Russell Bruhn
Melbourne,FL
Summary
Award-winning communications leader with extensive experience managing communications operations for public and private companies, demonstrating a proven track record of increasing responsibility. Expertise in developing and executing strategic communication plans that align with organizational growth objectives, including large-scale change management initiatives. Results-driven professional skilled in media relations, content creation, and crisis management, emphasizing team collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving business needs. Adept at guiding projects to successful completion while fostering productive partnerships that advance organizational goals.
Qualified Senior Communications Manager with proven track record in crafting compelling narratives and managing corporate communications. Successfully led multiple high-impact campaigns that enhanced brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated expertise in strategic messaging and crisis communication.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Communications Manager
Delaware North Companies
Merritt Island, FL
08.2024 - Current
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and executing strategic communications plans.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry influencers, expanding company's network and reach.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive messaging for product launches and campaigns.
- Coordinated special events to promote brand awareness and foster community engagement.
- Secured media coverage through targeted outreach and compelling press releases.
Chief Strategic Communications Officer
Brevard Public Schools
09.2020 - 07.2024
- Work directly with Superintendent and senior staff, school board Responsible for overseeing external and internal communication messages, public relations, marketing, branding, crisis communications, and community outreach.
- Build relationships with local legislative delegation, directing CEO and Board on upcoming issues, creating comprehensive annual communications plan, partnering with over 700 local businesses and four Chambers of Commerce
- Write speeches for CEO and Board, and meet goals outlined in organization's Strategic Plan
- Created Strategic Communications and Crisis Communications plans
- Act as PIO for organization and prep senior leaders for media appearances
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
- Monitored media coverage of the organization closely to identify opportunities for proactive outreach.
- Managed crisis communications, effectively mitigating potential reputational damage.
- Crafted persuasive speeches and talking points for executive presentations at industry conferences or meetings.
- Conducted thorough market research to inform strategic communication decisions aligned with organizational goals.
- Trained staff on effective communication techniques, fostering a cohesive team environment that drove results.
- Produced engaging multimedia content such as videos and infographics to support various marketing efforts.
- Evaluated campaign performance using analytics tools, refining strategies based on data-driven insights.
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and implementing comprehensive social media strategies.
- Crafted speeches for company executives, reinforcing brand identity.
- Advised senior management on communication strategies, influencing company direction.
- Oversaw production of annual reports, highlighting company achievements.
- Organized press conferences for product launches, significantly boosting media coverage.
Executive Producer
21st Century FOX
09.2017 - 09.2020
- Lead team of 25 in daily news coverage in Orlando market; researching content, assigning writing, and editing for on the air and online
- Manage internal communications to staff regarding strategic planning, usage of new technologies, new policies, and overall team objectives
- Strategic hands-on leader focused on results with proven return on investment
- Lead planning and execution of special events both on the air and online; including developing news, sponsored events, hurricane coverage, election coverage and digital strategy
- Skills include using Dataminr, CrowdTangle, Banjo, Social News Desk, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel, and Photoshop
- Have experience building websites and creating podcasts
News Director
Gray Media
01.2013 - 09.2017
- Department Head who held responsibilities for managing $1.8M annual budget, all newsroom assets, operational business decisions related to broadcasts, and a staff of 34
- Provide guidance to senior corporate leadership on effective communication strategies in support of company's corporate direction
- Managed internal communications to staff regarding strategic direction, goals, and objectives
- Managed social media strategy and increased reach by approximately 100%
- Planned special events such as election coverage, extended breaking news, and station sponsored events by often collaborating with government officials, non-profits and for-profit organizations
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
- Coordinated live event coverage, enabling timely reporting on breaking news stories as they unfolded.
- Oversaw the recruitment and training of new talent, ensuring a strong team of skilled journalists and producers.
Executive Producer
Sinclair Broadcast Group
12.2011 - 01.2013
- Led cross-function group strategy session to develop plan to foster culture change
- Counseled senior leadership to develop a multi-layered plan to improve both the quality of our product and the employee engagement of our staff
- Supervise staff of 15 and coordinated aspects of our product: coverage of daily news content, breaking news and station sponsored events in West Palm Beach, the 38th largest market
- Worked on long-term plans for special projects
- Skills include video editing for broadcast and digital
- Reviewed finished product to determine quality and readiness for release.
- Optimized workflow processes through strategic delegation of responsibilities among team members based on their specific skill sets.
Assistant News Director/Executive Producer
Gray Television
11.2005 - 12.2011
- Managed large-scale change efforts related to technological changes by transitioning workflow, developing training process, and planning implementation for initial launch
- Executed off-site employee retreats to drive continuous improvement efforts in operations
- Managed high performing staff that was consistently recognized by industry groups
- Achieved new levels of business results by increasing the station's ratings
- Involved in quarterly and annual budgeting
- Maintained high journalistic standards by enforcing ethical guidelines and legal compliance across all content output.
- Enhanced newsroom efficiency by implementing new workflows and processes for content production.
- Improved employee retention rates by creating a supportive work environment that encouraged collaboration and open communication.
- Accelerated breaking news coverage by coordinating with reporters, producers, and assignment editors in a timely manner.
- Wrote copy and edited scripts for on air and digital.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Media, English Minor, Journalism Minor
Missouri State University
Springfield, MissouriSkills
- Content Development
- Crisis Communications
- Internal Communications
- Corporate Communications
- Media Relations
- Podcast creation
- Speech writing
- Influencer outreach
- Communications planning
- Social media strategy
- Content development
- Crisis management
- Internal communications
- Media relations
- Podcast production
- Analytics reporting
Accomplishments
LEAD Brevard Board Member Since 2025
Space Coast Florida Public Relations Board, Member, 2023-2026
2023 President's Award (FPRA)
Brevard County Chambers of Commerce Member
2022 Layout and Design Award, Popular Annual Financial Report
2022 Golden Achievement Award, National School Public Relations Assoc., for 'Thrive by Five' Campaign
American Advertising Awards Winner, 2022 and 2023
Timeline
Senior Communications Manager
Delaware North Companies
08.2024 - Current
Chief Strategic Communications Officer
Brevard Public Schools
09.2020 - 07.2024
Executive Producer
21st Century FOX
09.2017 - 09.2020
News Director
Gray Media
01.2013 - 09.2017
Executive Producer
Sinclair Broadcast Group
12.2011 - 01.2013
Assistant News Director/Executive Producer
Gray Television
11.2005 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Electronic Media, English Minor, Journalism Minor
Missouri State University
Organizations and Accomplishments
- Space Coast Florida Public Relations Board, Member, 2023-2025
- 2023 President's Award, FPRA, for work supporting the public relations profession.
- Brevard County Chambers of Commerce, Member
- Layout and Design Award, 2022, for Popular Annual Financial Report
- Golden Achievement Award, 2022, National School Public Relations Assoc., for 'Thrive by Five' Campaign
- American Advertising Awards Winner, 2022, 2023
- Lead Brevard, Class of 2022
Volunteering
- Children's Hunger Project
- Beach Beautification
- Central Brevard Sharing Center