Allison Blankenship

Allison Blankenship has been an award-winning communications architect, author and speaker more than two decades. She graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University with a degree in Mass Communications, which she used to write and produce training videos and television commercials. An opportunity arose in Atlanta to create the first visitor’s center for Macy’s regional headquarters. While there, she orchestrated special events for celebrity appearances by Cher, Tommy Hilfiger and Liz Taylor.

Her work in retail special events led to becoming one of the first female Regional Directors overseeing Florida and Mexico for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. While at The Ritz-Carlton, Allison wrote the training curriculum for in-house public relations and won a national Golden Bell award for her writing and promotional skills. She also became one of the first 100 Accredited Public Relations Professionals in Florida (APR designation).

A corporate merger landed Allison in private public relations practice, where she helped develop the first Tourism Bureau for Naples, FL. She served as president of the Florida Speakers Association, and was named Speaker of the Year in 2004. That same year, Allison was honored to receive the Jim Barber Leadership Award. She has been a member of the National Speakers Association for 15 years.

During this time, Allison coauthored three books on communication, time management and life balance. She was selected from 350 speakers to headline the Women’s Leadership Conference sponsored by Rockhurst University. Allison has also been featured in Clemson University’s Professional Development for Women Conference and is a frequent conference keynote speaker. She has written curriculum programs for Rockhurst University, Padgett-Thompson Training, National Seminars Group, Florida Gulf Coast University, Edison College and University of Central Florida.

In 2010, Allison coauthored her 4th book with colleague Bonnie Michaels, Upside: How to Zig When Life Zags about navigating unexpected life changes (www.UpsideTheBook.com). She also blogs for www.SpiritedWoman.com. When not writing or travelling, Allison is completely addicted to HGTV. She spends her time with husband Larry, two young adult children and two completely spoiled cats, Jack and Ringo.