ABOUT TAMAR SIMPSON

Hi, thanks for visiting my website! I’m a Marketing & Communications executive with more than twenty years of experience innovating programs and developing campaigns, with a proven track record of successful results. I have an expansive background in all aspects of marketing, communications, and management, moving seamlessly from vision and strategy to hands-on creative development and implementation.

After graduating from the University of Hartford where I majored in Marketing and Communications, I began my career at DDB Worldwide, a global advertising agency, working on Johnson & Johnson’s line of skincare products for every age. While on the set of a TV commercial shoot in Paris, I worked with a film producer that led me to a position at Miramax Films in the publicity department. This studio stint served as my bootcamp for the next fifteen years I would spend in the entertainment industry. Deeply inspired, I became a talent publicist at IDPR representing some of Hollywood’s biggest names (so many once-in-a-lifetime memories!). My passion and appreciation for the arts, industry, actors and recording artists, film, television, music, and theater was boundless. I found a niche developing award campaigns and ultimately leading my clients to Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Academy Award wins. I also spent much of my time at IDPR representing renowned brands and luxury goods, where I honed my skills in marketing, branding and event production.

While accompanying a client on a philanthropic field trip in Africa, my eyes were opened to the opportunity that I can use my talent and expertise to serve the greater good. An industry shift later, I founded the Entertainment Marketing department at UNICEF USA (United Nations Children’s Fund) where I oversaw the UNICEF Ambassador program, including actors and recording artists that were committed to the cause of ensuring the world’s most vulnerable children survive and thrive. The aim of the Entertainment Marketing department was to create the intersection of entertainment companies, celebrities, and UNICEF’s mission. Collaborations with Disney, Paramount, LucasFilm, Target, Netflix (and many more!), a myriad of noteworthy artists, and field visits to see UNICEF’s work first-hand in developing countries, helped bring awareness and much-needed funds to a whole new level for the organization.

I was drawn to the notion of supporting causes locally, within my own community. My next career choice was to the YMCA of Long Island (NY), where I am presently the Director of Marketing & Communications. I oversee all aspects of branding, strategic planning, marketing, advertising, creative services, corporate and crisis communications, fundraising communications, executive visibility, public relations, digital and social marketing, website/CRM management, and more for eight locations across the region. The YMCA’s mission of nurturing youth development, fostering healthy living, and inspiring social responsibility inspires me daily and has afforded me the opportunity to “walk the walk” and truly immerse myself in the brand.

The path of marketing and communications runs in infinite directions. The business decisions I make down each path on a daily basis determines the outcomes of a project, just like life. This fuels the passion in my career. At times, my professional and personal life have intersected during travel to 49 countries around the globe, many of them in the developing world.

Speaking of life, it’s humbling to be settled back in New York where I was born and raised. I’m truly grateful to be married to a brilliant tech guru and living with our two incredible children on Long Island.