Resume

Download a copy of this resume in PDF format here.

Skills Summary

Experienced senior communications advisor and consultant with a 20 year record of success in developing and implementing strategic communications plans.  Rich mix of experience with Fortune 500 companies, non-for-profits, and government.  Solid financial analytic skills, people oriented, and outstanding presentation skills.

• Academic Writing and Research
• White Papers
  
• Television Portfolio
• Radio Portfolio

Work Experience

Strong Media LLC (Self-Employed)

Strategic Communications Consultant, 2004 – Present

• Senior communication advisory to Adam Andrzejewski’s Gubernatorial Campaign Committee; wrote speeches and press releases, managed the campaign’s integrated communication program.
• Senior communication consultant to a suburban Chicago public health department serving 750,000 people; planned, wrote, and managed the 2009 H1N1 crisis communication strategy.
• Managed domestic and international press for the Chicago visit of former Polish President Lech Walesa; worked with senior advisors and staff to fulfill interviews requests, the keynote speech, and public appearances.
• Managed a suburban Chicago initiative by the United States Chamber of Commerce in support of medical malpractice reform in Illinois.
• Developed, negotiated and administered $1.5-million TV/radio budget for Congresswoman Judy Biggert’s Campaign Committee.

Argonne Credit Union

Board Secretary, 2006 – Present
Board of Directors, 2005 – Present

• Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee; developed a 5-year strategic plan to provide competitive advantage to a $250-million credit union; currently supervising a post-merger name change.
• Finance Committee member; examined economic data, trend information, and budgetary information to reduce net operating expenses to 3% of average assets over 6 months with no reduction in workforce.
• CEO Compensation Committee member; researched, negotiated, and achieved approval of a revenue-neutral Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for the CEO and 3 Executive Vice Presidents.

State of Illinois

Board of Credit Union Advisors, 2010 – Present

• Appointed by Illinois Governor Quinn to a 7-member advisory board that makes recommendations on rules and policies related to credit unions.
  • Application, Oath, Appointment, Ethics Certification
  • Statement of Economic Interest: 2009

Office of the State’s Attorney

Public Information Officer, 2003-2004

• Developed and administered an internal communication’s policy used by 60 prosecutors; “Best Practice” by the Illinois Office of the Appellate Prosecutor (OAP).
• Senior communication policy advisor for Illinois’ 3^rd largest prosecuting office; wrote policy speeches and multi-media presentations, and media coach to the senior staff.
• Primary press point-of-contact for national and local news media; developed key messages and distilled complex legal information into easily understood messages; managed 25 press conferences.
• Government affairs experience; compiled and wrote state-level legislative agenda; team member that won a $200,000 federal domestic violence grant; organized 50 lectures for the general public and elected government leaders; NGO representative.

CLTV (Tribune Company)

Senior Promotion Writer/Producer, 2001-2003
Producer/Director, 1999-2001

• Lead project manager for the marketing department of a 24 Hour cable news channel in Chicago; television producer and director; managed the work flow for a staff of 7.
• Led branding initiatives designed for both internal and external customers; produced 2 Emmy Award-winning branding campaigns.
• Managed synergy business initiatives with external business partners such as Walt Disney Company, Ty Beanie Babies, Southwest Airlines, Tiffany, and the Chicago Cubs.
• Senior Producer for a major brand re-design; received the 2000 Emmy Award for Scenic Design; 2000 Emmy Award Nominee for Writing.

WTOC-TV (Raycom Media)

Marketing Manager, 1998-1999

• Planned and administered marketing communications strategy to boost audience for under-performing programs; increased audience 15%, $20,000 additional revenue.
• Conceptualized, produced, and implemented a new weather brand for a successful CBS affiliate; wrote marketing plan, advertising, and style guide; worked with other department managers to successfully incorporate the new brand.

WVTM-TV (NBC Universal)

Senior Promotion Producer, 1996-1998
Promotion Producer, 1994-1996

• Led collaborative team branding project at an NBC-owned TV station; received 1998 Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in (Brand Image) Announcements.

Additional Work Experience Available

Education

Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

Bachelor of Art in Business and Economics, cum laude
Minor in International Business

• Alpha Beta Gamma Honors Society
• Sigma Beta Gamma Honors Society
• Kappa Gamma Pi Honors Society

Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL

Associate in Applied Science, Industrial Electronic Technology

Language Skills

• English (Native Speaker)
• Spanish (Intermediate)
• Mandarin Chinese (Beginner)

Contact Brian McDaniel.