National Professional Advisory Board

Becky Arreaga

Becky Arreaga is the President and a founding partner at Mercury Mambo, a full-service Hispanic marketing agency based in Austin, TX. Becky is highly involved in organizations and programs that provide access to higher education for disadvantaged youth and encourage minority entrepreneurship.

She received a BA in Advertising/PR from Texas Tech University in 1986 and a MA in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin in 1999.
Arreaga was recognized as an Outstanding Alumna by the Texas Tech University College of Media & Communication in the fall of 2009.

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Ron Askew

Ron Askew He is CEO of TracyLocke in Dallas and has degrees from Texas Tech and Northwestern University.  Askew has held a variety of management positions including CEO, CMO, board member, and entrepreneur.  He has marketing and communication arts experience in consumer products, retail and service businesses, from both a client and agency perspective.

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Bill Baer

Bill Baer is President & CEO of Baerclaw Productions, a full service video production company in Phoenix, Arizona. A Chicago, Illinois native, Bill received his BA degree in journalism from Texas Tech in 1988 and spent more than a decade working in network affiliate newsrooms around the country as an anchor, reporter and producer prior to starting Baerclaw Productions. He was honored as a Mass Communications Outstanding Alumnus at Texas Tech in 2009.

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Jeff Balter

Jeff Balter is currently employed as Associate Director of Interactive Advertising andCommerce at AT&T in Dallas.  Balter earned a BA from Texas Lutheran University and an MA in Mass Communications at Texas Tech University. He was named to Time Warner Cable Leadership Program and received awards from the Advertising Federation Chapters in both San Antonio and Houston.

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Larry Beaulieu

Larry Beaulieu is retired V.P. and general manager of KFDM-TV, Beaumont, Texas.  Beaulieu attended Texas Tech 1965-1968 and earned a BA in Mass Communications from Lamar University in 1977.  He was recognized as a Texas Tech Mass Communications Outstanding Alumnus in 2000 and was inducted into the Texas Tech University Mass Communications Hall of Fame in 2007.  Beaulieu was recognized by Lamar University as Outstanding Mass Communications Alumnus in 1995 and received the Lamar University Distinguished Alumni award in 2009. He has also received the Texas Association of Broadcasters Pioneer Broadcaster award and the Emmy Silver Circle award.

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Kay Bell

Kay Bell is owner SKB Editorial Services, a boutique editorial content company that provides financially-focused articles to a diverse clientele. She provides copy for consumer finance and general interest publications, as well as select corporate clients and is contributing editor for the nationally renowned website Bankrate.com. Kay regularly provides expert commentary on tax laws and personal filing issues and is the author of The Truth About Paying Fewer Taxes (Financial Times Press, 2009). She served a three-year term (2006-2009) on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), a federal advisory committee appointed by the U.S. Treasury Secretary. Her TAP work, which included chairing the seven-state region of which Texas is a part, earned Kay a President's Volunteer Service Award in 2010. Kay received her B.A. degree in journalism from Texas Tech in 1978. She was recognized as a Mass Communications Outstanding Alumnus at Texas Tech in 2011.

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Kent Best

Kent Best leads an award-winning team of media relations and content specialists at SMU in Dallas, a private university most recently ranked 58th among U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges. Best oversees SMU's internal and external communications, including social media. In 2012, the SMU News & Communications team was recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education as creating one of the top two university media relations programs in the country. Previously, Best held communications positions at Texas Health Resources, a nonprofit hospital system based in Arlington, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and at Texas Tech University, where he served as an assistant sports information director, student media editorial adviser and assistant director of news and publications. A 1987 journalism graduate of Texas Tech, Best has been honored with regional and national awards for writing, publications design, student media advising and media relations.

He was awarded the Texas Tech Outstanding Journalism Graduate award by the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He earned a master's degree in mass communications from Tech in 1994. Earlier in his career, Best was a frequent contributor as a sports writer for ESPN SportsTicker, MSNBC, the Dallas Morning News and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. He also previously served as an adjunct faculty member in mass communications at Texas Tech.

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Michelle Bleiberg

Michelle Bleiberg is a director of public affairs in the Burson-Marsteller Dallas office.  She has more than 20 years experience with expertise in media relations, community relations, crisis communications, event planning and brand positioning.  She currently is the U.S. day-to-day client lead for Shell Oil Company and Reliant Energy.  Prior to joining Burson-Marsteller, Bleiberg was the director of public relations for the Dallas Museum of Art where she oversaw public relations programs positioning the museum as leading international arts institution and tourist destination.  She began her career in Dallas at Read-Poland Associates.  She also worked for Publicis Public Relations and Ackermann PR and Marketing.  Bleiberg also served as director public relations and event marketing for ABC Radio Networks and as corporate communications manager for Tenet Healthcare Corporation. Ms. Bleiberg has a BA in public relations from Texas Tech University and was named an Outstanding Alumna by the College of Media & Communication.

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Trudi Lewis Boyd

Trudi Lewis Boyd is a managing director for Financial Dynamics (FD), one of the world's most sought-after business and financial communications consultancies. She has held a leadership role at FD Public Affairs for more than 10 years with 20 years experience in legislative program planning, crisis and reputation management, client counseling, grassroots, and coalition development and management. Boyd develops successful and award-winning public affairs campaigns for many clients on issues related to health care and life sciences, food and nutrition.

