2019 Conference Speakers!
Bob DiBiasio, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Cleveland Indians
"First Pitch" Keynote
Bob DiBiasio is in his 40th season with the Cleveland Indians and his 41st in Major League Baseball in 2019. He started w/the Tribe in 1979 as Assistant PR Director, was named PR Director in 1980; and Vice President of PR in 1988. The Lakewood, Ohio, native was promoted to his current position in 2011. His lone season away from the Tribe was 1987 when he served as PR Chief for the Atlanta Braves.
DiBiasio serves as President of Cleveland Indians Charities. He is an honorary member of the Executive Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland—serves on the Athletic Advisory Board of Notre Dame College (Ohio); is a member of the Board of Directors of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation and the Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park.
DiBiasio is the host of the popular “Indians Alumni Roundtable Show” on STO, as well as “Tribe Tales” – a where-are-they-now segment that airs pre-game every Sunday on the Indians Radio Network. He was the 1999 recipient of the prestigious Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence in Major League Baseball. He was inducted into the Lakewood High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1986, DiBiasio was named the Public Relations Director to Sports Illustrated’s Dream Team.
"First Pitch" Keynote
Bob DiBiasio is in his 40th season with the Cleveland Indians and his 41st in Major League Baseball in 2019. He started w/the Tribe in 1979 as Assistant PR Director, was named PR Director in 1980; and Vice President of PR in 1988. The Lakewood, Ohio, native was promoted to his current position in 2011. His lone season away from the Tribe was 1987 when he served as PR Chief for the Atlanta Braves.
DiBiasio serves as President of Cleveland Indians Charities. He is an honorary member of the Executive Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland—serves on the Athletic Advisory Board of Notre Dame College (Ohio); is a member of the Board of Directors of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation and the Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park.
DiBiasio is the host of the popular “Indians Alumni Roundtable Show” on STO, as well as “Tribe Tales” – a where-are-they-now segment that airs pre-game every Sunday on the Indians Radio Network. He was the 1999 recipient of the prestigious Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence in Major League Baseball. He was inducted into the Lakewood High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1986, DiBiasio was named the Public Relations Director to Sports Illustrated’s Dream Team.
Amanda Todorovich, Senior Director, Content & Creative Services, Cleveland Clinic
Twitter: @amandatodo
Amanda Todorovich manages a team of writers, designers, digital engagement strategists and project managers to serve enterprise content needs both on- and off-line. Her team is responsible for the #1 most-visited hospital blog in the country, Health Essentials (health.clevelandclinic.org).
Amanda joined Cleveland Clinic in February 2013, after serving for four years as chief content officer and co-founder of MedCity News, one of the fastest growing online publishers in the healthcare and life sciences industry.
With more than 15 years of storytelling experience, Amanda is passionate about finding innovative ways to leverage every piece of content her team produces.
She was chosen as a 2015 Direct Marketing News 40 Under 40, named the 2016 Content Marketer of the Year by the Content Marketing Institute, and honored as a 2017 Boldest Healthcare Brand Marketer finalist.
Twitter: @amandatodo
Amanda Todorovich manages a team of writers, designers, digital engagement strategists and project managers to serve enterprise content needs both on- and off-line. Her team is responsible for the #1 most-visited hospital blog in the country, Health Essentials (health.clevelandclinic.org).
Amanda joined Cleveland Clinic in February 2013, after serving for four years as chief content officer and co-founder of MedCity News, one of the fastest growing online publishers in the healthcare and life sciences industry.
With more than 15 years of storytelling experience, Amanda is passionate about finding innovative ways to leverage every piece of content her team produces.
She was chosen as a 2015 Direct Marketing News 40 Under 40, named the 2016 Content Marketer of the Year by the Content Marketing Institute, and honored as a 2017 Boldest Healthcare Brand Marketer finalist.
Karen Bailey, Founder, Purpose Greater Than Profit
Twitter: @klbailey
Karen Bailey is a brand purpose consultant and blogger. She helps companies define their purpose and use purpose to build authenticity, increase brand engagement and guide critical decision-making. Karen is the owner of Karen Bailey Communications and founder of the blog, Purpose Greater Than Profit. She started blogging in 2017 and writes about the importance of establishing brand purpose as a driver for growth and the momentum behind purposeful leadership.
Karen has more than 15 years of corporate and agency pubic relations and marketing experience and is a past president of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Twitter: @klbailey
Karen Bailey is a brand purpose consultant and blogger. She helps companies define their purpose and use purpose to build authenticity, increase brand engagement and guide critical decision-making. Karen is the owner of Karen Bailey Communications and founder of the blog, Purpose Greater Than Profit. She started blogging in 2017 and writes about the importance of establishing brand purpose as a driver for growth and the momentum behind purposeful leadership.
