Hi, I’m Ilana Kearns — and I’m so glad you’re here.

• Led internal communications and PR for the Manheim Title Sponsorship & Kyle Petty Charity Ride, resulting in 10+ articles and a podcast feature with Kyle Petty on National Motorcycle Day.
   
• Produced monthly franchise owner newsletters spotlighting brand impact and franchisee success—supporting the $1B Holiday Inn brand refresh through interviews and storytelling.
   
• Wrote five award-winning nominations for industry recognition—boosting visibility and employer branding for RMS Automotive and Cox Automotive.
   
• Managed a multitrack content calendar for a multi-million-dollar B2B brand, ensuring alignment across internal teams and campaign initiatives.
   
• Served as Editor for all internal and external comms—aligning PR, digital content, leadership messaging, and global branding across teams and business lines.
   
• Designed and launched an intranet site—a centralized, high-visibility platform for internal media and executive messaging.
   
• Created strategic communications including custom executive bios, brand presentations, internal business updates, and keynote content—tying all messaging back to corporate priorities during my time at Cox.

• Collaborated with the Global Chief Brands Officer at IHG on strategic initiatives that drove global brand consistency and cut $9MM in agency costs across a $64B portfolio.
   
• Produced comprehensive executive-level monthly reports to communicate wins, spotlight team achievements, and drive transparency in a complex matrixed environment.
   
• Led process improvements across recurring “rhythm of the business” operations—enhancing meetings, onboarding, strategic planning, and employee engagement through branded internal experiences.
   
• Managed a multi-million dollar office buildout for 100+ employees, partnering with IT, voice services, security, and facilities to ensure seamless day-one readiness.
   
• Increased sales by 40% and reduced overhead by 70% for GMSPO by creating inventory stocking guides and optimizing retail operations.
   
• Forecasted and purchased tech for new hires—ensuring operational readiness across teams and cutting productivity lag.
   
• Directed a successful domain transition from @rmsautomotive.com to @coxautoinc.com in collaboration with tech and infrastructure teams.

A few highlights from my time designing employee experience, DEI, and internal communications initiatives:

• Managed a $250K engagement budget to drive employee satisfaction, wellness, and experience.
   
• Produced executive-level monthly reports that captured team stories, milestones, and internal wins across multiple business units.
   
• Designed the first Mother's Room and Transgender Restroom for a multi-billion dollar organization.
   
• Curated themed team events, recognition programs, and inclusive corporate experiences like piano performances and custom ice cream bars.
   
• Created onboarding journeys, scrapbooks, and training experiences that boosted engagement survey participation to 100%.
   
• Partnered with UAW-GM to increase idea submission participation by 71% through internal campaigns.

• Managed corporate events with budgets ranging from $1K to $250K—delivered on time and under budget, both independently and in partnership with agency teams. Oversaw post-event reports, hotel/vendor evals, and improvement recommendations.
   
• Planned multi-day executive offsite meetings for 500+ attendees—managing venues, lodging, transportation, and special appearances. Delivered 90%+ delegate satisfaction at a $250K+ event.
   
• Produced VIP events for the $50K Cox Automotive–sponsored Las Vegas Governor’s Ball for three consecutive years—including hotel logistics, travel, sponsorship, and on-site guest support.
   
• Executed a $40K offsite for 50 delegates in Athens, GA, including venue booking, REMakes, trolleys, and team-building experiences.
   
• Led full logistics for a leadership retreat in Highlands, NC—including contracts, accommodations, and a $25K guest appearance.
   
• Planned offbeat leadership dinners in unique locations like art galleries, rooftops, and vehicle auction houses to deliver unforgettable executive experiences.
   
• Handled U.S.-based executive logistics for the British Open, coordinating with the Manheim UK team.
   
• Directed biweekly town hall broadcasts reaching over 800 employees across a dispersed team—ensuring seamless remote connection and communication.

 Building brands with purpose means walking the talk. Here’s a look at the community-driven initiatives I’ve led to spark service, inclusion, and connection. 

• Led employee advocacy programs for a multi-million-dollar corporation—supporting 10+ nonprofits across Atlanta, and driving employee engagement through service, sustainability, and impact.
   
• Coordinated a youth outreach event with StandUp for Kids—securing clothing donations from brands like Chick-fil-A and managing logistics to support homeless teens across the city.
   
• Spearheaded a volunteer event with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta—mobilizing staff to clean facilities and serve breakfast to parents and doctors.
   
• Partnered with the Cherokee County School District to create a structured lunch bunch program for children on the autism spectrum, fostering inclusion and social connection during meals.
   
• Drove 100% participation in a Movember campaign—raising $1,200 for men’s health awareness through a digital-first initiative across a dispersed team.
   
• Organized coloring book drives (2 years running) to support patients at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory during chemo.
   
• Managed events for 170+ families at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House—including digital campaigns and onsite support from employees and volunteers.
   
• Created an internal auction at Cox Automotive to raise funds for the Employee Relief Fund—selling gently used desks to employees at a discount for a cause.