Hon. Brian Berger, CAE
PO Box ****
Wilmington, NC 28406
acn1rv@r.postjobfree.com
PROFILE: A senior manager with more than 15 years of experience in
association, corporate, non-profit and start-up settings. Proven
leadership, communication, strategic planning, problem-solving and
project management skills utilized to enhance growth,
profitability, and improve programs & policy, including:
Marketing /Brand Management Communications / Journalism
Campaigns Government Relations
Grassroots Advocacy & Public Event Planning / Business
Policy Development
Public Relations & Industry
Affairs
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Marketing & Public Relations Consultant, Wilmington, NC & Exton, PA,
January 2010- present
. Provided marketing, communications & public relations, and advocacy
strategic plans and services to large & small companies in several
industries, non-profit organizations, political coalitions and
candidates. Created marketing and communications programs and
collateral materials, directed media planning and advertising
campaigns, prepared speeches and presentations for elected officials
and business leaders, conducted market research including focus groups
and survey formulation, and tracked trends, emerging opportunities &
challenges.
Steel Framing Alliance, a Division of American Iron and Steel Institute,
Washington, D.C. & Wilmington N.C. (remote), May 2007- January 2010
Manager, CFS Engineers Institute (CFSEI)
. Led industry trade association and market development organization
through a period of unprecedented program expansion and revenue growth,
with responsibility for day-to-day operations and programs including
successful marketing, public relations and communications plans and
strategies;
. Cultivated organization vision and achieved buy-in for key strategies
among diverse stakeholders including Board of Directors, members,
investors and industry partners;
. Initiated and directed membership and chapter growth efforts, and
originated new programs and events, that consistently exceeded
organization goals;
. Responsible for financial management, budgeting, identifying and
implementing multiple new and successful revenue streams, and creating
organizational efficiencies;
. Managed industry committees, volunteer recruitment, member relations
and communications, educational programming, and industry outreach
efforts, including formation of new Regional Chapters and industry
partnerships;
. Launched a new nationally-recognized "Award for Innovation" program
earning coverage in Top 25 national media and securing substantial
positive media from outreach and public relations campaigns;
. Implemented operational procedures and governance policies,
recommending to the Board of Directors improvements and solutions to
challenges, and served as primary representative of the organization to
media, industry and target audiences;
. Spearheaded all aspects of Annual Conference & EXPO and other events,
including content development, sponsorships and promotion, and
contracting & logistics, generating increased revenues and attendance
growth despite industry contraction and severe economic conditions.
Landmark Communications, Inc., Jacksonville, NC, August 2004-March 2006
Newspaper Editor and Reporter
. Award-winning photojournalist, graphic designer and photographer for
60,000-circulation weekly publication serving local community and the
U.S. military at home and abroad;
. Supervised weekly columnists and freelance
reporters.
The Adhesive & Sealant Council, Inc., Bethesda, MD, December 2003-July 2004
Manager, Marketing & Member Services
. Marketed adhesives to market segments in the U.S.
and internationally;
. Directed marketing and media relations programs,
strategies and budgets;
. Created all marketing and public relations
materials, member newsletter, advertisements,
and other printed and electronic media
communications;
. Developed and managed Web site content and
programs;
. Managed industry relations, market research and surveys, and member
recruitment;
. Launched new revenue streams and negotiated business-to-business sales;
. Served as program manager for collaborative seminars, educational
programming and industry events - generating increased profits &
reduced expenses.
National Retail Federation, Washington, DC, July 2001-December 2003
Manager of Communications
. Created marketing and advocacy materials, originated themes and ideas
for public relations and marketing campaigns, Web site content, and
annual reports, newsletters, executive speeches, articles,
opinion/editorial columns, press releases, fundraising documents, and
other promotional and informational publications utilizing latest
technologies;
. Consulted marketing, government relations,
Foundation and Membership Departments to
implement organization's communication
and development strategies with media and public.
Williams & Jensen, P.C., Washington, DC, February 1999-July 2001
Legislative Analyst
. Developed political analysis and issue briefings for major global
telecommunications,
transportation, healthcare and consumer product corporations and
trade associations;
. Analyzed and monitored healthcare, transportation, technology,
electronic commerce, privacy, environmental, energy and international
trade legislation and regulations;
. Negotiated meetings with client representatives and Congressional
Members and
staff, and explained ramifications of proposed legislation;
. Advised clients on Congressional hearings and Federal regulatory
meetings;
. Identified alliance opportunities and crafted correspondence to
Congressional Members and
staff, industry groups, and public interest organizations.
Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., Washington, DC, August 1998-February 1999
Public Relations, Healthcare Practice
. Generated earned media coverage for clients including positive coverage
in major market newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs,
community media & trade publications;
. Drafted press releases, media advisories and public service
announcements (PSAs);
. Researched public policy issues, speaking opportunities and potential
alliances;
. Participated in brainstorming meetings to develop strategies and
objectives for public relations and social marketing campaigns.
EDUCATION & LICENSES:
Bachelor of Arts, Government, Hamilton College, (NY)
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program, East Carolina
University, (NC)
Local Elected Leaders Academy (University of North Carolina, School of
Government)
Certified Association Executive (American Society of Association
Executives)
Master State & Local Government Innovator (MSLGI)
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & PUBLIC LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners (Elected 2010)
National Association of Counties (Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering
Committee)
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Legislative Delegate
(Taxation & Finance, Health & Human Services, Justice and Public Safety,
and Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committees)
Smart Start of New Hanover County, Board of Directors
American Society of Association Executives
National Association of Manufacturers, Association Peer Group
Public Relations Society of America
American Marketing Association, Triangle Chapter
Chairman, New Hanover County Scattered Site Housing Committee
New Hanover County Department of Social Services, Board of Directors
Wilmington Downtown, Inc., Board of Directors, Executive Committee
Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Transportation
Advisory Committee Representative
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Board of Directors (Public Relations
Committee; Long Range Planning Committee)
Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, United Way (Cape Fear) Executive Board
Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Member
Cape Fear Community College, Board of Trustees
Legion Sports Complex Commission Board Member
WEB SITE & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT:
www.cfsei.org
www.nrf.org
www.ascouncil.org
www.steelframing.org
Also: More than a dozen political, business, project-based & outreach
campaign Web sites (1999-2012)
PERSONAL INTERESTS:
Photography, Travel, Volunteer Fire Rescue & EMT Provider, Humor Writing,
Outdoor Sports and Recreation, Special Olympics Volunteer, Canine Shelter
Home Fostering Program, Mental Health & Disability Non-Discrimination
Advocacy