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.
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.
Keith P. Rowan, senior partner, is a seasoned corporate communications, financial relations and crisis preparedness executive with a diverse background in corporate and outside agency operations, in both Los Angeles and New York. He has served as a corporate officer, counselor and writer for a variety of multinational, middle market and emerging business organizations. As a corporate officer of three Fortune 500 New York Stock Exchange companies - Avco Corporation, Rockwell International and Smith International - he developed skills and expertise in a full spectrum of corporate communications areas: acquisitions/mergers and dispositions; IPOs and LBOs; tender defense preparation and execution; media training and crisis preparedness; employee and labor/strike communications; and public affairs.
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.
Samantha Kraslow, intern, is a junior at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and is enrolled in its Communications program. Her studies are concentrated in the areas of marketing, and communications. She is looking forward to pursuing graduate studies in Public Relations upon her graduation in April 2011.