Erin Pihlaja

Erin Pihlaja has a diverse background in marketing, public relations, and communications. Erin currently holds the position of Director of Digital Media and Brand Strategy at The Daily Gazette since 2023. In this role, Erin is responsible for establishing the newspaper as a preferred brand for current and future audience members through strategic branding, content strategy, and paid distribution. Erin also assists the sales and marketing teams in achieving their annual goals.

Prior to their current role, Erin served as an Adjunct Professor at The State University of New York in 2022, where they shared their expertise in the field of marketing and communications with students. Erin also founded their consulting firm, Make It Up State, in 2021, where they provided services in business development, public relations, branding, marketing, and content creation.

From 2019 to 2021, Erin worked as a Consultant in Public Relations and Marketing at Duncan Crary Communications. During this time, they supported the company's strategic mission, managed client expectations, and successfully recruited and retained clients. Erin also gained experience as the Interim Marketing and Sales Director at Darn Good Yarn in 2020, where they led marketing and sales efforts.

In their earlier career, Erin held various positions, including Head of Communications at Emma Willard School from 2016 to 2019, Executive Director at Downtown Troy Business Improvement District from 2014 to 2016, and News and Features Editor at Metroland Alternative Newsweekly from 2012 to 2014. Erin also owned their own marketing firm, Colligan Creative, from 2007 to 2012, where they executed strategic vision and provided clients with marketing deliverables.

Overall, Erin Pihlaja's work experience demonstrates their expertise in strategic branding, marketing, public relations, and communications.

Erin Pihlaja holds a Bachelor's degree in Digital Journalism and Fine Arts from the University at Albany, SUNY.