Boyd received her BA degree from Texas Tech University with a degree in Journalism. She was recognized as a Mass Communications Outstanding Alumnus at Texas Tech in 2009.

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Janet Bustin

Janet Bustin is the founder and owner of Mzyme, a consultancy that serves as a catalyst in the areas of agency search and relationship management, brand positioning/strategy and executive leadership coaching. Mzyme clients include Fortune 500 and other companies across categories including food and beverage, retail, entertainment and service.

As a senior marketing executive and past advertising agency president, Janet has a successful track record leading DDB Dallas (a worldwide advertising agency office) and TracyLocke (a national retail and promotions agency). She is an innovative marketer with a reputation for growing strong businesses, creating enduring brands and launching successful new products across categories including consumer packaged goods, retail, technology, manufacturing, hospitality and entertainment for companies such as Frito-Lay, McIlhenny Tabasco, Ingersoll-Rand, Nokia, JCPenney, Dean Foods, American Airlines and Hilton Hotels to name a few. Core to her experience is disciplined branding, new product development and business development. Janet has a history of and a passion for inspiring people and creating high energy, collaborative and creative cultures.

She has an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. in advertising from Texas Tech University. In addition, she has post-graduate leadership training from Omnicom University graduate program at Babson College, executive agency leadership training in Vevey, Switzerland and professional training in contract negotiation and the art of negotiation.

As a business and community leader, Janet serves on several boards including Cates Control Systems, Business for Culture and Arts, Texas Tech Mass Communications and Dallas Ad League Foundation. She is also an adjunct instructor for the Temerlin Advertising Institute at Southern Methodist University.

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Phill Casaus

Phill Casaus is the executive director of the Albuquerque Public Schools Education Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) that raises private funding and support for 90,000 children in New Mexico's largest school district. Casaus is a 1986 graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in political science. He spent more than 30 years in journalism. He served as a sports writer and columnist at the Albuquerque Journal before moving to the Albuquerque Tribune, where he spent five years as the paper's editor and president. He also served as senior editor for local news at the Rocky Mountain News in Denver.

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Bob Cohen

Bob Cohen is President of Bob Cohen Strategies, LLC a strategic consulting firm building on Cohen’s more than 30 years of experience in the media, sports and entertainment industries, both domestic and international, including his 23 years in management with Clear Channel Communications. In addition to providing strategic consultation for media, sports and entertainment businesses, Cohen’s venture, launched in 2010 will develop investment opportunities in those same areas.

Cohen was President of the International Radio division for Clear Channel from 2001-2009. Previous to that he was Vice President/Market Manager in the company’s home base in San Antonio for more than 11 years.

His resume includes experience in professional and collegiate athletics in operations, broadcasting, sales and marketing. Cohen is also a long time board member and former Chairman of the Valero Alamo Bowl, and serves on the Athletics Advisory Council at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He was also a long serving executive committee member and former Chairman of the Texas Association of Broadcasters. Bob Cohen Strategies, LLC is based in San Antonio, Texas.

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Bob Condron

Bob Condron, a veteran of 13 Olympic Games for the United States Olympic Committee, has been director of Media Services for the USOC since 1997 and a member of the USOC staff for 24 years. In addition to directing media services at Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American and World University Games, Condron leads the USOC Media Services staff in promoting and publicizing athletes and teams in the USOC family on a daily basis.

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Mark deTranaltes

Mark deTranaltes is a 1987 alumnus of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising. He has spent the past twenty years working for two international advertising agencies – Omnicom's Bernard Hodes Group and WPP's J.
Walter Thompson. In 2008 deTranaltes made the jump to Promotional Marketing with Staples. He was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus from the College of Media & Communication in 2007.

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Gary Dixon

Gary Dixon is president of The Foundation for a Better Life. The Foundation for a Better Life creates public service campaigns to communicate the values that make a difference in our communities – values such as honesty, caring, optimism, hard work, and helping others. These messages, communicated utilizing television, theatres, billboards, radio, internet, etc., model the benefits of a life lived by positive values. Dixon earned a BA in Broadcasting/Journalism from Texas Tech University in the College of Media & Communication.  He also received an MA in Communications from Brigham Young University.

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Kirk Dooley

Kirk Dooley is president of Half Court Press, a Dallas-based publishing company specializing in local books and high school sports programs. He attended Texas Tech from 1973-1978, then attended San Francisco State, where he studied playwriting. While at Tech he won the Wick Fowler Scholarship, awarded to the top collegiate journalist in Texas. Dooley is the author of seven books and currently writes a weekly column about the Park Cities in The Dallas Morning News. He owns and publishes Creede Magazine, based in Creede, Colorado.

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John D. Esparza

John D. Esparza serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Motor Transportation Association.  TMTA is an Austin-based trade association representing the motor transportation freight industry. After graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in Public Relations in 1997, he worked on the political campaigns of George W. Bush and Rick Perry.  Esparza went on to serve at numerous senior advisory capacities within the executive office of the governor before leaving for the private sector.

