Andrea Farmer

About Andrea Farmer

I serve as chief communications officer for the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, where I develop and implement communications strategies that raise awareness of and advocate for issues that advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people.Previously, I served as director, external engagement and government affairs for Indiana Donor Network. I oversaw the external engagement department, which included the community outreach, government affairs, marketing and communications, and legal affairs functions. During my tenure, our department of 25 won more than 10 national, regional and statewide awards for our work to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation, and we saw double-digit percentage growth in the share of Hoosiers registered as donors.Prior to that, I served as SVP, strategic communications & account services at Hirons, where I led the communications management department, provided planning and strategy support for key agency clients, and supported business development activities. I also served as a member of Hirons\' management team.Also, I previously served as associate director of strategic initiatives for the NCAA, where I worked on the organization’s first-ever paid advocacy and brand campaign. The initiative included national television and radio spots as well as a digital and social media campaign. Additionally, I managed strategic communications planning for the national office with the goal of engaging key Association stakeholders, including university presidents, athletics directors and faculty. I began my career in marketing communications as a coordinator for Indianapolis agency Borshoff, steadily assuming leadership roles until achieving the title of senior account director, when I oversaw large integrated accounts. I earned my accreditation in public relations and have been heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America for many years, including serving as president of the Indiana chapter of PRSA in 2016 and in other various board positions over the course of 15 years. I am also a proud past board member of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis and the East Central District of PRSA.

Experience

1. Chief Communications Officer

   Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

   Jul 2022 — Present · Indianapolis, IN, US

   The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation strives to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people by addressing the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities across three focus areas: Education, Health and the Vitality of Indianapolis. To advance its work, the Foundation implements a three-pronged approach: strategic grantmaking, evidence-based advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration and convening.

Education

• Ball State University

  Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Public Relations

Skills

• Press Releases
• Strategic Communications
• Crisis Communications
• Media Relations
• Message Development
• Public Relations
• Advertising
• Internal Communications
• Community Development
• Event Planning
• Social Media Marketing
• Project Management
• Marketing Communications
• Corporate Communications
• Social Media
• Marketing
• Reputation Management
• Public Speaking