Karen has more than 15 years of corporate and agency pubic relations and marketing experience and is a past president of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Heidi Baumgart, Proprietor at Anchor and Scale
Twitter: @HeidiBaumgart
LinkedIn: /heidibaumgart/
Heidi Baumgart is an exuberant, business-minded creative strategist based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She is a seasoned MarCom professional with experience as an entrepreneur, agency account executive, and client-side marketing director. She has proven success as a builder of brands, teams, culture and community. Heidi is a Kent State alum, and graduated with Honors from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She wrote the manual of how to advertise on campus at Kent State University when Facebook was still charging by day part.
Since then, she has over ten years’ experience developing annual marketing plans and quarterly content marketing strategies for manufacturers, distributors and service providers. She built a highly functioning in-house marketing agency for an organic mattress manufacturer. At Naturepedic, she engineered sophisticated digital marketing strategies partnering with national influencers such as Jessica Alba and Adrian Grenier - with zero budget. Currently, as Senior Marketing Director at Event Source & Panache Events, Heidi strategizes content marketing to speed the ROI of new products, increase leads, and enable a sales team of 30+ spread across eight metros and four states.
Heidi is a member of the Forbes Communication Council, a volunteer and sustaining member of NPR - 89.7 WKSU, and a board member of the Northeast Ohio chapter of Conscious Capitalism. Her other passions include mentoring students at her alma mater Kent State, being involved with her community, and hosting Napa Valley wine tastings.
Twitter: @HeidiBaumgart
LinkedIn: /heidibaumgart/
Heidi Baumgart is an exuberant, business-minded creative strategist based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She is a seasoned MarCom professional with experience as an entrepreneur, agency account executive, and client-side marketing director. She has proven success as a builder of brands, teams, culture and community. Heidi is a Kent State alum, and graduated with Honors from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She wrote the manual of how to advertise on campus at Kent State University when Facebook was still charging by day part.
Since then, she has over ten years’ experience developing annual marketing plans and quarterly content marketing strategies for manufacturers, distributors and service providers. She built a highly functioning in-house marketing agency for an organic mattress manufacturer. At Naturepedic, she engineered sophisticated digital marketing strategies partnering with national influencers such as Jessica Alba and Adrian Grenier - with zero budget. Currently, as Senior Marketing Director at Event Source & Panache Events, Heidi strategizes content marketing to speed the ROI of new products, increase leads, and enable a sales team of 30+ spread across eight metros and four states.
Heidi is a member of the Forbes Communication Council, a volunteer and sustaining member of NPR - 89.7 WKSU, and a board member of the Northeast Ohio chapter of Conscious Capitalism. Her other passions include mentoring students at her alma mater Kent State, being involved with her community, and hosting Napa Valley wine tastings.
Andrew Christopher, Senior Account Executive, PR/Social Media, Marcus Thomas, LLC
LinkedIn: /andrewchristopher2/
Andrew is a digital marketing professional with expertise in influencer marketing, social media strategy, content development and project management. At Marcus Thomas LLC, he manages Behr Paint and has worked on everything from Troy-Bilt and GE Silicones, to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and the NCAA. Andrew is a two-time graduate of Kent State, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Advertising in 2013 and his Master of Arts in Public Relations in 2015.
LinkedIn: /andrewchristopher2/
Andrew is a digital marketing professional with expertise in influencer marketing, social media strategy, content development and project management. At Marcus Thomas LLC, he manages Behr Paint and has worked on everything from Troy-Bilt and GE Silicones, to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and the NCAA. Andrew is a two-time graduate of Kent State, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Advertising in 2013 and his Master of Arts in Public Relations in 2015.
Michele Ewing, APR, Fellow PRSA, Associate Professor, Kent State University
Twitter: @meewing
Michele Ewing has more than 25 years of experience in agency and corporate public relations and public relations education. She works to advance public relations through education, practice, research and service. Her research focuses on pedagogy and practice of public relations with an emphasis on internal communication, digital communication and leadership development. This research has been published in professional and referred publications and presented at national and international conferences. She serves on the PRSA Board of Ethics & Professional Standards and has worked with two national boards focused on elevating public relations education. Her teaching and research are informed through working six years at two hospitals and 12 years at an integrated communications agency, as well as serving as a public relations consultant. Both her work and students’ work have been recognized with numerous national accolades. In 2014, Ewing was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows. She was honored with the Greater Cleveland PRSA Chapter’s 2014 Davis Young Award for achievement in mentoring. As faculty adviser for the Kent State Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, she was recognized in 2006 and 2017 with a national Teahan award for Outstanding Faculty Adviser. Working with her colleagues, she has earned PRSA Silver Anvil and Bronze Anvil, and regional awards for client work.
