I have 15 years of marketing, communications, and management experience in the government, education, non-profit, and for-profit sectors.
While serving in a variety of positions, a common theme has been communications including the processes, systems, and technologies underlying them.
At the moment I’m enamored by API’s, open-source, taxonomy, structured data, information architecture; and I’m excited about building a new enterprise Web site.
I’ve developed databases, led CRM platform transitions, audited systems, and refined and revised these systems to maximize efficiency and value.
On customer facing communications, I’ve led branding and re-branding initiatives, developed and revised Web sites, managed media relations, and developed promotional campaigns to prospects, members, and customers for events, membership, and products.
“I worked with Ross at both the HMC and the HCMA, in his roles as Manager and Associate Director of these non-profit organizations. The Board relied on Ross to oversee all day-to-day operations, interact/support the committees and ensure timely/relevant communications were distributed to our members and prospects. Ross is very good at keeping a lot of balls in the air simultaneously and managing complex projects with many different parts.” Jay Bolling, President, Roska Healthcare & Former President, HCMA
In 2010, I applied these skills to a local auto dealership by auditing a recently installed CRM product. I worked with the vendor to correct issues, many previously unknown, and then revised the Web site and implemented best practice lead management techniques.
The result was an increase in web traffic, prospects, and leads for four consecutive months. In late July Chevrolet conducted a Lead Engagement review of every dealership in the country. This was a ‘secret shopper’ program and on a 200 point score, with a national average of 70, my process resulted in a score of 186.
Throughout my career I’ve had to define new management positions, launch, merge, and dissolve organizations, launch new brands, and change management models. I’ve also addressed crisis management.
“Ross unselfishly shared his business and marketing savvy to solve arising issues and teach others how to utilize marketing tools and techniques. Truly a great boss to work for and study under.” Shelby Truxon, Membership Marketing, Talley Management Group, Inc. & Founder, Dream Factory Marketing.
A special interest in technology led to my founding www.newsovercoffee.com in 2006, which I ended on 12/31/2011. Since its launch, the site has been hailed by both daily print publications serving the Lehigh Valley and Muhlenberg College’s, Asst. Prof. of Media and Communication, Jeff Pooley said, “He is truly a pioneer of the Valley’s blogging and online news world, and extremely knowledgeable about a range of new media applications.”
Coupled with my new media experience I’ve provided play-by-play and color commentary on local radio and television, was a columnist for a weekly community publication, a newsletter advisor and editor, and I interned as an Editorial Assistant at Al-Majal, published by the now defunct USIA.
Glenn Hoffman, Associate Director of Athletics, Lehigh University wrote regarding my play-by-play and color commentary of Lehigh Wrestling, “I’d love to have you continue to do our matches. The response has been excellent.”
Between professional positions, I stayed active by helping then 17 year-old, open-wheel race car driver Corey Lewis. What began as providing some assistance to help market himself, turned into a quest for sponsorship dollars in a very difficult economic environment. Despite the challenge, the effort has led to press coverage and the opportunity for him to compete in a formula Mazda pro race. In his first race in this class, at a new track, and with a new team, Corey won the race. His impressive runs throughout practice and the race led to his being considered one of the top five up and coming drivers in America. He continues to seek sponsorship while attending college and serving as a driving instructor at the prestigious Monticello Motor Club.
During that time I was asked to help manage a new Center for the Arts in Nazareth, PA. The new organization had completed renovations, scheduled a grand-opening in mid December, but had nothing beyond that. I stepped in and created a web site for the group complete with a calendar of events and online box office to purchase tickets, and did so at no cost to the organization. I also began booking performers, organizing volunteers, and marketing the organization and its events. While the organization continues to build and grow in its first year, it has presented art work and shows for all ages in addition to several fundraisers including a benefit concert at the Borough Park which drew over 400 people with no paid advertising. The Center is fast becoming the anchor building in the downtown that the group had envisioned.
