Christina River Institute

Founder and president of communications consulting organization specializing in strategic planning geared to achieve business goals. Serving clients in high technology and medical technology.

Responsible for profitably leading the 85-person, $10million headquarters office of an independent high technology public relations agency. Was instrumental in restoring morale, closing new business, implementing cross-office communications. Devised and implemented a strategy to insure cohesiveness among the senior management team. Successfully—and quickly—transitioned practices from boom economy to downturn economy.

Managed a portfolio of $4m including clients in networking, telecommunications, financial services, semiconductors, digital imaging, Internet, et.al. Spent 14 months in Silicon Valley, as interim GM in Weber’s Palo Alto office. Won and led the agency’s first global account with teams located in MA, CA and the UK; organically grew the business from $35k/mo to $3.5m/yr; won industry awards on behalf of client. Won and led the agency’s longest-standing account.

Initiated successful turnaround strategy for client considered "sleepy" in its category. Helped launch companies and technologies; led teams of up to 40 agency members. Closed 80% of business pitched, including early Internet-related companies. Developed relationships with media, industry and financial analysts, key influencers in the technology field.

Handled all marketing communications responsibilities for start-up networking technology division within an existing corporation. Wrote and produced product brochures and data sheets. Managed all public relations-related activities, including arranging speaking opportunities, helping draft presentations, handling speakers, writing press materials, placing articles.

Entrée into high technology as well as first corporate experience. Managed all public relations activities for diverse networking products and services company that is credited with developing the ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet. Changed tactical approach of PR from technology features-focused to business benefits-focused. Helped launch ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technology, and helped company become the de facto leader in the technology at the time. Worked with internal experts in myriad fields of technology including world-renowned security expert, developers of the Internet. Developed strong relationships with media, industry analysts.

Founded and developed small public relations agency from scratch to $1m operation. Worked with consumer clients in automotive, health care, fine arts. Responsible for profitability, marketing the business, developing new contacts, as well as devising strategies for clients and overseeing execution.

Was the #2 person in a start-up public relations department within an advertising agency. Responsible for helping pitch and win new business, implement all programs. Worked with consumer accounts in the fields of fashion, eye-wear and consumer electronics.

Worked on the McDonald’s (fast food) account as account executive and then as manager. Wrote and placed articles in local community publications. Helped open the Boston Ronald McDonald House. Was instrumental in "selling" the Ronald House concept to the Albany and Syracuse markets.

PRSA

State University of New York, College at Cortland

BA, English