Goodyear Names Sara Waldman Public Relations Manager for Airship Spirit of Innovation

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., June 19 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced that Sara Waldman has joined the company as public relations manager for the airship "Spirit of Innovation." In her new position, Waldman will be responsible for strategic and day-to-day public relations, marketing support communications, media outreach, community affairs and scheduling activities surrounding the airship's operations from its base here.

"Sara's communications experience with major entertainment properties, and her close working relationships with national media, made her an ideal candidate for the 'Spirit of Innovation' public relations position," said Roger Rydell, Goodyear's vice president of global business communications. "I am sure that this experience and those strong contacts will serve her well as she takes on this new assignment."

Prior to joining Goodyear, Waldman was public relations and lifestyle marketing manager for Virgen Advertising in Las Vegas, Nev., responsible for developing and executing strategic communications plans for clients including Harrah's Entertainment and Cricket Communications. Prior to joining Virgen, Waldman served with Kirvin Doak Communications, PR Week magazine's "2004 Boutique Agency of the Year," where she provided account services to brands including Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

"We are extremely excited to have Sara join the 'Spirit of Innovation' team," said Marty Chandler, pilot-in-charge for the Florida-based blimp. "We look forward to working with Sara to maximize the impact of our airship as an ambassador for our company and as a key marketing tool for the Goodyear brand and its products."

Waldman, 27, received her bachelor's degree in advertising from the University of Florida.