Expertise

• Issues/crisis management
• Strategic communications counsel
• Internal/external corporate communications
• Strategic branding campaigns and brand equity management
• Franchise system communications
• Speechwriting
• Writing/editing

Industries/Organizations Served

• Lodging and foodservice
• Travel and tourism
• State and city governments
• Franchise systems
• Retail

Prior Professional Experience

• Reporter, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Grand Rapids, MI
• Adjunct Faculty, Colorado Mountain College, Rifle, CO; Lamson Business College, Tempe, AZ
• President/Owner, Communications a la Carte, Inc., Phoenix, AZ
• Tax Information Supervisor, Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver, CO
• Vice President, Public Relations, Ramada Inns, Inc., Phoenix, AZ
• Managing Editor, The Arizona Horseman magazine
• Weekly Column, The Arizona Republic

Professional Affiliations

• Public Relations Society of America and the West Michigan Chapter, PRSA

Awards

• Investigative reporting award given by Association of Area Business Publications for series on electric power deregulation
• Public relations awards from: American Hotel & Motel Association, Hotel Sales/Marketing Association International, International Franchise Association

Education

• Michigan State University, E. Lansing, Bachelor of Arts in English

What do you consider to be your greatest PR or business accomplishment?
I designed a formal communication process within the Colorado Department of Revenue to improve the accuracy and consistency of the answers to the most difficult -- and sometimes controversial -- tax law questions from taxpayers.

What do you see as your primary area of expertise?
Writing clearly about complex subjects.

What do you love most about S&A?
We work in fluid teams of talent and expertise that change constantly. This keeps a fresh edge on all of the work we do and gives each practitioner exciting opportunities, new challenges and deeper perspectives.

What is the expression you use most often at work?
What is the audience and purpose?

Who is your most admired leader and why?
Mohandas K. Gandhi. His personal sacrifices, egalitarian ideals and nonviolent approach changed the course of India's history and inspired great leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is the company you most admire and why?
My accolades go to the entrepreneurs whose small businesses make up more than 99 percent of all U.S. business and provide the foundation of the economy.

How do you define success?
When my work has earned the respect of peers and left enough time and energy to share with others.

What is your general philosophy on life and work?
Today's decisions should balance living for today and planning for tomorrow without leaving behind any regrets.

What are your favorite sports or recreational activities?
Golf, golf and golf.

What is your favorite movie?
Good Morning, Vietnam

What is your favorite food?
Homemade bread still warm from the oven.

What is your greatest vice?
Telling it like it is.

What is an interesting "factoid" about yourself?
I have lived and worked in five states.