Matthew R.

Cannella
1010 Ivydale Terrace • Davie, Florida 33325
matthew.cannella@gmail.com • 954-235-5543
www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcannella

Education University of Florida

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations
College of Journalism and Communications Minors: Business Administration & History

Experience
Guy Harvey Enterprises • Administrative Assistant (October 2010- Present)
• Assisted the President with office management responsibilities
• Solicited national news publications for biographical profile
• Maintained and organized artwork database
• Represented the organization at philanthropic functions
• Gained fundraising experience through 3rd annual Ocean Foundation fundraiser including silent/live
auctions and special events coordination
• Assisted in direct mail initiatives including list modification and fulfillment for foundation fundraiser

Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) • Communications Intern (May 2009- June 2010)
• Researched sea turtle threats and compiled data in a format suitable for students.
• Crafted press releases and media kits, forging relationships with media outlets.
• Established a social networking foundation with Facebook and Twitter that resulted in an increase of
sea turtle adoptions and awareness.
• Completed training webinars focusing on effective social media communications
• Worked along side staff at Tour de Turtles educational event to develop production schedule
• Gained experience with internal and external communications
• Secured donations for a silent auction and completed educational outreach with children.
• Assisted in grant writing and editing multi-media content.

Abercrombie & Fitch/ Hollister Co. • Impact Team Member (June 2005- Present)
• Retail experience for 5 years throughout high school and college, receiving pay increase 3 times
• Responsible for folding merchandise, operating register, and training new employees.
• Completed floor sets according to national standards.

Gainesville Sun • Freelance Writer (January 2009- May 2009)

• Freelance writer contributing feature stories for the Campus Edition of the paper
• Stories included campus parking issues, budget cuts, study abroad opportunities and campus
involvement; I was offered an internship for my work.

Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation • Public Relations Intern (May 2008- August 2008)
• Managed requests for the corporate donation program and learned donation process for NCL.
• Tracked expenditure invoices for department
• Prepared news releases and content for company intranet.
• Reduced inaugural port expenditures through plaque/award production.
• Assisted in planning and executing the employee recognition ceremony held for the quarter.

Leadership &
Volunteerism Florida Cicerones • Special Events Chair & Recruitment Chair (January 2008- May 2010)
• Served as one of the university’s official student ambassadors providing 150 campus tours, worked
for the president’s office, recruited athletes and planned events.
• Planned and executed two banquets for membership creating custom decorations, coordinating the
caterer, entertainment, security with a budget of $12,000.
 • Developed a comprehensive campaign literature, promotional videos, two informational forums and
interview week with catering based around a theme attended by more than 800 people
• Used social media, guerilla marketing and worked internally with the members and externally with
campus organizations and the Alumni Association staff.
• Created school supplies drive for students in Kenya, collecting more than 200 items.

Outreach Ambassadors Program • Member (September 2006- May 2010)

• Encouraged high school students to pursue degrees at the University of Florida.
• Presented to several different schools during vacations to tell attendees about my experience.
• Prepared presentations and coordinated with guidance counselors, in addition to bi-weekly meetings.

Freshmen Leadership Council (FLC) • Director (September 2006- May 2009)

• Developed leadership and management skills as a representative of UF Student Government
• Advanced within the leadership during 3 years
• Served as an assistant director in the 2007oversaw the public relations point group.
• Organized campus events and promoted teamwork amongst members.
• Created a recruitment evaluation process & interviewed 500 students for the council, increasing the
applicant pool by 200 students.
• Planned a weekend retreat for students, organized a mentor program and coordinated a debate
between political parties for SG election, which was recognized as the most outstanding cabinet event

Young Leaders Conference • Small Group Leader (January 2009)

• Served as a mentor to high school students for a weekend-long conference
• Preparing workshops and guided them through the university.

Gator Walk (March 2009)

• Benefited the Make-A-Wish foundation.
• As team, we won two awards for the largest team and the most money raised for the three-mile walk,
approximately $5,000.

Project Makeover (February 2008 & February 2009)

• Helped to improve two Gainesville elementary schools by planting gardens, painting murals and
collecting school supplies.
• Wrote feature articles for the Gainesville Sun, which resulted in additional donations for the project.

March of Dimes, Team Captain (March 2007 & March 2008)

• Participated in 8.6-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for premature infants.
• Helped to coordinate the FLC team and served as a captain
References

Rocio Johnson Holly Resnick Kristi Bayne

Public Relations Coordinator Controller Corporate Communications,
Sea Turtle Conservancy All In One Direct Marketing Solutions Manager
4424 NW 13th Street, Suite B-11, 11950 SW 128 Street Norwegian Cruise Line
Gainesville, FL 32609 Miami, FL 33186 7665 Corporate Center Drive
Phone: 352-373-6441 Phone: 305-233-6100 Miami, FL 33126
Email: rocio@conserveturtles.org Email: holly@Allinonedirectms.com Phone: 305-436-4144
Email: kbayne@ncl.com

Rachel Johnson Steve Stock Gerri Sprague-Damon

Assistant Director of President Social Worker, LCSW
Membership & Marketing Guy Harvey Enterprises Social Work Advantage, Inc.
University of Florida Alumni Association 10408 West State Rd 84, Suite #104 13250 NW 11 Drive
1938 W. University Avenue Davie, FL 33324 Sunrise, FL 33323
P.O. Box 14425 Phone: 954-581-0073 Phone: 305-794-7797
Gainesville, FL 32604-2425 Email: steve@guyharvey.com Email:SocWorkAdvantage@aol.com
Phone: 352-392-1667 (Personal Reference)
Email: rjohnson@ufalumni.ufl.edu