Gerald C. Weber Jr.
Wichita,USA
Summary
More than twenty years of communications experience supporting non-profit organizations, corporate clients, news media organizations, business advocacy groups, and small businesses. Expertise includes the development of strategic communications strategies, copy writing, editing and publication of newsletters, brochures, award-winning short films (videos) and social marketing tools. Served as primary project leader or with the highest leadership levels on sensitive, high profile education/awareness campaigns regionally, nationally and internationally via strategies utilizing controlled editorial, op-ed page submissions, web and DVD-based video segments, radio/TV spots and supporting hard copy materials. Supervised and directed Spanish and Vietnamese translations of short films and print materials. Extensive public speaking, crisis management and media training experience, seminar presentations, event management, speech writing, letters-to-the-editor, social media strategies, and adjunct college writing instructor.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Sole Proprietor
Chuck Weber Freelance Writing/Video Production and Consulting
01.1991 - Current
- Services include strategic media planning, project leadership and execution of marketing/awareness elements utilizing print, video and digital media outlets.
- National and local clients have included non-profit and for-profit companies: ABC News/Disney (Chicago), Cox/TFI Publications, d.b.a. Marketeer Magazine (Atlanta, GA), Wichita Business Journal, Wichita Eagle Publishing Co., Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Pure & Simple Health Education, Inc. (federally-funded abstinence organization) and Typed Letters Corporation.
- Current Project Leader for national adult stem cell awareness initiative on behalf of the Family Research Council (FRC), Washington, D.C.; includes development and maintenance of a strategic web site – www.stemcellresearchfacts.org connecting online viewers of short, dynamic 'success story' films to social media elements that result in additional organic growth distribution of message.
- Served as special advisor/crisis manager to Catholic Diocese of Wichita for the release of clergy abuse scandal information; limiting this to a 'one-day story' locally.
Publicity and Marketing Coordinator
Spiritual Life Center
01.1997 - 08.2010
- Served as project leader for introducing, executing and maintaining a comprehensive communications strategy for this retreat and conference center.
- Created and maintained regular communication and relationships with 60+ parish entities and other key constituencies, co-opting them to 'buy in' and assist in the awareness of Spiritual Life Center-initiated activities and events, resulting in consistent, year-over-year attendance and revenue growth.
- Occasional interaction with secular media.
- Worked directly with Administrator to design, create and launch a multi-faceted web presence used to provide publicity for programs for 'outside' groups; oversight of marketing materials and short films featuring the Center as a desired facility for non-profit groups and organizations, resulting in growth 8x previous levels.
- Initiated and executed weekly controlled editorial articles, desktop publishing brochures, email blasts, and ready-to-publish church bulletin announcements. Weekly articles were designated by attendees on in-house surveys as the #1 'way they found out about the program.'
- Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Executive Director
SaintMax Media, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Accomplishments as founding director of this non-profit communications company included spearheading and establishing new state and national strategic partnerships, leading like-minded partner clients in special projects from conception to branding, marketing and execution.
- Helped create and execute strategic communications strategy in New Jersey in 2007, leading to the desired defeat of a statewide stem cell bond referendum; elements included a series of short educational films shown in churches and other venues, with supporting 'controlled editorial' articles, fact sheets, bulletin announcements and coordinated op-ed talking points.
- Worked directly with Catholic political action leadership in Michigan to create and execute an awareness campaign regarding the stem cell research issue; campaign included the production of a short film with supporting print materials (fact sheets, op-ed talking points, controlled editorial articles, etc.) concluding with the direct mail distribution of 400,000+ DVD copies to households throughout the state.
- Responsible for the research and production of a short film and supporting print/web materials affirming traditional marriage, as well as creation of supporting written materials (op-ed talking points, controlled editorial articles, church bulletin announcements) for Catholic political action leadership in New Jersey; lead to legislative defeat of 'same-sex marriage' initiative in 2010. This short film was revised and then distributed via direct mail in DVD format to 400,000+ Minnesota households.
- Dba SaintMax Worldwide
Managing Editor
Wichita Chamber of Commerce Magazine
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Responsible for story concept and development, coordination of freelance writers, writing, and editing of local business publication.
Executive/Reporter
KWCH-TV
Wichita, USA
01.1984 - 01.1991
- Maintained #1 across-the-board Nielsen/Arbitron viewer ratings position while serving as interim News Director during ownership change; responsible for day-to-day operation and management of award-winning CBS affiliate television newsroom with staff of 40 and $1.6 million budget.
- Responsibility for editorial (content) development serving as Executive Editor, including special coverage issues (elections, major breaking news events) personnel management, budgeting, and public relations.
- Lead Reporter for two years in Topeka covering state-level legislative activity. Other areas of expertise included civil and criminal court coverage, city government, aviation, business, and social issues.
- Network TV News Affiliate
Education
B.A. - Mass Communications, English, Political Science
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa01.1981
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Marketing execution
- Media production
- Project leadership
- Crisis management
- Communications strategy
Involvement
- Co-chair, Successful $1.6 million fundraising effort for school expansion (2009)
- Parish Council President, Currently serving in a wide variety of other parish leadership positions.
Membership
Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree
Personal Information
Marital Status: Married 27 years
References
References readily available upon request; short film (videos) and writing samples also available upon request. Available to travel at on short notice.
Church
Church of the Resurrection in Wichita
Children
5
Timeline
Executive Director
SaintMax Media, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2010
Publicity and Marketing Coordinator
Spiritual Life Center
01.1997 - 08.2010
Sole Proprietor
Chuck Weber Freelance Writing/Video Production and Consulting
01.1991 - Current
Managing Editor
Wichita Chamber of Commerce Magazine
01.1991 - 01.1992
Executive/Reporter
KWCH-TV
01.1984 - 01.1991
B.A. - Mass Communications, English, Political Science
Briar Cliff University