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Joe Fairless

After graduating from Texas Tech University, Joe Fairless migrated to NYC and joined TBWA/Chiat/Day as a Junior Project Manager. At Chiat Day he worked on the Sprint/Nextel business focusing on OOH, print and broadcast. Now at Mr Youth, he has helped the company grow from a seven person shop to over 80+ employees partnering with blue-chip clients on large-scale assignments. As an Account Supervisor, he works on social media campaigns, experiential initiatives and word-of-mouth programs with the goal for all of them being to engage the consumer in a way that resonates and move the business forward.

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Rich Flora

Rich Flora earned his BA in Telecommunications at Texas Tech in 1978. He founded Flora Creative, Inc. in 1995 after successful agency experiences as a writer and Creative Director in Houston and Dallas, including nearly 13 years at The Richards Group. Today, Rich works with leading national brands and emerging new brands alike – from aviation to luxury hotels and every restaurant category. Additionally, Rich has developed original content and produced a pilot episode for a TV series pitched to networks in partnership with Apt 9A Productions. In 2001, Rich was honored to teach Advertising at Texas Tech.

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Dionicio (Don) Flores

Dionicio (Don) Flores is a longtime journalist and newspaper executive, having served as vice president and editor of the El Paso Times until August 2008. Since retiring from the Times, Flores has been a media consultant. He serves as vice chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents and formerly served on the Texas State University Board of Regents for nine years. Hispanic Business Magazine has recognized Flores as of one the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S, and in 2002, he received the first Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity Leadership from the Associated Press Managing Editors, the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Freedom Forum Foundation. The award recognized is lifelong commitment and leadership to diversity issues.

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David Fowler

David Fowler is a 1979 alumnus of Texas Tech with a BA in Advertising.  Fowler is a senior partner and executive creative director for Ogilvy & Mather in New York.  His work includes campaigns for BP, Castrol, Kodak, Fanta, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, and RCA. His radio campaign for Motel 6 is in its twenty-fourth year, and was selected as one of Ad Age’s Top 100 Campaigns of the Century.

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Grant Gold

Grant Gold is an associate with the Dallas/Fort Worth Commercial Retail Division of The Weitzman Group, one of the largest regional commercial real estate brokerage firms in the country. Prior to joining The Weitzman Group, Gold gained extensive sales and account service skills through his work in television and radio ad sales with CBS and NBC Television in Dallas. He also was director of sales for Clear Channel Radio in Dallas. 

Gold received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Tech University. He was awarded the AWRT Dallas Fort Worth Television Manager of the Year, the AWRT Dallas Fort Worth Television Sales Person of the Year and nominated for AWRT Radio Television Manager of the Year.

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Ian Halperin

Ian M. Halperin serves as the Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Wylie ISD. His primary responsibility is ensuring the district’s message is communicated efficiently and accurately, be it on the Web, in the mass media or in district publications. He has more than 15 years of experience in public school PR.

Prior to working in the school business, he was a photographer/editor for Harte Hanks Newspapers and still works on a freelance basis for clients across the country. He holds a BA in Telecommunications from Texas Tech and a MS in HR/Business from Amberton University.

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Lt. Colonel Francisco "Paco" G. Hamm

Lt. Colonel Francisco "Paco" G. Hamm, is Director, Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs in Los Angeles, CA. Paco directs and manages the Air Force image within global entertainment including motion pictures, television, and video games and has advised for films as "Iron Man 2" and the "Transformer" franchise and TV shows "Army Wives" and Hawaii Five 0".

Paco has 20 years experience as a public affairs officer, including two tours in Iraq. Prior to his current position, Paco served as the Pentagon Channel marketing director and deputy director of New Media. In 2008, his team was recognized with a Silver Anvil by PRSA for an internal communications campaign and three Silver Anvil Awards of Excellence for establishing and developing the social media program for the Department of Defense. Early in his career, he served as a TV field producer, directing joint military Combat Camera teams, in 1989 covering the failed coup attempt of former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega and in 1993, covering the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. In 2006, as an independent producer, he co-produced an award-winning documentary, "Brats, Our Journey Home," narrated by Kris Kristofferson and written, produced and directed by Donna Musil.

Paco received a BA in Telecommunications from Texas Tech University in 1988 and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Texas Christian University in 1992. Paco lives in Los Angeles with his wife Jennifer and children Carmen and Nicolas.

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Rodney Hand

Rodney Hand is a 1985 alumnus of Texas Tech University. Hand is the principal of Rodney Hand & Associates Marketing Communications based in Dallas. As the principal of his firm since 1989, Hand has created many recognizable advertising campaigns for his agency clients in fields as diverse as sports, agriculture, medical and fashion and is also the creator of several local, regional and national media properties including:  Spikefest –the largest amateur volleyball event in the U.S., The International Western & English Lifestyle Market (IWE Show), National Western Heritage Month, DuPont Tyvek Radio Show, Western & English Today magazine, Texas Today magazine, Las Vegas Fashion Week Guide,  Addison The Magazine of the North Dallas Corridor and Addison and the North Dallas Corridor Visitor’s Guide,

His awards include: five time winner of the prestigious AIM Awards for outstanding marketing and communications in the Western industry, most valuable member and outstanding achievement award, the Western & English Manufacturers Association, Most recognizable campaign, American Horse Publications Association.

