Staff Vitae

Patrick McLaughlin is a seasoned public relations and corporate communications veteran. He has a proven track record of providing strategic public relations counsel to corporate clients in the technology field. McLaughlin has led teams responsible for designing strategic campaigns, managing media relations and facilitating tactical execution. In addition, he has led PR efforts specific to corporate diversity and citizenship efforts. His experience includes working as a producer at an ABC TV affiliate, teaching communications courses at Grand Valley State, leading new media development at the Amway Corporation and serving as Director of Marketing Communications at a voice recognition software start-up. McLaughlin is accredited with the Public Relations Society of America, previously served as Chair of the Technology Section and currently serves as a national member of the Board of Ethics and Professional Standards of PRSA.
Laura Blodgett, consultant has 15 years of experience in marketing communications and public relations in a range of industries including automotive, education, finance, foodservice, law, retail, small business and travel. Her hands-on experience includes writing, editing, media relations, account management, community relations, promotions and event planning in both agency and corporate environments. She served as managing editor, Global Communications at Visteon Corporation where she managed the writing and editing of global internal and external communications for the auto supplier. Laura held positions with several agencies in Chicago serving the public relations needs of clients such as AT&T, Chicago Youth Centers, CNA Insurance, Factory Card Outlet Superstores, Fordham University, the Illinois State Bar Association, Jamaica Tourism Board and the National Association of Women Business Owners. A graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.
Wendy Williams, has over 20 years experience consulting with large and small businesses with graphic design and production services and new and social media It is her belief that “community” is increasingly becoming the defining feature of the most successful business and brands. Her goal is to help businesses thoroughly define their customers and the tools that will constitute a customized, purposeful, flexible, innovative online marketing campaign—for any budget. She is a graduate of Michigan State
Dirk Fischbach, consultant, specializes in written communications, and has worked extensively in the public relations, marketing and journalism fields. He spent over 15 with R.J. Conlin, Inc., serving as the company’s principal copywriter, editor and proofreader. He was responsible for the bulk of the writing and production coordination duties on the firm’s Goodwrench Racing Report (a magazine produced monthly for General Motors Service and Parts Operations), and also wrote the two commemorative volumes R.J. Conlin produced for GM Goodwrench. Dirk also served as managing editor of the Chelsea Standard, Dexter Leader and Manchester Enterprise newspapers for Heritage Newspapers. Before joining R.J. Conlin, Dirk was the public relations coordinator at Bixby Medical Center, in Adrian, Michigan. He is an honors graduate of the University of Michigan and is an avid fly fisherman.
JoAnn L. Atkin, Ph.D. is on faculty of Western Michigan University. She holds a PhD from Michigan State, MBA and Bachelors degrees in Marketing from Wayne State University. Her experience encompasses planning and implementing broadcast and print advertising strategies for regional retailers; retail sales management; and planning and implementing both qualitative and quantitative consumer research studies related to marketing/advertising strategies and consumer behavior. Most recently, her primary responsibilities in industry included: analyzing, interpreting and reporting results of direct marketing programs; conducting secondary research; and, developing and coordinating primary research activities for the following clients: Daimler Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, General Motors Corporation, and Pfizer.
Jason Cornell is an Internet and new media consultant, specializing in the use of blogs and podcasts as components of a comprehensive marketing plan. His programming languages include XHTML, Flash, and Cornell is also well-versed in Windows NT, and home-based networking systems. Jason earned a bachelor of science degree in computer information systems from Aquinas College.
Jaclyn Klein, intern, will be a senior at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in the fall. She is a Communications major with a minor in Political Science. Jaclyn has prior internship experience, as she spent last summer with the Public Relations department at the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan. Following graduation in April 2011, Jaclyn plans on working in Public Relations with an interest in health or education.
Stephanie Snyder, intern, is a senior at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in Public Policy and earning an academic minor in German. She spent the summer in Washington, DC working as a program intern at a nonprofit organization called Grantmakers for Children, Youth & Families. During the school year, she gives tours and hosts recruitment programs for prospective U of M students and their parents. Stephanie is hoping to pursue a career in public relations after graduation in May 2011.