Brian Patrick Higgins
Fairfax,CA
Summary
Decorated newspaper journalist-turned-communications and publicity expert. Lauded by employers, clients and colleagues as an entrepreneurial thinker who inspires collaborative achievement. Widely respected by media for reflective and targeted story ideas ("win-win" pitching). Relentless in pursuit of next-level organizational goals. Composed under the most daunting deadlines, as well as a humor-driven and motivational teammate. Impeccable references.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Clean Break Media
San Rafael, CA
04.2017 - 07.2024
- Established a successful business by identifying marketing, PR and media relations needs for organizations lacking in-house communications.
- Using industry-leader Cision to measure earned income value, saved clients the equivalent of $24.7 million in media placement across 75+ PR campaigns.
- Conducted media training for 100+ professional athletes, politicians, corporate executives and spokespersons.
- Built and wrote content for 66 websites, specializing in nonprofits and small businesses; solicited more than $7 million in donations from online campaigns.
- Sold company to business partner in July 2024.
Co-Founder
Hills & Hops (Leadership Hiking Ventures)
San Francisco Bay Area
04.2011 - 07.2017
- Conducted leadership hikes + brewpub networking excursions throughout 9-county Bay Area for 1,500+ clients.
- Developed vastly successful website, marketing materials, PR and media relations campaigns to boost H&H brand.
- Used proceeds to fund nonprofit dedicated to introducing underserved East Bay students and their families to open-space recreational opportunities. Expanded that service to include domestic abuse survivors.
Communications Director
Alameda County Community Food Bank
Oakland, CA
09.2008 - 04.2011
- Built and nurtured relationships with hundreds of media members, from local reporters to national network broadcasters.
- Facilitated placement of stories in New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, ABC Nightly News, CBS Evening News & many more "home runs."
- Coordinated first-ever joint advertising campaign between every county food bank in the Bay Area; wrote and directed the resulting holiday TV commercial, earning a Telly Award.
- Honored by Oakland Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community service two consecutive years.
- Led communications team that never missed a deadline in publishing 26 periodicals per year.
Media & Communications Manager
Chabot Space & Science Center
Oakland, CA
09.2006 - 09.2008
- Developed compelling content for company website and social media channels, driving dramatic uptick in membership.
- Conducted media training for center's astronomers and successfully positioned them as go-to interview subjects for media outlets throughout California.
- Established Chabot's futuristic exhibit halls with San Francisco and Oakland film bureaus as prime location shoot for movies, adding a lucrative revenue stream.
Newspaper Reporter
Multiple
U.S.
09.1987 - 06.2006
- Won 14 Associated Press regional, state and national writing awards from 1987-2006
- Staff writer for Savannah (GA) Morning News (1987-1990); Phoenix (AZ) Gazette (1990-1993); Fort Worth Star-Telegram (1993-1997); Oakland (CA) Tribune (1997-2003); Hearst Publications, San Francisco (2003-2006).
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, ILSkills
Board Engagement
Client Engagement
Creative Writing
Graphic Design
Entrepreneurial Innovation
Podcasting
Revenue Development
Spokesperson Duties
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Vision
Team Engagement
Website Building
Video Production
Visionary Leadership
Creative Writing
Client Engagement
Communications Expertise
Graphic Design
Media Engagement
Media Training
Podcasting
Revenue Generation
Spokesperson Duties
Team Engagement
Website Building
Timeline
Founder
Clean Break Media
04.2017 - 07.2024
Co-Founder
Hills & Hops (Leadership Hiking Ventures)
04.2011 - 07.2017
Communications Director
Alameda County Community Food Bank
09.2008 - 04.2011
Media & Communications Manager
Chabot Space & Science Center
09.2006 - 09.2008
Newspaper Reporter
Multiple
09.1987 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Southern Illinois University