DEBRA KELMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Debra Kelman, President
Debra Kelman Public Relations
Biography •
During her tenure at Loews Hotels, Ms. Kelman was responsible for implementing the company’s overall public relations efforts. This included developing and executing a pro-active media relations campaign for the company’s portfolio of 15 hotels and resorts throughout North America, as well as creating a comprehensive community outreach program, which subsequently received the President’s Service Award from the Points of Light Foundation. Ms. Kelman was also responsible for preparing speeches given by the President and CEO of the chain on topics such as Welfare to Work; State of the Travel and Tourism Industry; and the Benefits of Creating Partnerships and Strategic Alliances.
Her efforts resulted in key placements in publications such as Crain’s New York Business, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, the Robb Report, as well as on programs such as "The Today Show," CNN’s "Business Unusual," CNBC’s "Power Lunch" and FOX-TV’s "Cavuto Business Report."
In addition to supervising the public relations directors at the individual hotels, Ms. Kelman was also responsible for selecting and managing all outside p.r. agencies and consultants. As the primary contact for the chain, she worked with a broad range of print and broadcast media, including consumer and trade travel publications, lifestyle, entertainment, design and business media. Her efforts also included the launch of several new hotels, including the 800-room Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the first ever House of Blues Hotel, a Loews Hotel, located in the Marina City complex in Chicago, and the pre-opening publicity efforts for the chain’s joint venture with Universal Studios Escape in Orlando, and the conversion of a landmark building into the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.
Reporting to, and working closely with the company’s President and CEO, Jonathan Tisch, Ms. Kelman also served on the Executive Planning Committee, and created the publicity efforts for the NYU Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, considered to be the premier investment forum for senior executives in the hospitality industry.
Prior to joining Loews Hotels, Ms. Kelman was an Account Supervisor at Middleton & Gendron Public Relations, where she managed accounts that included Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Nikko Hotels; the Pierre Hotel and Aerosole Shoes. Previously, she had been an Account Executive at Rogers & Cowan Public Relations where she handled Newman’s Own Foods; Pantone: and the launch of Paul Newman’s "Hole in the Wall Gang Camp."
In addition, Ms. Kelman has also served as a consultant on outside projects for other businesses. These included Liz Lange Maternity; Michelle Roth Bridal; and Aerea Hair Salon.
Ms. Kelman is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned Bachelor of Journalism degree. Prior to moving to New York City in 1987, she worked as a radio and television news anchor and reporter.