Speech Writer/Communications Specialist

CHRISTOPHER ATWELL

*** ******** ****** • Brooklyn, New York 11225

718-***-**** • ***********@***.***

EXECUTIVE SPEECHWRITER • DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Established creative professional with 12+ years’ experience providing high-quality writing & communication services to executives, nationally recognized organizations, and public figures. Specialist in authoring critical speeches for top leaders and international organizations and producing integral scripts for keynote speakers at high-profile events. Corporate experience includes 5 years as a Senior Writer for the CEO of a major non-profit enterprise. Diverse background in grant, promotional, report, and website writing. Areas of expertise include:

Executive Speechwriting • Web Page Development • Grant Writing • Event Scriptwriting

Promotional Writing • Project Planning • Media Relations • Windows 2000 & Vista • Microsoft Office

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CHRIS ATWELL COMMUNICATIONS, Brooklyn, New York • 2001-Present

Self-owned and operated firm providing writing services including speeches, scripts, annual reports, grant proposals, and promotional copy for national corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals. Annual revenue, $100K.

Owner/Sole Proprietor

Conduct research for speeches, consulting with clients to ensure content and fulfill goals. Provide expert assistance for organization web pages and annual reports, translating raw data into a readable and organized narrative. Partner with executives, management, and technical staff to collect required information for projects. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a firm commitment to meeting all deadlines.

Major Contributions:

• Created all text for Senior Site, a revolutionary and comprehensive website run by the American Foundation for the Blind, designed for older people with limited vision and their families. Site was launched in 2007.

• Site serves as a vital pathway to the elderly, providing access to information and local services, as well as an online support community.

• Recognized as an excellent resource for the media and for professionals in the vision loss field.

• Produced a 10-page, illustrated “case statement” for the American Foundation for the Blind, used as the foundation of a $90M fundraising campaign. Effort has raised $16 million as of July 2008.

• Authored all speeches since 2001 for Earl G. Graves, Sr., founder and chair of Black Enterprise Magazine and recognized as the country’s foremost authority on African-American entrepreneurship.

• Provided speeches for 10-15 major corporate events each year, as well as university commencement exercises, conferences, and fundraisers for diverse charities.

• Played key role in crafting Mr. Graves’ public image and advancing the marketplace value of the magazine (3.9M readership) and of Black Enterprise’s ancillary products, including a website, 2 syndicated public affairs programs, and multiple conferences and events.

CHRISTOPHER ATWELL • Page 2 • ***********@***.***

Key Client Contributions, continued…

• Earned and boosted solid reputation as a conscientious and effective events writer, providing scripts for conferences, seminars, awards ceremonies, corporate dinners, and press conferences.

• Scripted the United Nations’ launch of NetAid's World Schoolhouse (2002), which has raised $1.85M and benefited 112K+ students in 20 developing countries.

• Delivered successful scripts for high-profile clients including Planned Parenthood Federation of America, The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Safe Horizons (organization for battered women), and City Harvest.

• Served as sole writer for historic “Brown at 50” gala in Washington D.C., which honored the architects of the landmark Brown vs. the Board of Education Supreme Court ruling.

• Authored material for participants including Senator Edward Kennedy, former HUD director Jack Kemp, NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, and hosts Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

PLANED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA, New York, New York • 1996-2001

Nation’s leading women’s health care provider, educator, and advocate, serving women, men, teens, and families. Annual revenue, $21.4M.

Senior Writer

Created all speeches for Planned Parenthood president Gloria Feldt, from her inception as a newly installed executive entrusted with restoring the organization’s fiscal stability, media visibility, and internal morale following a troubled period. Charged with providing Ms. Feldt with a confident voice to quickly establish her as a strong, inspiring, and visionary leader. Supervised a junior writer handling internal communication duties for the Office of the President, with accountability for material.

Major Contributions:

• Authored multiple speeches to support new CEO’s high-pressure entry into new position – fast-paced schedule included visits to Planned Parenthood’s 100+ affiliates, as well as speeches for rotary clubs, women’s groups, college campuses, and the National Press Club.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Studies

State University at Cortland, Cortland, New York

Adult Education Courses in Public Relations, Screenwriting, and Speech Presentation

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