As social media manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Bradley University, Liz Wiest is charged with developing and executing social media strategy and maintaining the university’s brand across platforms. In addition to creating content for Bradley’s primary accounts, she oversees more than 200 accounts administered by academic departments and student services divisions. Her efforts were recently recognized by industry firms Rival IQ and Up&Up, which ranked Bradley as having the 18th best social media engagement of all Division I schools in the country.
Wiest also serves on the frontlines of communication for the university, interacting with the Bradley community and the public to help answer questions and address issues. In her previous role at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, she utilized her communications skills to increase awareness of the organization in the Peoria area.
Beyond her efforts in the workplace, Wiest is active in the public relations community as a member of the Public Relations Association of Central Illinois. From 2017 through 2019, she served on PRA’s Executive Committee as vice president of social media, launching the use of paid social media advertising to attract new members, designing a new website for the organization, and leading the committee that plans the annual PRA Awards ceremony.
Wiest chairs Generation United (GEN U), the young professionals group of the Heart of Illinois United Way, providing strategic guidance and overseeing the execution of its many initiatives, including its recent 10th anniversary event. She also serves on the Heart of Illinois United Way Board of Directors and volunteers on the United Way Marketing Committee. She has been a Big Sister for Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters for three years, as well as an active member of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois’ Emerging Philanthropist Fund. Beyond her career and community involvement, Wiest has a passion for sustainable fashion and has recently helped raise awareness for the BIDE Market, a sustainable market in Chicago. PM
