Degree(s): BJ '66

Whereabouts: United States, California, Thousand Oaks

What do you do?
I am an executive communicator who provides advice, counsel and support to corporate clients in the U.S. and globally on all aspects of internal and external communications/public relations. This includes employee, shareholder and client/customer communications; local, regional, national and global media relations support; event oversight including video productions and presentations; roles as corporate spokesperson and executive speechwriter; change management support as well as communications focused on crisis management, HR, marketing, transformation, revitalization, merger/acquisitions and integration, corporate restructuring and downsizing initiatives.

How did you get your job?
Following a career with AT&T in their corporate public relations organization, I started a communications/public relations consulting company and have been supporting clients for the past 13 years.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?
Whether you’re chasing a print or electronic news story or working with a client on an ad/project/etc., don’t just “hear” what the person is telling you but always “listen.” There’s a big difference. And, be inquisitive. Ask as many questions as possible. The information you get from listening and from the multiple responses you get to your questions will result in a far better story or in your pursuit of a collaborative relationship with a client.

What advice do you have for current students?
Know what you want to do and pursue it.

What is your favorite J-School memory?
TV news with Rod Gelatt at KOMU-TV.