Kelly Poole

Senior Account Executive, Black Flower Agency

1. How has your job shifted since the pandemic hit?

As a senior account executive, I’m on the American Express By Invitation Only team. We curate and execute events for American Express’ Platinum and Centurion Card Members.

Since the pandemic started, we’ve had to quickly jump into the virtual space. We’ve done two virtual events so far – one with Venus Williams and one with Tony Finau. 30-50 Card Members purchased tickets to join the athletes for a conversation. We’re handling everything on the back end, making sure Card Members can see the talent, making sure talent has the equipment to do a proper interview and making it personal so cardmembers can appreciate the experience.

Most recently we executed our first in person live event for American Express Card Members since the start of the pandemic – a drive in movie experience at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, New Jersey. We hosted three nights of drive-in movies including Forrest Gump, Dreamgirls, and Apollo 13, all of which had great attendance and amazing feedback.

2. What is your favorite part about your job?

I love the sense of community at Black Flower. Even before the pandemic, we had a few team members in different areas on the country, and even with distance we’ve still been able to collaborate and work well with each other. I’m lucky to be here and work with an amazing team I learn from every day.

3. What did you do before coming to Black Flower?

I’m a D.C. area native, so I worked in the D.C. area for a while. I did PR for Bloomingdales and then worked at Washingtonian magazine, but I’d always wanted to live in NYC, so when the opportunity presented itself to move there and work for Black Flower I jumped at it, and I’m so happy I did. 

4. What would we find you doing in your free time?

Pre-Covid I’d be at Soul Cycle, at a museum with friends, or seeing a favorite or soon-to-be-favorite -artist in concert. Post-Covid I’ve been doing more bike rides outside of the Soul Cycle studio and meeting friends for outdoor picnics in the park.

5. What’s been keeping you sane over the past six months?

My dog Milo!  I’ve been able to spend more time with him and see friends and family. I’ve been staying with my mom and my grandma in D.C. and it’s been good to spend more time with them, because I wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise.

Another thing that’s been fun during this time for me was Beyonce’s movie Black is King on Disney+. I’m such a huge fan and I was so excited to see it.