Courtney Shannon Strand
Hi, I’m Courtney
I am an integrated marketing communications professional
and an award-winning author.
I enjoy reading and writing in my backyard writing cottage, as well as running, rock climbing, and hiking with my husband in the
wonderful Pacific Northwest.
Awards
Sigma Beta Delta Award Winner for graduating with honors from Franklin University’s Ross College of Business. I was inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business, Management and Administration.
PNWA Picture Book Winner for my lyrical picture book titled “Ella’s Umbrella” won first place in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest.
National Indie Excellence Award Winner for “Ella’s Umbrella” for pre-schoolers category.
Writer’s Digest Award Winner for my poetic picture book titled “RoundUp Rodeo.”
Education
Master Degree in Marketing & Communications, (4.0 GPA)
Franklin University Ross College of Business, Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Eastern Washington University, Spokane, WA
Certificate of Writing for Children
Seattle Central College, Seattle, WA
Certificate of Editing
Media Bistro, New York, NY
More About Me
As an integrated marketer, I am an effective communicator, a strategic thinker with a passion for adding value to customer experiences. I coach others on how to effectively add value at every touch point of a customer journey. I serve customers with highly engaging experiences that solve problems for them.
My specialties include people managing with highly effective EQ skills, developing integrated marketing and communications campaigns with measurable objectives, digital marketing, social media marketing, content strategy, consumer behavior research, and brand awareness — always with the customer in mind first. I am also a senior-level writer and editor. I live and work in beautiful Bellingham, WA.
In addition, I am an award-winning children’s book author. If you would like me to sign a children’s book please order from my secure store and fill out the form and I will sign it and ship it to you. If you would like to book me for a school event or author visit please contact me. Thanks!
What People Are Saying
Fonté Coffee Roaster
“Courtney is undoubtedly a talented, integrative marketing strategist with proven ability to pivot data and increase sales; however, her foremost skill is her coaching style management that enhances working environment and productivity. Her collaborative approach to accomplishing goals instills positivity, inspiration, and efficiency. Courtney's emotional intelligence and ability to solve problems is one of the most important factors in the management of clients, clients and customers alike. I would love to work with Courtney again in the future!”
— Richelle Kimble, Former Marketing Manager at Fonté Coffee Roaster.
Trip Savvy (formerly About.com)
“Had the...who who who...Courtney was one of the best writers I ever worked with; she met every deadline, wrote engaging pieces, and responded positively to any criticisms (not that there were many). She was very passionate about sharing her love and knowledge of Washington State with the About.com audience, which came through clearly in her writing. Any editor would be lucky to have the opportunity to work with Courtney.”
— Rachell Philips, Former Associate Editor for About.com.
Baby & Co.
“Courtney is an impressive team leader with a passion for coaching her team to success. Skilled in the design of marketing strategy with the strong ability to run pivot tables to find insights and create accurate customer profiles. On the job, Courtney was able to analyze the business and saved Baby & Co. over $100K in digital marketing spending, redirecting the budget accordingly. I would consider Courtney an asset and would relish the chance to work with her again.”
— Anna Telcs, Former Creative Director at Baby & Co.
Publisher’s Weekly Review
“Employing the refrain “as the rain drops a capella,” Strand’s debut relays the puddle-dotted adventure of Ella, a girl with long dark hair and pale skin, as she skips through the rain with a new red umbrella in hand. Rhythmic, repetitive onomatopoeic prose details every step of Ella’s solo journey (“Splash!/ She squishes her rain boots/ slosh slurry slop./ As the mud tries to shake loose/ slop slurry whop”) as she twirls through the rain in a light blue raincoat and yellow rain boots. When the storm picks up, however, Ella races home to hide from lightning and thunder. Lounsbury’s thinly outlined digital art emphasizes broken lines of unrelenting rain, while strokes of colored pencil and crayon-esque textures enliven the neighborhood. Though the ending is a bit abrupt, this gentle tale is overall a sunny pick for young readers. Ages 3–5.”
— Publishers Weekly