Twitter: @meewing
Michele Ewing has more than 25 years of experience in agency and corporate public relations and public relations education. She works to advance public relations through education, practice, research and service. Her research focuses on pedagogy and practice of public relations with an emphasis on internal communication, digital communication and leadership development. This research has been published in professional and referred publications and presented at national and international conferences. She serves on the PRSA Board of Ethics & Professional Standards and has worked with two national boards focused on elevating public relations education. Her teaching and research are informed through working six years at two hospitals and 12 years at an integrated communications agency, as well as serving as a public relations consultant. Both her work and students’ work have been recognized with numerous national accolades. In 2014, Ewing was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows. She was honored with the Greater Cleveland PRSA Chapter’s 2014 Davis Young Award for achievement in mentoring. As faculty adviser for the Kent State Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, she was recognized in 2006 and 2017 with a national Teahan award for Outstanding Faculty Adviser. Working with her colleagues, she has earned PRSA Silver Anvil and Bronze Anvil, and regional awards for client work.
Cheryl Ann Lambert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Kent State University
Twitter: @PRProfLamb, @PRDepiction
Cheryl Ann Lambert is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University. Her primary research focus is representations of public relations in contemporary and historical contexts—studying how public relations is portrayed in media, in popular culture, and in publicity campaigns. Her secondary area is health discourse. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Lambert’s research is informed by seven years in corporate public relations at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and five years at Chilton Publishing Company. She has twice been awarded the Page and Johnson Legacy Scholar grant, research funding from the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communications. The grant is widely considered to be the most prestigious in the public relations discipline. Dr. Lambert has published more than a dozen articles in peer-reviewed journals and seven book chapters. She regularly presents peer-reviewed research at national and international conferences, with published proceedings. As part of her creative scholarship, she manages PRDepiction, the only blog solely dedicated to depictions of public relations in media and popular culture.
Twitter: @PRProfLamb, @PRDepiction
Cheryl Ann Lambert is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University. Her primary research focus is representations of public relations in contemporary and historical contexts—studying how public relations is portrayed in media, in popular culture, and in publicity campaigns. Her secondary area is health discourse. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Lambert’s research is informed by seven years in corporate public relations at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and five years at Chilton Publishing Company. She has twice been awarded the Page and Johnson Legacy Scholar grant, research funding from the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communications. The grant is widely considered to be the most prestigious in the public relations discipline. Dr. Lambert has published more than a dozen articles in peer-reviewed journals and seven book chapters. She regularly presents peer-reviewed research at national and international conferences, with published proceedings. As part of her creative scholarship, she manages PRDepiction, the only blog solely dedicated to depictions of public relations in media and popular culture.
John Palmer, Director, Media & Public Relations, Ohio Hospital Association
Twitter: @JOHNWPalmer
John Palmer, APR, is director of Media and Public Relations for the Ohio Hospital Association serving as the primary media spokesperson and leading initiatives to advance the reputation and identity of hospitals to key constituencies. Throughout John’s 15 years as a public relations professional his responsibilities have encompassed internal communication, media relations, event management, public affairs, crisis communication, social media and marketing. Prior to OHA he previously worked for Ohio Dominican University (Columbus) and the Central Ohio Transit Authority. John is also an adjunct instructor at Capital University and Ohio Dominican University teaching classes in media relations, public speaking and public relations. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and is active with the Central Ohio Chapter. John is Treasurer for the PRSA East Central District. He is a member of the Central Ohio Public Information Network and currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors. John earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Capital University and a master’s degree in organizational communication from Ohio University. He earned his APR in 2017.
Twitter: @JOHNWPalmer
John Palmer, APR, is director of Media and Public Relations for the Ohio Hospital Association serving as the primary media spokesperson and leading initiatives to advance the reputation and identity of hospitals to key constituencies. Throughout John’s 15 years as a public relations professional his responsibilities have encompassed internal communication, media relations, event management, public affairs, crisis communication, social media and marketing. Prior to OHA he previously worked for Ohio Dominican University (Columbus) and the Central Ohio Transit Authority. John is also an adjunct instructor at Capital University and Ohio Dominican University teaching classes in media relations, public speaking and public relations. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and is active with the Central Ohio Chapter. John is Treasurer for the PRSA East Central District. He is a member of the Central Ohio Public Information Network and currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors. John earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Capital University and a master’s degree in organizational communication from Ohio University. He earned his APR in 2017.
Joy Smith, Assistant Account Executive, PR/Social Media, Marcus Thomas, LLC
Twitter: @joymarietweets
Joy works at Marcus Thomas LLC as a PR/Social Assistant Account Executive. She has helped plan, manage and execute digital campaigns ranging from influencer promotions to content marketing. Her passion lies in cultural-competent communication and diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry. Joy graduated from Cleveland State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Promotional Communication.