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Greg Heitzman

Greg Heitzman is a twenty five-year radio veteran who is currently the National Sales Manager for Citadel Broadcasting Company (formerly ABC Radio) radio stations in Dallas, Texas. Those include WBAP-AM, KSCS-FM and KPMZ-FM.  A 1981 graduate of Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications, Greg was honored as an Outstanding Alumni in 2004 from the College of Media & Communication.  He earned the ABC Circle of Excellence Award in 2002 and is a multi-year recipient of The Excelsior Award honor from Interep as the top National Sales Manager in the country.  He and wife Cindy have two children, Matthew & Elizabeth, who are currently working on post-graduate degrees at Texas Tech University.

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James Hering

James Hering is a 1986 alumnus of Texas Tech University with a BA in Advertising. He is currently the director of client engagement at Click Here Inc., a leading digital agency and division of The Richards Group - the largest independently-owned agency in the U.S.  Hering previously spent 18 years at TM Advertising, most recently as Chief Innovation Officer.  He has garnered more than 120 digital marketing and advertising awards.

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R.J. Hinkle

R.J. Hinkle is the manager of Quad/Photo in Dallas. He earned a BA in Photocommunications from Texas Tech University. Hinkle has an extensive background in lifestyle and product photography, including everything from professional sports to African safaris. Before joining the commercial & advertising world, Hinkle devoted 13 years to photojournalism, working for a variety of newspapers and magazines as well as United Press International and the Associated Press. He produces creative and compelling product, people and food photography for prestigious advertising, editorial and corporate clients, including Boy Scouts of America, Private Clubs magazine, Strasburg Children, Southwest Airlines and Golf Illustrated magazine. Hinkle lives in Coppell, Texas with his beautiful, understanding wife, Pam, and his two biggest photographic inspirations: Austin, 9 and Katy, 6.

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Gregg Holmes

Gregg Holmes is CEO of Cooler Concepts.  Holmes earned a BA in General Studies from Texas Tech University with a minor in Advertising and Business.  He served from 2008 - 2011 as chairperson of the College of Media & Communication National Professional Advisory Board.

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Gary Joiner

Gary Joiner is the Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Wildlife Association. He joined the organization in October 2008. The Texas Wildlife Association is a statewide membership organization with headquarters in San Antonio that represents over 6000 members who own or manage nearly 40 million acres of private land in Texas.

The Texas Wildlife Association was established in 1985. It serves Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources. Its mission is accomplished with efforts in Issues and Advocacy, Conservation Legacy (education), and Hunting Heritage.

Prior to joining TWA, Joiner worked on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and landowners for 20 years as a representative of the Farm Bureau organizations in Texas and, most recently, in Washington State. His efforts included roles in public relations, legislative affairs, and in organization administration and policy development. He is a native of Farmers Branch, Texas, and is a graduate of Texas Tech University. He is married, and he and his wife, Karen, have one daughter, Kate, and they reside in Bulverde.

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Tim Loecker

Tim Loecker is a senior vice president in the Dallas office of Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global public relations firms. He has extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic communications programs for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to start-up enterprises across a diverse cross section of industries. He currently is a U.S. day-to-day client lead for American Airlines, managing global media relations strategy, issues and corporate reputation management, executive visibility and brand positioning. His work has earned numerous industry accolades from PRSA, PRWeek, IPRA, PR Bull Dog Reporter and SABRE, among others. Mr. Loecker graduated in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in public relations from Texas Tech University.

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Rick Matchett

Rick Matchett earned his BA in Telecommunications in 1982 from Texas Tech University. He served as the student station manager for KTXT-FM for two years and served on the Student Advisory Council for Mass Communications.  He is currently the director of sales for the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council after working in broadcasting for more than 25 years.  Matchett began his career in 1983 at KGNC AM in Amarillo as a salesperson and moved to sales manager. He was appointed by Governor Perry to serve on the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission and has served on many boards of non-profit organizations.  He and his wife Denise have two children McKay and Brandt.  McKay is a PR Major at Texas Tech and Brandt is a Business Major at Texas State University.

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Steve McCutcheon

Steve McCutcheon earned his BA in Advertising from Texas Tech University where he was on the presentation team for the district champion 1986 AAF Student Competition Team. He is a senior director of marketing for McAfee SaaS Email & Web Security (formerly MX Logic). McCutcheon has worked for several advertising agencies and served as president of the Pikes Peak Advertising Federation prior to entering the corporate marketing world.

On the corporate side, McCutcheon has led marketing and sales departments for a variety of companies, including Telephone Express, a regional long-distance provider where he created sales and marketing programs that grew the small start-up into a successful company with more than $60M in annual revenue in just four years. He was also instrumental in designing and building MX Logic’s award-winning PartnerFocus channel program into one of the largest and most successful SaaS-based partner networks in the world by pioneering bold and new channel-marketing programs, including the MX Logic Sales On Demand and Marketing On Demand programs which provide resellers with unprecedented marketing and sales support.

