digital strategy, crisis communications, and executive messaging. I have led impactful campaigns, strengthened employer brands, and developed content strategies that resonate with audiences. My work has been featured in news outlets, boosted community engagement, and positioned organizations as trusted industry leaders.

Key Accomplishments

Community Engagement & Brand Awareness

Spearheaded a community campaign at Kirksville Motor Company that resulted in four $5,000 grants to non-profits, a 27% increase in engagement, and positive press coverage by ABC News and local media.

Employee Engagement & Recruitment

Led a company-wide initiative at Northeast Missouri Health Council to spotlight employee success stories, increasing engagement by 33% and significantly improving recruitment outcomes.

Media Relations

Cultivated relationships with key journalists and secured high-profile media coverage, including a ABC-KTVO feature that drove record attendance for a public health initiative.

Strategic Content Creation

Managed A.T. Still University’s editorial projects, overseeing a rebranding initiative that ensured consistency across 50+ deliverables, all completed on time and within budget.

Crisis Communications

Led A.T. Still University’s response to a high-profile DUI incident involving a university employee, crafting internal and external messaging that protected the institution’s reputation, reassured stakeholders, and maintained trust within the community.

Executive Communications

Provided strategic guidance to senior executives, including speechwriting, media prep, and positioning efforts that strengthened leadership credibility.

Mission Statement

I believe effective communication is more than just delivering a message—it’s about shaping perceptions, building trust, and inspiring action. Whether developing a brand strategy, leading a campaign, or crafting an executive narrative, my approach is rooted in clarity, authenticity, and impact. My goal is to bridge the gap between brands and their audiences through meaningful storytelling and strategic communications.

Professional Storyteller

Storytelling has always been at the heart of my work, from breaking news as a reporter to shaping brand narratives in corporate settings. I thrive on uncovering the human element behind every message, ensuring it connects and leaves a lasting impression. Whether through media, digital platforms, or leadership messaging, I am passionate about using communication to drive engagement and inspire change.

Case Studies & Work Samples

Content Development & Thought Leadership

Rebranding & Editorial Oversight at A.T. Still University

Challenge: Ensure consistency across 50+ deliverables as part of a university-wide rebranding initiative.

Strategy: Coordinated with stakeholders, refined messaging, and streamlined content across digital and print platforms.

Results: Completed the rebrand on time and within budget, maintaining clear and cohesive institutional messaging.

Media Relations & Press Coverage

NMHC & KTVO Diabetes Awareness Feature

Challenge: Increase public awareness and attendance for a community health event on diabetes prevention.

Strategy: Worked with KTVO’s main anchor, John Garlock, to secure a feature story that highlighted the importance of diabetes education, leveraging expert interviews and patient testimonials.

Results: The news segment generated the largest community attendance at the event, increased public trust in the organization, and positioned the Northeast Missouri Health Council as a leader in health advocacy.

Digital Campaigns & Branding Initiatives

Northeast Missouri Health Council Employee Spotlight Campaign

Challenge: Improve employee engagement and enhance employer branding to attract top talent.

Strategy: Created a digital campaign featuring employee success stories, using blog posts, social media graphics, and internal newsletters.

Results: Engagement in the employee satisfaction survey increased by 33%, recruitment metrics improved, and the initiative became a recurring feature for internal and external branding.

Executive Communications

Keynote Speech for Industry Conference

Challenge: Help CEOe craft a compelling healthcare conference keynote that would position Northeast Missouri Health Council as a thought leader.

Strategy: Developed a speech focusing on industry trends, backed by data and personal storytelling to connect with the state representatives.

Results: The speech was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback and reinforced the NMHC’s mission of quality healthcare in rural America. Legislators passed funding for tele-health program.