Profile
First Name
Heather
Last Name
McElrath
Professions
Fractional & Outsourcing - CMO
Industry
Marketing
Chapter
B2B Coast to Coast
Member Role
B2B Member Success Liaison
Member Bio
Heather McElrath is a seasoned marketing, communications, and PR professional with over 30 years of experience helping organizations connect with the right people through smart, strategic messaging. Her career spans work with Fortune 500 companies, national associations, and nonprofits, giving her a deep understanding of how to craft communications that deliver results.
Heather blends traditional tools with modern strategies—earning media placements, building engaged online communities, and shaping communication plans that align with business goals. She specializes in SEO and Google Business Profile optimization to help small and mid-sized businesses show up, stand out, and get found online.
As CEO of Sandbox Communications, Heather leads a team focused on local visibility, digital clarity, and strategic growth. Through CastleBridge Communications, her fractional services arm, she serves as a part-time marketing and communications partner—offering the leadership of a seasoned CMO without the full-time commitment. From message development and annual marketing plans to press outreach and digital content, Heather helps businesses build and maintain momentum.
Her work is defined by thoughtful planning, trusted client relationships, and a steady focus on what works.
Heather blends traditional tools with modern strategies—earning media placements, building engaged online communities, and shaping communication plans that align with business goals. She specializes in SEO and Google Business Profile optimization to help small and mid-sized businesses show up, stand out, and get found online.
As CEO of Sandbox Communications, Heather leads a team focused on local visibility, digital clarity, and strategic growth. Through CastleBridge Communications, her fractional services arm, she serves as a part-time marketing and communications partner—offering the leadership of a seasoned CMO without the full-time commitment. From message development and annual marketing plans to press outreach and digital content, Heather helps businesses build and maintain momentum.
Her work is defined by thoughtful planning, trusted client relationships, and a steady focus on what works.
Contact Details
Company Details
Company Name
CastleBridge Communications
Job Title
Founder and CEO
Street:
25240 Lake Shore Sq. Unit 303
City:
Chantilly
State:
Virginia
Zip code:
20152
About Us
At CastleBridge Communications, your growth is our mission.
We offer fractional marketing and communications support that meets you where you are—then helps you go further.
We’re not a big agency. We’re your behind-the-scenes team, focused on smart, steady progress through SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and clear digital strategies that align with your budget and goals.
Stuck? That’s our sweet spot.
We turn roadblocks into opportunities with creative thinking, clear priorities, and a no-fluff approach.
Why CastleBridge works:
Fractional Firepower
Get senior-level strategy without the full-time price tag. We plug in where you need us most—SEO, Google Business Profile, content, or overall digital direction.
Local Search Know-How
We focus on what works: helping people find you, trust you, and choose you.
Clear, Honest Communication
You won’t get buzzwords and vague promises. Just smart guidance, open updates, and measurable results.
Custom Strategies, Always
Your business isn’t like anyone else’s. Your marketing plan shouldn’t be either.
Joy in the Work
We bring energy and optimism to every challenge. You’ll feel supported, not sold to.
We build long-term partnerships, not quick wins. With CastleBridge, you’ll have a thoughtful, steady hand helping guide your business forward—one smart step at a time.
We offer fractional marketing and communications support that meets you where you are—then helps you go further.
We’re not a big agency. We’re your behind-the-scenes team, focused on smart, steady progress through SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and clear digital strategies that align with your budget and goals.
Stuck? That’s our sweet spot.
We turn roadblocks into opportunities with creative thinking, clear priorities, and a no-fluff approach.
Why CastleBridge works:
Fractional Firepower
Get senior-level strategy without the full-time price tag. We plug in where you need us most—SEO, Google Business Profile, content, or overall digital direction.
Local Search Know-How
We focus on what works: helping people find you, trust you, and choose you.
Clear, Honest Communication
You won’t get buzzwords and vague promises. Just smart guidance, open updates, and measurable results.
Custom Strategies, Always
Your business isn’t like anyone else’s. Your marketing plan shouldn’t be either.
Joy in the Work
We bring energy and optimism to every challenge. You’ll feel supported, not sold to.
We build long-term partnerships, not quick wins. With CastleBridge, you’ll have a thoughtful, steady hand helping guide your business forward—one smart step at a time.
Services Provided
CastleBridge Communications delivers the strategic support of a seasoned marketing leader—without the full-time cost. We provide flexible, high-impact communications support tailored to your business goals.
What We Offer
Marketing & Communications Strategy
+ Annual and quarterly marketing plans
+ Messaging frameworks for brand, services, and campaigns
+ Goal-setting, KPIs, and performance tracking
+ Campaign planning and content calendars
Brand & Message Development
+ Website copy and content strategy
+ Taglines, mission statements, and brand voice development
+ Internal and external messaging alignment
Media & PR Support
+ Press releases and media outreach
+ Thought leadership development
+ Award submissions and speaker pitches
+ Media list building and monitoring
Content & Digital Communications
+ Email marketing strategy and content
+ Social media strategy and content calendars
+ Blog planning and ghostwriting
Search & Local Visibility
+ SEO and Google Business Profile optimization
+ Keyword strategy and local search improvements
+ Ongoing updates to keep your presence current
Team Collaboration
We work as an extension of your team, or lead the charge. Whether you need hands-on help or strategic direction, CastleBridge plugs in at the right level to get things moving.
What We Offer
Marketing & Communications Strategy
+ Annual and quarterly marketing plans
+ Messaging frameworks for brand, services, and campaigns
+ Goal-setting, KPIs, and performance tracking
+ Campaign planning and content calendars
Brand & Message Development
+ Website copy and content strategy
+ Taglines, mission statements, and brand voice development
+ Internal and external messaging alignment
Media & PR Support
+ Press releases and media outreach
+ Thought leadership development
+ Award submissions and speaker pitches
+ Media list building and monitoring
Content & Digital Communications
+ Email marketing strategy and content
+ Social media strategy and content calendars
+ Blog planning and ghostwriting
Search & Local Visibility
+ SEO and Google Business Profile optimization
+ Keyword strategy and local search improvements
+ Ongoing updates to keep your presence current
Team Collaboration
We work as an extension of your team, or lead the charge. Whether you need hands-on help or strategic direction, CastleBridge plugs in at the right level to get things moving.
Ideal Customers
The ideal client for CastleBridge Communications is a growing business or organization that needs senior-level marketing and communications support—but not on a full-time basis. They may be between hires, expanding their team, or simply want expert guidance without the overhead.
They value strategy, consistency, and results. They understand the importance of clear messaging, smart planning, and showing up in the right places—whether that’s online, in the press, or in front of key stakeholders.
They want a trusted partner who can lead when needed, collaborate when called on, and deliver without hand-holding. Most importantly, they’re ready to invest in sustainable growth through thoughtful, steady marketing and communications leadership.
They value strategy, consistency, and results. They understand the importance of clear messaging, smart planning, and showing up in the right places—whether that’s online, in the press, or in front of key stakeholders.
They want a trusted partner who can lead when needed, collaborate when called on, and deliver without hand-holding. Most importantly, they’re ready to invest in sustainable growth through thoughtful, steady marketing and communications leadership.
Employee Count of Clients
20-49 employees
Revenue Size of Clients
$1+ million plus - $15 million