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Carl Mullins is a 1991 alumnus with an advertising degree and a minor in marketing. He was named an Outstanding Mass Communications Alumnus in 2007 and currently serves as vice-chair of the school's National Professional Advisory Board. Mullins is the principal at Redoubt Media, LLC, a company he founded in the fall of 2009. He previously worked for over 15 years in the special-interest publishing industry, most recently serving as president of MCC Magazines, LLC. During his time with MCC Magazines, LLC revenues and profits more than tripled and properties in the group won numerous awards and national recognition including: Two Forbes "Best of the Web" designations, the 2007 Editor and Publisher's EPpy award for "Best large community site on the web", 2009 Silver and Bronze Eddies (Editorial), 2009 Silver Ozzie (Design), nine industry specific "Best of Class" and two "Best of Show" awards.

Redoubt Media, LLC focuses on assisting special-interest organizations grow their community and improve revenue and profits. We primarily work with publishers and non profit associations.

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King Nelson

King Nelson is president and CEO of Uptake Medical.  Uptake Medical™ Corp. is a developer of medical technologies for the treatment of lung diseases including emphysema. The core technology is a simple, minimally invasive, non-implant interventional pulmonary approach designed to measurably improve lung function and patient quality of life. Nelson earned a BA in Advertising from Texas Tech University and an MBA from the University of Miami.

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Michael Page

Michael Page graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in Advertising and a minor in Marketing. He developed his portfolio at The Creative Circus in Atlanta, Georgia, and is now a copywriter at GSD&M Idea City in Austin, Texas. Page is the recipient of several awards such as National ADDYs, One Show, Cannes short list, OBIE Award, Communication Arts Ad Annual and an Emmy

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Scott Parsons

Scott Parsons is General Manager of Double O Texas Corporation, Midland, Texas.
Parsons has held positions of sales person, general sales manager, general manager and regional manager.  He began his radio career in Oklahoma in 1983.  Parsons also worked in Kansas City and Lubbock, Texas. He serves on the Jerry Gray Foundation, Texas Association of Broadcasters Board Member, and various local charitable organizations. He earned a BS Business Administration in 1981 from West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia

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Phil Price

Phil Price CEO The Price Group, Inc., is a 1968 alumnus of Texas Tech University with a BBA Advertising/Marketing. He was recognized as a TTU Distinguished Alumnus in 2006.  Price was awarded the College of Media & Communication Lifetime Service Award 2002.  He also was inducted into the Texas Tech University Mass Communications Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Mass Communications Outstanding Alumnus award in 1990. Price served as the 10th District Governor & AAF National Board in 1983.  He was the recipient of the AAF Aid To Education Award in 1978, the AAF Sterling Service Award in 1990, and the AAF Silver Medal award in 1982.

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John Rafferty

John Rafferty is Director of Sales and Marketing with KATV ABC 7 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the ABC affiliate owned by Allbritton Communications. Rafferty’s previous experience includes Senior Management positions with Post-Newsweek Stations, including WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida and KPRC in Houston, Texas. He has also held television sales positions in Dallas, Texas; Ventura, California and Roswell, New Mexico.

Rafferty received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from Texas Tech in 1987, with a Minor in Marketing, and was honored as an Outstanding Alumni in 2004 from the College of Media & Communication. He is also a member of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2008 and served on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of North Florida.

Rafferty lives in Little Rock with his beautiful wife, Gina, and their two outstanding children, Jake and Ally.

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Mike Read

Mike Read is a 1965 Texas Tech University alumnus with a BA degree and a major in journalism.  He was named an Outstanding Mass Communications Alumnus in 2001 and served as chair of the school's Professional Advisory Committee. Read is currently the director of online development for ASP Westward, a community newspaper chain with more than 65 daily and weekly publications in Texas and Colorado. He was previously part of the original development team creating the chron.com site for the Houston Chronicle.  Read also served as director of newsroom technology for The Houston Post and city editor for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

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Dusty Rector

Dusty Rector is a 1981 alumnus of Texas Tech University with a BA in Telecommunications. He also holds an MBA from Dallas Baptist University with a management concentration. Rector is currently a senior account director with the Starr Tincup marketing organization based in Fort Worth, Texas. Starr Tincup is a global industry leader in the human capital marketing space.

Rector has more than 25 years experience in marketing, advertising, communications and technology. He has held positions with EDS, Gateway Computers, Tandy Corporation, Temerlin McClain and Tracy-Locke among others. He also holds five patents in user interface related technologies.

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Craig Rettig

Craig Rettig is Senior Vice President, Director of Client Services at Praxis Integrated Communications. Praxis is a full-service marketing communications firm based in Los Angeles. As a senior marketing executive, Craig has a successful track record working regionally, nationally and internationally at a number of leading advertising agencies, including Della Femina McNamee, NW Ayer, Suissa Miller, Ketchum, and Davis Elen. He has launched numerous marketing initiatives for a variety of companies and organizations such as Acura, BMC Software, the City of Los Angeles, Secure Horizons, University of Southern California, Doubletree Hotels, Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Galaxy, Henry Weinhard’s and Rainier to name just a few.

Craig’s experience covers a wide range of strategic and marketing services, including general agency management, business and strategic planning, campaign development, new business acquisition and account supervision. The City of Los Angeles and nationally the American Advertising Federation have recognized Craig for his outstanding marketing contributions. Craig earned his B.A. in Advertising from Texas Tech University. He’s also a graduate of the executive training program at Ketchum. He lectures frequently at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism as well as other universities. He recently lived abroad for two years in Paris, France. Craig has served on several boards including the Advertising Club of Los Angeles and the Southern California Special Olympics.

