Executive Summary:
More than three decades of generalist experience spanning all facets of corporate and higher education public relations and public affairs practice. Have worked directly with ten CEOs in developing and implementing strategic and executive communication initiatives linked to corporate or institutional objectives. Background includes extensive hands-on experience in executive, financial, internal and crisis communications, as well as media relations.
Employment History:
EW #13834 Public Relations, Blowing Rock, NC
Managing Director (July 2004 to present)
Established executive communication and public relations practice designed to serve small and medium-size corporate and institutional clients across the Carolinas. Principal efforts have focused on promoting establishment the North Carolina Center for Advanced Manufacturing; working with a financial services firm on a federal government relations assignment; developing fundraising materials for a liberal arts college; and handling marketing promotion for a product being introduced by a golf specialty products company.
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs (Aug. 1998-July 2004)
(Resigned position in advance of new chancellor assuming university leadership.)
 Launched strategic communication initiatives, under the banner of Forging a Premier Comprehensive University, designed to strengthen Appalachians academic reputation with peer institutions, prospective students, donors and public officials. ASU named TIME Magazine College of the Year in 2001; capital campaign exceeded $50 million goal by more than 65%; enrollment grew by 15%, while applications for freshman admission exceeded available spaces by a margin of 4-to-1.
 Served as chief university spokesperson while counseling Chancellor on state budget cuts, the death of a star student athlete, a long-time controversy related to intercollegiate football, and other strategic issues including the Chancellors early retirement.
 Developed and implemented a communication plan linking university outreach with regional economic development initiatives: off-campus enrollment doubled, learning alliance forged with 10 community colleges, two learning centers created.
 Counseled Interim Chancellor and created executive communications and institutional messages designed to ensure public confidence during top management transition.
Financial and Corporate Communications Consulting
Resigned from United Dominion position to join and eventually acquire an Atlanta-based financial communications firm. After the firms owner withdrew offer to sell, continued professional practice as a Corporate Communications Consultant (July 1997-August 1998)
United Dominion Industries, Ltd., Charlotte, NC
(A $2-billion diversified Canadian manufacturer acquired by SPX Corp. in 2001)
Vice President, Corporate Communications (June 1990-June 1997)
 Implemented corporate branding program targeting financial, business-to-business and internal audiences designed to build corporate identity following major corporate restructuring, relocation of headquarters, a reverse stock split and a new name for this century-old industrial manufacturer.
 Produced series of award-winning annual reports articulating new corporate vision and strategies, while creating an aggressive financial communications program in Canada and the United States; stock price grew more than 8-fold as acquisitions and operating performance met expectations of the financial community.
 Conceived and managed an aggressive international business development program conducted by the CEO, providing the framework to double operating income and profits from sources outside North America within five years.
 Launched community relations program to establish company headquarters and corporate executives in a new state and city; managed corporate giving program and charitable foundation; served as corporate media spokesperson.
Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, VA
(A $7-billion integrated aluminum producer acquired by Alcoa in 2000)
Dir., Corporate Information (June 1982-May 1990)
Dir., Employee Communication & Community Relations (July 1980-June 1982)
Dir., Employee Communication (Feb. 1977-July 1980)
Editor of Publications (Jan. 1975-Feb. 1977)
Engaged in virtually every aspect of corporate public relations, marketing communications, internal communications and financial communications during 15+ years of increasing responsibility; gained substantial managerial experience supervising as many as 16 PR professionals; served as worldwide media spokesperson.
Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA
Director of Public Relations (July 1973-Dec. 1974)
Shenandoah College & Conservatory, Winchester, VA
Director of Public Relations (Jan. 1971-June 1973)
Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA
Associate Director of Public Relations (Jan. 1969-Dec. 1970)
Education:
 BSJ Degree (journalism with concentration in advertising), West Virginia University
 Corporate training and development programs including Finance for the Non-Financial Manager, Management Development, Internal Communication and Strategic Planning
 Public Relations InstitutePRSA, University of Georgia
 PRSA conferences and other professional development programs