Twitter: @joymarietweets
Joy works at Marcus Thomas LLC as a PR/Social Assistant Account Executive. She has helped plan, manage and execute digital campaigns ranging from influencer promotions to content marketing. Her passion lies in cultural-competent communication and diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry. Joy graduated from Cleveland State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Promotional Communication.
Katie Staats, Digital Marketing Manager, Tremco
LinkedIn: /katiestaats/
Katie Staats is a driven marketing professional with over 8 years experience in digital, social media, website, email and international marketing. Currently, Katie works at Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing in Beachwood, Ohio, as a Digital Marketing Manager where she manages the overall digital strategy for the company. Her team consists of a Video Producer, Lead Generation Specialist, Digital Marketing Specialist and Web Developer. She enjoys using digital strategy to drive brand awareness, lead generation, campaign development and align digital efforts to traditional marketing. Katie’s responsibilities also consist of working with Tremco’s international divisions in Australia, India and Asia to manage digital strategy. Just recently Katie has implemented Hubspot, the marketing automation platform in order to bridge the lead generation gap between sales and marketing. Katie resides in Willoughby, Ohio, and is a huge Cleveland sports fan and loves to run, play with her dog Demi and travel.
LinkedIn: /katiestaats/
Katie Staats is a driven marketing professional with over 8 years experience in digital, social media, website, email and international marketing. Currently, Katie works at Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing in Beachwood, Ohio, as a Digital Marketing Manager where she manages the overall digital strategy for the company. Her team consists of a Video Producer, Lead Generation Specialist, Digital Marketing Specialist and Web Developer. She enjoys using digital strategy to drive brand awareness, lead generation, campaign development and align digital efforts to traditional marketing. Katie’s responsibilities also consist of working with Tremco’s international divisions in Australia, India and Asia to manage digital strategy. Just recently Katie has implemented Hubspot, the marketing automation platform in order to bridge the lead generation gap between sales and marketing. Katie resides in Willoughby, Ohio, and is a huge Cleveland sports fan and loves to run, play with her dog Demi and travel.
Sean D. Williams, Vice President and Practice Lead, Employee Engagement and Internal Communications, True Digital Communications
Twitter: @CommAMMO
Sean Williams focuses on research-based, strategic counsel and execution, and much of his current work centers on the integrated communication planning process, and manager training, through the Face2Face Communication Learning Program. Previously, he was owner of Communication AMMO, Inc.
Earlier in his career, Williams was senior consultant for Joe Williams Communications, and he was vice president of Corporate Communications for National City Corporation, leading public relations measurement and evaluation and internal communication during the height of the financial crisis. He was manager of Editorial Services for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and at KeyCorp, he began on the teller line and graduated from the management associate training program, eventually serving as a branch manager and loan officer before moving into the communication functions.
Williams received his Master of Arts in Journalism/Mass Communication from Kent State University, and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington. He is a member of the Institute for Public Relations’ Commission on Measurement and Evaluation, and has published three research papers analyzing the PR measurement program of a major financial company, internal communications and social media.
Twitter: @CommAMMO
Sean Williams focuses on research-based, strategic counsel and execution, and much of his current work centers on the integrated communication planning process, and manager training, through the Face2Face Communication Learning Program. Previously, he was owner of Communication AMMO, Inc.
Earlier in his career, Williams was senior consultant for Joe Williams Communications, and he was vice president of Corporate Communications for National City Corporation, leading public relations measurement and evaluation and internal communication during the height of the financial crisis. He was manager of Editorial Services for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and at KeyCorp, he began on the teller line and graduated from the management associate training program, eventually serving as a branch manager and loan officer before moving into the communication functions.
Williams received his Master of Arts in Journalism/Mass Communication from Kent State University, and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington. He is a member of the Institute for Public Relations’ Commission on Measurement and Evaluation, and has published three research papers analyzing the PR measurement program of a major financial company, internal communications and social media.
Amber R. Zent, APR, Partner/VP, Director of Social Media, Marcus Thomas, LLC
Twitter: @amberzent
With more than 17 years of public relations and social marketing experience, Amber currently manages a team of social strategists, content creators and community managers to engage audiences via social programming, content and influencer activations. In her role, she ensures brands, including those in the home and garden and CPG spaces, are deriving measurable value from social marketing initiatives. During her career, Amber has also developed specialized expertise in brand strategy, media relations, and crisis and issues management in both traditional and social arenas.
Twitter: @amberzent
With more than 17 years of public relations and social marketing experience, Amber currently manages a team of social strategists, content creators and community managers to engage audiences via social programming, content and influencer activations. In her role, she ensures brands, including those in the home and garden and CPG spaces, are deriving measurable value from social marketing initiatives. During her career, Amber has also developed specialized expertise in brand strategy, media relations, and crisis and issues management in both traditional and social arenas.
