Globally Certified Strategic Communications MANAGEMENT Professional | Business Leader | Crisis Management Consultant, Trainer and Speaker
Summary
I am a globallycertified strategic communications management and corporate crisis management professional with a passion for helping organizations grow, manage change, and improve results by communicating better. Communication is the backbone of every business, and yet many companies see it as a “soft skill” not critical to their success. I work to change that by developing and implementing communications programs that deliver real, measurable results.
For smaller and mid-size companies in growth mode, I can help develop a marketing communications strategy using proven traditional and digital PR and marketing tools.
Every organization is susceptible to a business crisis, whether it involves a natural disaster, a human tragedy or employee misconduct. I help prepare companies for the inevitable with comprehensive crisis communications plans. If a crisis strikes and they need assistance with damage control, I go to work immediately to manage the message, prepare spokespeople, deal with mainstream and social media, and protect the organization’s reputation and bottom line.
“Turning the aircraft carrier” can be tough for larger, well-established companies. I develop and help implement change communication strategies designed to build employee engagement, empower teams and navigate the transformation.
Improving organizations through strategic communication is my passion. What bottom-line results can I deliver for your organization? Let's talk!
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: Health Care: Hospitals, EMS, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Physician Practice Management | Manufacturing | Financial Services | Government | Consulting | Insurance & Benefits | Non-Profit | Media | Education | Retail | Energy | Restaurants | Mining | Utilities | Professional & Trade Associations | Commercial Construction | Aviation | Mining | Banking | Oil & Gas
Career Timeline
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SVP, Corporate Communications, Mktg & IR, Emergency Medical Services Corp.
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President and CEO, Institute for Crisis Management
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Marketing Manager, Indiana University South Bend
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Adjunct Faculty, Indiana University South Bend
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Marketing Communications Manager, RACO Division, The Hubbell Group
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Director of Communications, Holy Cross Resources, Inc.
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Vice President, Communications, Holy Cross Health System Corporation
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Vice President, Corporate Communications, Sun Healthcare Group
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President, Hileman Insurance & Financial Services
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Crisis Communications Counsel, Institute for Crisis Management
Crisis Communications Counsel, Institute for Crisis Management
Skills
Skill Name
Skill Name
trainer
20+
project management
20+
cross-functional team leader
20+
executive leadership
20+
Mergers & Acquisitions
15
Reputation Management
20+
Employee Engagement
30
Public Speaking & Training
20+
Team Building
20+
Social Media
20+
Marketing Communications
20+
Strategic Communications
20+
Internal Communications
20+
Crisis Communications
20+
Public/ Media Relations
20+
Leadership/ Management
20+
Investor Relations
7
Branding
20+
Website Dev't & Mgmt.
20+
Strategic Planning
20+
Change Management
15
Results
50%
more sales leads with new websites
25%
reduction in turnover, saving $5M
$5 M
sales growth delivered by reviving a tired brand
Questions & Answers
Why are entrepreneurial skills valuable in a large organization?
Every organization needs entrepreneurial thinkers -- those risk takers who can identify blue ocean opportunities, develop executable strategies, and, most importantly, build and inspire teams who can deliver on the vision. Entrepreneurs are even more important in a large company where a lack of diversity, bureaucracy and comfort with the status quo can suffocate new ideas. I believe a company's long-term success strongly depends on its ability to identify its entrepreneurs, to nurture them and provide fertile ground to cultivate the new ideas that will contribute to fulfilling its strategic goals.
How do you turn a challenge into an opportunity?
In my view, opportunity and challenge are synonymous;
working hard and smart is the first thing required to successfully reach a goal. Every challenge offers an opportunity to help the organization to build its value with stakeholders and to deliver on its mission and vision; in short, to be better. I view each challenge as the chance to expand my skills, help my team members grow, and solve a problem that will contribute to the bottom line goals of the enterprise.
What is the secret to executing on strategic plans during post-merger integrations?
Planning, communication and transparency. Exceptional organizations connect strategy and culture. To position the merged entity for success, leaders should define its purpose, mission and vision; then help everyone understand how their work contributes to the organization's success. Operational and cultural integration plans should be developed before the transaction closes and adjusted as needed. Frequent, transparent, 360° communications are critical to keeping people engaged and committed to the success of the new enterprise.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in leading by example and holding myself accountable for results. I'm fair and flexible, communicate expectations clearly and provide ongoing feedback. I strive to develop teams of talented, committed professionals who think independently, work collaboratively and take pride in a job well done. I expect people to give their best, ask questions, challenge the status quo, and contribute meaningfully to the goals of the organization.
Find Me On
Proudest Accomplishment
Those who know me say that I excel at helping others to discover their strengths.
