Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Barclay Pollak

Verona,Wi

Summary

Dynamic Media and Reputation Strategy Consultant with a proven track record at TruStage, excelling in corporate communication and crisis management. Spearheaded impactful thought leadership initiatives and enhanced public image through strategic media engagement. Adept at data analysis and fostering team collaboration, driving significant improvements in audience engagement and organizational transparency.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Media and Reputation Strategy Consultant

TruStage
Madison, WI
07.2021 - Current
  • Drove annual strategic direction for thought leadership content in credit union publications, elevating TruStage's industry expertise.
  • Executed external media plans to enhance TruStage's public image and strengthen audience engagement.
  • Oversaw external strategic communications planning, serving as spokesperson during extended labor negotiations with OPEIU Local 39.
  • Led communications strategy through a pivotal year, managing initiatives including historic first strike and first Black CEO appointment.
  • Collected and analyzed monthly media metrics to ensure communication strategy effectiveness and continuous improvement.
  • Developed impactful communication strategies for key initiatives, enhancing market position of Life Distribution products.
  • Guided a team in creating influential thought leadership content, reinforcing TruStage's subject matter expertise.
  • Collaborated with Credit Union System Relations to optimize performance at industry events, focusing on CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference.

Public Relations Manager

Quartz Health Solutions
Madison, Wisconsin
04.2020 - 06.2021
  • Initiated a rapid response to George Floyd's death with executive leadership, addressing social issues.
  • Collaborated with DE&I team to reinforce diversity and equity initiatives within the organization.
  • Highlighted impactful news for communities of color, strengthening organizational inclusivity and equality.
  • Spearheaded development and promotion of inaugural Community/Annual Giving Report, enhancing transparency.
  • Implemented targeted promotion strategy to amplify media recognition for community outreach efforts.
  • Showcased Quartz's BadgerCare+ Community Liaison's volunteer work with marginalized communities.

Sr. Administrator—Customer Communications and Experience

TDS Telecommunications
Madison, Wisconsin
04.2016 - 04.2020
  • Drove alignment between sales and marketing to generate and close opportunities for Fortune 1000 organization.
  • Spearheaded redesign of sales collateral for TDS’ diverse commercial product lines, including Internet and TV.
  • Managed library of over 1,000 collateral pieces, enhancing support for TDS’ sales organization.
  • Created automated customer communication series for sales team, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
  • Co-chaired Our Heritage Employee Resource Group, promoting inclusivity within the organization.

Brand Journalist

TDS Telecommunications
Madison, WI
03.2013 - 04.2016
  • Created engaging journalistic content for internal and external platforms, including TDS’ Intranet and social media.
  • Managed TDS’ Business Blog, increasing views from hundreds to over 100,000 in one year.
  • Established and maintained positive relationships with local and national journalists across various trade organizations.
  • Devised strategic communications plans for integrating newly acquired business units and employees.
  • Produced informational training videos on safety topics, handling script writing, filming, and editing within budget constraints.

Anchor/ Reporter

WMTV NBC 15
Madison, Wisconsin
09.2008 - 04.2013
  • Led reporting team during capital protests, contributing to Edward R. Murrow award recognition.
  • Achieved second-highest national rating for weekend morning show through strategic guidance.
  • Drove ongoing coverage of South Central Wisconsin drug epidemic, resulting in Emmy nomination for best hard news story.

Reporter

WJFW Newswatch 12
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
03.2007 - 08.2008

Education

BA - Journalism

University of Wisconsin—Madison
Madison, WI
05-2005

Skills

  • Corporate and internal communication
  • Public and media relations
  • Strategic guidance and communications
  • Crisis management
  • Data analysis
  • Thought leadership

Accomplishments

  • Four-Time Inspiring Excellence Nominee (TDS Telecom)
  • Government and Regulatory Shining Star Award Winner (TDS Telecom)
  • Emmy Nominee (NBC15)
  • Two-Time Regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winner (NBC15)
  • Five-Time Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Award Winner (NBC15)IMPA

Affiliations

  • 100 Black Men of Madison Member

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Media and Reputation Strategy Consultant

TruStage
07.2021 - Current

Public Relations Manager

Quartz Health Solutions
04.2020 - 06.2021

Sr. Administrator—Customer Communications and Experience

TDS Telecommunications
04.2016 - 04.2020

Brand Journalist

TDS Telecommunications
03.2013 - 04.2016

Anchor/ Reporter

WMTV NBC 15
09.2008 - 04.2013

Reporter

WJFW Newswatch 12
03.2007 - 08.2008

BA - Journalism

University of Wisconsin—Madison

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