(Board Member Listing)

Kim Rice

Kim Rice is vice president of Visual Resource Group, Inc., a Dallas advertising and communications firm. She previously served as director of Marketing and Communications for the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth for six years and remains in a consultant role with the organization. Prior to working at the Council, she was Community Relations manager at KERA 13/90.1, the public television and radio stations for North Texas.

Kim received a BA in Telecommunications from Texas Tech University. A recipient of the Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), she currently serves on the Marketing Advisory Board for the Dallas Museum of Art and is involved in numerous community organizations. She is married to Tom Rice, who is also a graduate of the TTU School of Mass Communications with a degree in Advertising.

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Tod Robberson

Tod Robberson is a member of the Dallas Morning News editorial board. He has been a professional journalist for 31 years, 25 of which he spent as a foreign correspondent and editor for various news organizations, including the Morning News, The Washington Post and Reuters news agency. Tod has covered military affairs since 1983, including the wars in Lebanon, El Salvador, Colombia, Arab-Israeli conflicts, Iran-Iraq war, 1991 U.S.-led war against Iraq, Afghanistan (2001-2006) and Iraq (2003-2006).

He currently writes editorials and columns for The Dallas Morning News on local and international topics, and won a Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 2010.

Tod earned his bachelor’s degree in communications/print journalism from Texas Tech in 1981. He holds a master’s degree in Arab Studies from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. After undergraduate studies, Tod moved to Washington, where he was on the startup staff of the Washington Business Journal. He later formed a Washington news service with the toughest Texan in journalism, the late Sarah McClendon.

In 1983-84, he worked as a reporter in Beirut, Lebanon, later moving to Cyprus as a regional correspondent for Reuters covering Syria and the Iran-Iraq war. In 1986, Tod became the Reuters bureau chief in El Salvador. He later moved to Washington to work at The Washington Post and complete his master’s at Georgetown. He was the last Washington Post correspondent in Baghdad before the 1991 war began. He became the Post’s Mexico bureau chief in 1992.

From 1997 to 2006, Tod covered Latin America, Europe, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Middle East for The Dallas Morning News. He and his family resided in Colombia, Panama and London.

Tod speaks fluent Spanish and has forgotten most of the Arabic that he used to speak, read and write. His wife, Catherine, teaches theatre in the Dallas.

(Board Member Listing)

Amanda Robinson

Amanda Robinson serves as a Senior Account Executive for M&C Saatchi in New York City. Most recently, Amanda made the move to M&C from Edelman’s sport and entertainment marketing entity, Matter, Inc. With her background in sports, she has handled the Olympic sponsorships of Hilton, Citi, GE, Kellogg’s, The North Face, as well as work with the NFL, MLB, MLS, and the New York Road Runners and NYC Marathon.

Prior to her time in New York, Amanda worked in Colorado Springs handling media relations for the United States Olympic Committee, and then transitioned to Indianapolis to work for USA Gymnastics as the media and public relations coordinator and press officer. From pitching to press operations, she has operated large-scale national and international events, including the Pacific Rim Championships and Pan American Games, and handled all media and athlete relations.

Amanda is a native of Austin, Texas, and graduated with a public relations degree from Texas Tech University in 2010.

(Board Member Listing)

Chris Rohland

Chris Rohland is the Head of Client Relations for www.buywithme.com.  Buywithme is a social media and group buying website that offers the best dining, entertainment, services and more from a city near you with discounts of over 50%.
 
Rohland has 20 years of experience in advertising, publishing, advertising sales management, and marketing. Prior to his current position at www.buywithme.com, he held the position of General Manager for New England at Clear Channel Taxi Media.  Rohland also worked in of Sales for Metro Boston, publisher of New York Press in New York, and Publisher and Director of Advertising for Las Vegas Weekly in Las Vegas, NV. 

Rohland is a 2002 graduate of the Leadership Las Vegas program and a 2009 Graduate of the Boston Future Leaders Program through the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Boston Advertising Club and is on their Executive Committee.  Rohland graduated with a B.A. degree in Advertising from Texas Tech University. 

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Dr. Billy I. Ross

Dr. Billy I. Ross is the founding chairman of the Department of Mass Communications when in 1970 journalism, telecommunications, advertising, public relations and photography were brought together into one department.  Dr. Ross is  Professor Emeritus from both Texas Tech and Louisiana State University.  Have been inducted into Halls of Fame of Texas Tech and Louisiana State University and was awarded the Army's Legion of Merit.

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Jay Rosser

Jay Rosser is a Texas Tech University alumnus with a BA in Journalism.  He is also vice president, public affairs for T. Boone Pickens and his investment firm, BP Capital. He helps coordinate the media, legislative, and philanthropic aspects of Mr. Pickens' initiatives. In this role, he has helped manage "The Pickens Plan," a $62 million grass-roots multimedia effort launched in July 2008 intended to raise awareness of the danger of U.S. dependence on foreign oil and bring solutions to bear. The campaign has won numerous awards including the Association of Political Consultants' Public Affairs Campaign of the Year² ("Pollie Award") and  Campaign & Elections¹ Politics Magazine Reed Award for best use of social networking technology. That campaign was also recognized by the Holmes Group, an industry leading Public Relations trade organization, as the Best Public Affairs Campaign of the Year.

