Nicole Hayes is OAAA’s Communications Director. She is responsible for public relations, member communications, social media, and public service efforts. Nicole joined OAAA in 2011. She began her career at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), where she helped promote implementation of the AMBER Alert system in all 50 states and abroad. Insider talked with Hayes last week.
Nicole, how did you get involved in the OOH business?
OAAA has a close, longstanding relationship with NCMEC, signing a partnership agreement in 2008. When I heard OAAA was looking for a communications professional, I knew it would be a great fit for me given my passion for public service, interest in the advertising business, and association experience. At OAAA, I get to grow with this exciting industry AND continue to support worthy causes.
What’s a typical day like?
My day starts with industry news. Using Google Alerts, Twitter (particularly Nancy Fletcher’s feed), and our media insights service, I curate news for OAAA’s staff, members, and the web.
My regular duties include producing OAAA’s weekly newsletter, updating its website, hosting webinars, and analyzing member feedback. At OAAA, we like thorough plans and detailed timelines, so I’m often looking ahead at communications and social media strategy for upcoming projects or events.
I also ensure our public service partnerships with groups such as The Ad Council, the FBI, FEMA, NCMEC, and American Red Cross continue to flourish. Each year we look for new major nonprofit groups to support. Recently we helped support the Find Your Park campaign with the National Park Foundation, donating more than $8 million in OOH media.
What advice would you give to an OOH advertising executive about communicating more effectively with the public and government?
When communicating to the public and governments, it’s important to talk about the industry’s value to the local economy. OAAA has research to prove OOH’s contributions to localities, including public support of efforts to keep communities informed.
As you know from Nancy Fletcher’s recent Special Report, OAAA worked with the industry to launch a new five-year plan to position OOH for growth. We’ve published great new resources to help our members nail those talking points.
Where’s the best place to eat in Washington, DC?
Near the OAAA office, we have such a variety of restaurants and carryout locations; I could eat a different lunch every day of the year.
I live in Northern Virginia, about 10 miles from DC, where you’ll find the best Korean food outside Korea. I could live on Kimchi and Bulgogi.
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