Michael Padovano
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
With a rich 15-year background in strategic communications, media relations, and public affairs, I bring a deep understanding of the nuances involved in managing and elevating corporate reputation within the multifaceted communications sphere. Specializing in the creation of impactful strategies that resonate with client objectives, I have a focused proficiency in media relations, crisis preparedness, and response initiatives. My extensive experience in crisis communication is marked by swift decision-making and adept risk management, skills which have been critical in protecting and enhancing corporate reputations. Additionally, I am dedicated to fostering strong client relationships, engaging with high-level executives and influencers. Part of my role includes mentoring emerging talents in the field, helping them navigate and thrive in our dynamic, reputation-centric industry.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President
5W Public Relations
New York, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Manage and optimize a diverse portfolio of 10+ accounts, delivering tailored strategies that meet and exceed client expectations across various industries.
- Lead crisis communication efforts, actively resolving crises and developing comprehensive preparedness plans, while executing strategies for corporate reputation management.
- Directly mentor and manage a team of 15 junior staff, focusing on their skill development in strategic communication and media relations.
- Oversee client relationships, ensuring effective communication and strategy alignment with C-suite executives and key stakeholders.
- Provide strategic counsel to Fortune 500 companies, advising C-suite executives on media strategy and crisis communication for optimal corporate reputation management.
- Coordinate and facilitate the 'Meet the Media' series, connecting junior staff with industry-leading journalists to enhance their media engagement skills.
- Create and deploy a media training program, effectively educating numerous clients on advanced media communication techniques.
- Leverage strong media contacts to secure high-profile, impactful media placements for clients, enhancing their public visibility and brand reputation.
Vice President
Edelman
New York, NY
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies for high-profile clients, including PepsiCo Foundation, Booking Holdings, and Virgin Hyperloop, ensuring cohesive messaging across multiple platforms.
- Managed and guided junior staff across various accounts, focusing on adherence to project scopes and meticulous budget management.
- Facilitated inter-departmental coordination to align team efforts with overarching company objectives, ensuring smooth workflow and goal attainment.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to identify and address operational issues, devising and implementing effective corrective strategies.
- Fostered strong relationships with key journalists, driving consistent and impactful media coverage through strategic engagement.
- Provided expert communications counsel to C-suite executives, offering tailored recommendations to meet their unique business needs.
Associate Vice President
5W Public Relations
New York, NY
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Oversaw daily strategy for over 10 clients in diverse sectors including media, political, pharmaceutical, cannabis, and gambling, ensuring tailored approaches for each industry.
- Developed and implemented long-term strategic communication and media relations plans, collaborating with and guiding junior staff in their execution.
- Managed agency-wide crisis communications, providing rapid response strategies, proactive preparedness plans, and crisis media training to a wide range of clients.
- Supervised a team of eight junior staff, delegating tasks effectively while ensuring timely completion and professional development of team members.
- Actively involved in new business development, contributing to proposals, pitches, and upselling services to existing clients.
- Conducted comprehensive media training for clients, encompassing message development and mock interviews to enhance their media engagement capabilities.
Account Director / Account Supervisor
5W Public Relations
New York, NY
07.2018 - 08.2020
- Formulated and executed the launch strategy for the OTT streaming service, STIRR, achieving one billion media impressions within three weeks.
- Orchestrated the public announcement of a multi-billion dollar acquisition of significant sports media assets, resulting in one billion impressions and a 35% increase in client stock within two days.
- Supported senior team leaders in the development and execution of comprehensive client strategies, contributing to successful campaign outcomes.
- Successfully pitched clients across various verticals, securing consistent coverage in major publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, CNBC, and Forbes.
Account Supervisor
Relevance International
New York, NY
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Led strategy for nine accounts in corporate, crisis, design, and real estate PR, demonstrating versatile expertise and effective management.
- Successfully secured top-tier media coverage for clients in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, CNN, CNBC, W Magazine, and Architectural Digest.
- Played a key role in drafting new business proposals and pitching, directly contributing to winning over $50,000 in monthly retainers.
- Assisted clients with comprehensive branding efforts, including website development, copywriting, and bio creation.
- Crafted various PR materials including press releases, talking points, and interview preparation documents, and conducted media training sessions.
- Mentored junior associates, focusing on enhancing their writing skills and proficiency in AP style.
Senior Associate / Associate
Baron Public Affairs, LLC
Washington, DC
03.2011 - 02.2017
- Collaborated on comprehensive strategic communications and public affairs audits for high-profile clients including Walmart, Facebook, LinkedIn, Domino’s, Apple, and various non-profits.
- Led a successful campaign to amend FDA regulations, directly saving Domino’s over $100 million.
- Authored monthly political analyses for Walmart executives, focusing on strategies to enhance consumer relations.
- Developed content for a range of materials including political risk briefs, issue backgrounders, letters to Congress, and op-ed articles.
- Coordinated high-impact influencer events, press conferences, and meetings with Congressional representatives.
- Assisted in preparing clients for critical engagements such as Congressional testimony and media appearances.
- Conducted in-depth research on key constituencies to gain insights into political trends and consumer behavior.
Regional Field Director
North Carolina Victory
Greenville, NC
05.2010 - 12.2010
- Successfully organized a 'Get Out the Vote' campaign, reaching out to 200,000 voters across 32 counties, demonstrating effective voter engagement and mobilization strategies.
- Conducted regular outreach to 30 grassroots organizations and county-level political parties, fostering strong community connections and support.
- Recruited and supervised over 250 volunteers, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills, and effectively managed a team of six interns.
- Contributed significantly to achieving historic victories in the State Legislature and the re-election of U.S. Senator Richard Burr.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History, French
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA05.2010
Some College (No Degree) - European History
Jagiellonian University
Krakow, PolandAwards
- 2019 MarCom Platinum Award for Public Relations Program (Strategic Comm/PR)
- 2020 5W Public Relations Award for Achievement in Leadership
Timeline
Vice President
5W Public Relations
01.2022 - Current
Vice President
Edelman
07.2021 - 01.2022
Associate Vice President
5W Public Relations
08.2020 - 07.2021
Account Director / Account Supervisor
5W Public Relations
07.2018 - 08.2020
Account Supervisor
Relevance International
03.2017 - 07.2018
Senior Associate / Associate
Baron Public Affairs, LLC
03.2011 - 02.2017
Regional Field Director
North Carolina Victory
05.2010 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - History, French
University of Richmond
Some College (No Degree) - European History
Jagiellonian University
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