Jay's other work includes nearly 10 years as a news  reporter, a stint as a gubernatorial press secretary in Texas, and as the communications director for Koch Industries, the nation's largest privately held company.

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Andy Rowe

As a Group Director at Optimedia Dallas, Andy Rowe currently manages all facets of media for Denny’s, Bridgestone/Firestone, and Service Master (Terminix and TruGreen), and participates in new business pitches.

Andy’s media career began over 20 years ago following a summer internship at Tracey-Locke in Dallas. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Andy spent nearly 10 years with Bloom/Publicis working his way up to Group Media Director, managing retail and packaged goods accounts such as Nestle, La Quinta Inns, Zales Jewelers, Ross Labs and TGI Friday’s. In 1999, Andy joined OMD Dallas to lead the JCPenney business, and within a few years, ended up the General Manager of the OMD Dallas office. In 2004, Andy relocated to OMD Chicago where he lead and won media-only pitches for Pier 1, H&R Block, and LifeLock.

Andy is well known for his unique and creative approach to his clients’ businesses. Development of a local market prioritization model, identification of universal retail truths and savvy negotiation skills has resulted in significant results for his clients: significant sales growth for JCPenney, the first successful tax season in five years for H&R Block and free television production for La Quinta Inns.

Andy is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, camping and any form of outdoor exercise. He and his wife (Jill TTHSC ’90) have two sons, Blaine and Garrett, and reside in Frisco, Texas.

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Linda Rutherford

Linda Rutherford is Vice President, Communication and Strategic Outreach, for Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. She received her bachelor of arts degree in 1988 from Texas Tech University with a degree in Journalism. She is a 2002 Mass Communications Outstanding Alumna and a 2009 inductee into the College of Media & Communication Hall of Fame. She was inducted in 2008 into the PR News Hall of Fame, and her team's communication, outreach and emerging media work has been recognized by numerous publications and organizations.

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Jennifer Schuder

Jennifer Schuder joined the Senior Staff of the Dallas Opera prior to the 2004/2005 Season to lead a multi-functional professional staff responsible for Direct Marketing, Community Outreach, Competitive Intelligence, Interactive Development, Public and Media Relations, Customer Retention and Ticket Sales. Ms. Schuder has developed and executed acquisition and messaging strategies, in addition to formulating an interactive plan to take ticket sales online and create a robust CRM/email program. She has also redesigned and re-launched TDO’s education programs to accommodate double the number of students, introduce a new touring opera program, and provide fresh opportunities for music and drama students considering careers in the arts. Prior to joining the Dallas Opera, Ms. Schuder served as Director of Product Marketing for true.com, a Dallas-based online dating site. While at true.com, she oversaw all development and marketing of the firm's psychological interactive tests and all derivatives of those tests, including a roommate-matching application piloted with Harvard Graduate School. Ms. Schuder has also held the position of Director of Marketing Communications for ZixCorp, an international healthcare technology company specializing in protecting sensitive patient information through email technology. While at Zix, Ms. Schuder led such initiatives as HealthyEmail, a national awareness program designed to educate the public on proper email protocols when communicating with physicians. The program was recognized by members of Congress and implemented in thousands of physician offices nationwide. Additionally, Ms. Schuder has extensive agency experience in public relations, advertising and interactive marketing/development. She has served as account leads for such companies as HBO, ExxonMobil, Galderma Laboratories, The Associates and Lennox, Inc. Ms. Schuder is a graduate of Texas Tech University, receiving both her BA in M.I.S and her MS in Mass Communications from the institution.

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Telea Johnson Stafford

Telea Johnson Stafford is principal/founder of Dallas based Phenixx Marketing & Media, LLC. Stafford is a 1994 graduate from the School of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University and earned an MBA from the University of North Texas in 2003. Stafford serves on the board of Special Olympics, Texas Tech Foundation Board and Texas Tech Alumni Board, UNCF Board of Governors and is also President of The Stafford Foundation.  The Stafford foundation has been recognized by the community for its ongoing commitment to first generation scholarships. Stafford has received numerous awards for outstanding achievements in advertising, philanthropy and volunteerism. 

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Charlene Stark

Charlene Stark Charlene serves as a consultant to organizations in the nonprofit and for-profit sector. Her nonprofit work includes working with organizations supporting veterans and their families as well as organizations involved with education and children. For over 20 years, Charlene worked with technology companies in marketing, communications, business development and consulting roles. In 1996, she joined NetSpeed and was responsible for all external marketing and company launch strategies. NetSpeed was acquired by Cisco Systems in 1998. Prior to NetSpeed, Charlene served as Business Development Manager for Dell and was a member of the initial 7-person team that developed and launched dell.com. Charlene has had the honor to serve the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University since 2000 and currently serves as chairman of the college’s National Advisory Board. She was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the college in 2000.

