A Bit More About Me

While I’ve traveled globally, working with people of many cultures, I’m firmly grounded in the values that defined my working-class upbringing in Minnesota and Michigan. Other than living in Europe during my corporate career, I’ve spent my life in four Midwestern states, and I strive to embody the work ethic, plain speaking and cordiality the Midwest is known for.  

I’m active on several non-profit boards, including the U.S. Army War College Foundation and I recently became a mentor for the Green Bay Packer program to match mentors with small business owners who are looking for business advice. I’m also active with PBS Wisconsin and try to spend early mornings working out at the YMCA.   

Business Background

After graduating from a liberal arts college in Michigan, I spent five years as a reporter and editor with a daily newspaper, where I learned how to develop rapport, gather facts and to write a clear, accurate story on strict deadline.

A master’s degree in business led me to my corporate career with a Fortune 200 manufacturing company where I held leadership positions in sales & marketing, finance and corporate communications. I reached the C-Suite level and counseled senior management on communications, for both day-to-day issues and major crises. I was then recruited as vice president of public affairs for an elite Midwestern university, where I gained insight into the world of not-for-profit organizations.

I now have my own communications consulting company, facilitating peer networks of corporate communications executives around the world.  I regularly present to that professional audience live and through electronic media.