|
Our Team
 Marie
Swift
PRINCIPAL
Bill Swift EXECUTIVE
COACH AND BUSINESS STRATEGIST
A business coach and management consultant for over
twenty years, Bill has created a strong record of success assisting healthcare
providers in improving quality and financial performance. Today, he works with
clients in the financial services industry as well. As an expert in strategic
thinking and in coaching executives to dramatically improve their personal
communication skills, Bill is committed to producing big results for his
clients.
Bill has delivered
speeches, workshops, and consulting programs for dozens on respected
organizations, including the nationally recognized Garrett Planning Network,
Yale-New Haven Medical Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, University
of Virginia Health Sciences Center and Cerner Corporation. Recent engagements
include specialized projects for Retirement Plus, General Motors, Coastal
Communications, Cardinal Healthcare and Schreiber Training & Consulting.
An accomplished public speaker and coach, Bill is available for keynote
presentations, group training seminars and individual consulting
engagements.
As a principal partner with
Impact Communications, Bill participates in managing the firm and collaborates
with the team on key client projects. While managing the details of operational
performance is a key focus, Bill’s real passion is in helping clients
improve their skills and develop confidence in all the arenas of public
communication (speeches, presentations, group management,
interpersonal). Years of serving as an executive advisor combined with
thousands of hours of training in personal development make Bill and ideal
resource for gaining an edge in presenting yourself to the
public.
In his personal time, Bill
enjoys being a dad, being outdoors, reading history and traveling. At one time a
professional entertainer, he occasionally threatens to give up the stresses of
business life and take up the piano again at the corner jazz
bar.
Leslie Swid
SENIOR
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Leslie Swid has been
providing clients with marketing services since 1987. Strong
analytical skills coupled with communications expertise enable her to quickly
evaluate marketing problems and to develop and implement effective solutions. As
a Senior Relationship Manager on the Impact Communications team, she works with
clients in the areas of marketing strategy, branding, positioning, message
development and writing/editing.
Leslie has also spent time
in the corporate world. She was Marketing Director for two divisions of a large
training and performance improvement company where her responsibilities
included advertising, public relations, trade shows, direct mail and collateral
materials, as well as internal communications. Before moving to Colorado in
1986, Leslie was a Business Manager for a major textiles company, with
P&L and merchandising responsibility for a multimillion-dollar
department store sheet brand. She developed both annual and long-term
business plans, and coordinated the efforts of multiple functional
areas.
Prior to attending Harvard
Business School, Leslie was a management consultant with Braxton Associates in
Boston and London. In addition to her MBA, she holds a BA in
Comparative Literature from Hamilton College, an MA in German from Syracuse
University, and she spent an academic year as a Fulbright Scholar in Vienna,
Austria.
A lover of language and
adventures, Leslie dreams of running off to Barcelona, Spain, to absorb the
culture and sample the sangria. In the meantime, she can usually be found
spending time with her two teenage boys, reading, walking her dog or pursuing
her newfound interest in woodworking.
Kip Wotkyns
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Kip Wotkyns has been actively involved in marketing communication, copywriting and public relations since 1980. He prides himself in being a careful listener, taking pains to understand client’s needs before developing and implementing solutions. As a Relationship Manager on the Impact Communications team, he works with clients in the areas of public relations, marketing strategy, branding, positioning, message development and copywriting. A former reporter for FORTUNE magazine, Kip has spent
time in the corporate world, with 14 years working for Time-Warner Inc. in New
York City and Washington D.C., working in a variety of divisions, where his
responsibilities included journalism, advertising, public relations, book and
magazine publishing, direct mail and marketing. After moving back home to
Colorado in 1990, he became the President of a national consumer magazine
publishing company called Leman Publications Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Rodale Press Inc.
Prior to graduating from Columbia
University’s Graduate School of Business and Graduate School of
Journalism in New York City, Kip was a proofreader and copy editor for TIME
magazine. In addition to his MBA and MSJ, he holds a BA in English from Stanford
University. He spent an academic year at Stanford-in-France in Tours,
France.
A believer in
academia, Kip is also currently adjunct faculty at Metropolitan State College of
Denver teaching public relations and journalism. Kip enjoys giving back to young
people some of the skills, experience and education he has so relished. When not
at his computer, he can usually be found spending time with his wife or two
teenage girls, reading, or pursuing outdoor interests.
 From left to right: Al Martin, Roxanne Brecek, Tom Werder, Karen Embry Karen
Embry
RELATIONSHIP
MANAGER
Karen Embry has been working in public relations and marketing
communications since 1988. As a Relationship Manager on the Impact
Communications team, she provides public relations tactics for a variety of
client accounts. Relying on a mélange of right and left brain
strengths, Karen blends logic with insight and pragmatism with creativity to
form meaningful strategic recommendations for her clients. While her forte is
working with the media and conducting related campaigns, she is also skilled at
writing of press releases and developing Web site
content.
Karen’s corporate experience includes marketing for an
international technology company where her responsibilities included
development of advertising, public relations and sales collateral; event
planning and execution; plus Web site management. Karen also spent several years
in promotion and fund-development for non-profit organizations. She managed the
creation, coordination and implementation of profitable fundraising campaigns,
as well as strategic completion of public relations activities.
Karen holds a BS in Journalism with a concentration in Public
Relations from the University of Kansas. She is a co-founder and current board
member of a learning center for children with special needs. Her combined skills
and experience are topped only by her commitment to the individuals and
organizations she serves.