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Erin Steed

Erin Steed is President of Steed Creative, a full service Public Relations, Media Consulting and Graphic Design agency based in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. Erin has successfully managed campaigns for private companies, non-profits and government programs for seven years with a measurable track record of increasing visibility and image for each client. In addition, clients regularly call on Erin to coach their executives on public speaking, media readiness and on-camera presence, or to speak on behalf of their companies. Erin is often asked to serve as a spokesperson or voice talent, lending credibility to products, services and corporations. Prior to founding Steed Creative, Erin was a television news anchor and reporter in markets from Lubbock to Austin to Dallas and the network. Erin traveled with the Bush family during their time in Austin and has interviewed three sitting U.S. Presidents. Erin has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Tech.

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Mat Threadgill

Mat Threadgill is a 2000 Mass Communications alumnus with a BA in Advertising at Texas Tech University. Threadgill started his career in advertising with The Richards Group in Dallas.  He worked on accounts such as Home Depot, Fruit of the Loom, NASCAR and Adams Golf. Threadgill co-founded DIB Creative in 2007.  DIB Creative an internet strategy, marketing and entrepreneurial firm based in Dallas.

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Rick Walker

Rick Walker is Director of Strategic Alliances for Microsoft in their telecommunications and media-focused partner team based in Redmond, WA.  Walker is responsible for go-to-market efforts with key global partners including Tribune, Motorola and Sprint.  Walker has spent most of his career in an international management or business development role; most notably as General Manager for a unit of Swiss-based Nestle AG in Moscow, Russian Federation.  Walker has presented globally regarding the Russian investment climate and has spent nearly five years residing in the former Soviet Union and is proficient in Russian.  Walker holds an MBA in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in public relations from Texas Tech University.  He resides in Seattle with his wife Stacey and their three children Matt, Will and Sophie.

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Chris Wallace

Chris Wallace is president and CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, the fourth largest Chamber in North Texas and the first national Five-Star Accredited Chamber in Texas.  He also manages the Irving Economic Development Partnership.  Wallace serves on the prestigious U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 as well as on the boards of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, Texas Prosperity Project, and the Congressionally-commissioned National Multi-Modal Transportation Steering Committee.

Wallace is a 1992 public relations graduate and was named an Outstanding Alumnus of the College in 2008.  He currently serves as a member of the TTU Chancellor’s Council.

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Alex Wells

Alex Wells is Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Aars | Wells, a full-service advertising agency located in downtown Dallas. Alex's primary responsibilities include developing strategic marketing and advertising initiatives for Aars | Wells clients and managing the agency's account service activities. Alex is a Lubbock native and a 2001 graduate of the College of Media & Communication.

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Morris Wilkes

Morris Wilkes is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a BA in Journalism.  He is owner of The Wilkes Company, a government relations/public affairs and political consulting firm.   Wilkes spent 13 years in the radio broadcasting business.  He served for 8 years as Executive Assistant to State Senator John T. Montford and also served as the Chief Clerk of the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee. He has also served as Vice President of Public Affairs for Cox Communications.

Wilkes served the President George W. Bush and the White House as a lead advance representative from 2001-2009. He has been named as an Outstanding Alumnus of the Texas Tech University College of Media & Communication and as a Distinguished Alumnus of Leadership Lubbock.  In 2005, Wilkes was named Public Affairs Professional of the Year by Cox Communications.  He is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

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Clay Wright

Clay Wright is the owner and Executive Producer for Desert Gem Productions, based in Albuquerque New Mexico. He is the 2010 TTU Mass Communications Outstanding Alumni. Clay has earned two Emmy's and multiple national awards. His work is often seen on NBC Nightly News, Entertainment Tonight, Discovery, the History Channel and elsewhere.

Clay received a BA degree from Texas Tech University in Journalism.

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Tony Wright

With more than ten years of hands-on and strategic experience in interactive marketing and a background in traditional and interactive public relations and journalism, Tony Wright, CEO and Founder of WrightIMC has spent his career helping businesses of all sizes be profitable on the Web. Wright is a search marketing expert and also has extensive experience in online crisis communication and brand reputation strategy, including corporate blogging and corporate monitoring, most notably directing the online corporate reputation management strategy for American Airlines immediately following the events of September 11, 2001. Wright serves on the board and is past president of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Search Marketing Association. He is also a frequent national speaker on search engine marketing, interactive advertising and reputation management topics. Wright received his Master of Arts in Mass Communication from Texas Tech University in 1999.

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Chase York

Chase York serves as a senior account executive at HCK2 Partners, a leading mid-size, full-service communications agency in the D/FW Metroplex. With experience in agency, corporate and nonprofit communications, she is responsible for providing strategic public relations counsel and media relations support to clients in a wide range of industries, including health care, technology, restaurant, retail and nonprofit.

York is an active member in PRSA Dallas and currently serves as University Relations Chair and Assistant Treasurer for the chapter. As a proud alumna, she also volunteers on the committee for the Texas Tech University Mass Communications Career Development Conference.

While attending Texas Tech, York worked for The Daily Toreador university newspaper as a reporter, sang in the University Choir and volunteered with the Honors College Student Activities Board, RaiderComm and PRSSA/Tech PR. She graduated in December 2008 and earned a bachelor’s degree with high honors in public relations honors studies.

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