Al Martin
MARKETING CONSULTANT / DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS Al Martin has been working
in public relations and marketing communications since 1998 and has developed,
managed and implemented marketing communications programs for Kraft Foods,
Georgia-Pacific, SC Johnson, Wendy's International, Excel Corporation, Lowe's
Home Improvement Warehouse, AMF Bowling and Kaplan Publishing, one of the
world’s leading business book
publishers.
As Relationship Manager, Al
serves a key consultant and advisor coach on the Impact Team, typically focusing
much of his time and energy on the PR Mastermind program (provided by Impact
Communications for Securities America advisors). A skilled media trainer, Al is
also responsible for writing new releases and developing targeted media lists
for our clients.
Al’s experience
in both consumer marketing and financial communications allows him to merge
client strategy with creativity, resulting in programs that both meet client
expectations and catch the media’s attention. For instance, Al was a
part of the team that produced award-winning programs for Wendy’s
International and the Alzheimer’s
Association.
Al holds a BS in Journalism
with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing from Arizona
State University. He is currently pursuing an MA in Sociology from
DePaul University.
In his free time, Al enjoys
travel, curling up with a good book and attending the
theatre.
Roxanne
Brecek
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Roxanne Brecek has been providing financial advisors and financial institutions with marketing, sales and PR support for over a decade. She is familiar with many aspects of the financial industry having worked as a marketing professional for two broker/dealers, a large insurance company and a third-party money management firm, prior to joining Impact Communications. Roxanne is most proud of her role as Director of Sales and Marketing for Brecek & Young Advisors, where she led the public relations campaign to assist the broker/dealer in being recognized with numerous awards, including Investment Advisor magazine’s “Broker/Dealer of the Year” award five times and Boomer Market Advisor magazine’s “Broker/Dealer Excellence” award two years in a row. As a relationship manager for Impact, Roxanne enjoys partnering with clients to provide professional support, creative ideas and compelling materials to strengthen their marketing and public relations efforts. Roxanne has a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is currently enrolled in Arizona State University’s MBA program. She holds Series 7, 24 and 66 financial licenses as well as a California life insurance license. A volunteer for a Golden Retriever rescue organization, Roxanne has “hosted” rescue dogs waiting for permanent homes and assists in fundraising activities. She is also active in the Greater Sacramento 20-30 Club, which supports non-profits that serve underprivileged youth. Roxanne and her husband have a young son and two dogs. They stay busy with outdoor sports, including boating, kayaking and hiking. Tom Werder
EXECUTIVE COACH AND BUSINESS STRATEGIST As a seasoned keynote speaker, coach, entrepreneur and business
building expert for over 37 years, Tom has gained a stellar reputation producing
exponential results in business. His proprietary peak performance
processes, The BullsEye PrincipleTM and The Pinocchio
SyndromeTM, have catapulted businesses to extraordinary
achievements.
Armed with a strong commitment to excellence, Tom’s
specialty on the Impact Team is coaching and teaching executives and managers to
break through performance barriers so that they can live their personal
dream.
Having owned nine businesses in industries as diverse as
engineering, music, construction, consulting and training, Tom has been able to
offer services as consultant and executive for associations, small businesses,
government agencies and training organizations, including Garret Planning
Network, Lincoln National Health Insurance, Landmark Education, Pak Mail, Qwest,
RMG Engineers, Small Business Development Corporations, Sheridan School District
and Hogan Systems (IBM).
Tom also created and delivered a series of small business seminars
with Jungle Marketing. As a consultant with Service Impact, a
corporation created by the founding senior executive of Federal Express, he
generated corporate culture change from the bottom
up.
Tom’s personal time is occupied with hiking and fitness,
reading, traveling and finding mischief and adventure wherever
possible. He is committed to going to work every day in shorts and
sandals, which explains why he and his wife are relocating to the jungles of
Panama where they will be trying to convince their two adult children to come
and play.
From left to right: Christy Barron, Teresa Law, Quinn Law Christy
Barron
MARKETING
CONSULTANT / ART DIRECTOR
Impact Communications'
graphic design and brand specialist is Christy Barron. She works behind the
scene with project managers and vendors to implement marketing strategies.
Christy is a creative professional with over 15 years of experience in visual communications. Before joining this team in 2001, she worked in print production, desktop publishing, graphic design, illustration, and writing instructional materials. Her wide design experience includes logo and brand development, direct mail, periodical and book publishing, photography direction, and production management. Christy also brings value through copy writing and concept development. She operates as thought partner in all aspects of the creative process. Beyond skills and experience, Christy approaches her work with a special enthusiasm. She is practical idealist who brings a great sense of wonder, humor and love of life to all her endeavors. She has a love of adventure and an ability to interact with people. Her quest for experience, wisdom and fun is expressed through all that she touches. Teresa
Law
OPERATIONS MANAGER / RELATIONSHIP
MANAGER
Teresa Law has refined her
public relations skills in a host of business settings for
over 25 years. A skilled communicator, she understands that listening
intently to the client is as important as what is said back. Teresa’s
strong communication skills and marketing know-how are equaled by her stellar
time management and operational abilities. She excels
at researching services and product options for our clients, and
“value” is her middle name. Project management and managing
a myriad of details with style and grace is her
strength.
As an entrepreneur and
business manager, Teresa has been responsible for creating fiscally responsible
advertising campaigns and public awareness programs since 1968. As the
manager of a high-end retail art gallery and custom framing shop, she created
the prototype for a franchise chain and opened the first test location
in an upscale Mall. She developed the company’s
mailing list and customer rewards program, implemented marketing strategies,
produced advertising, and directed art show planning and
events.
As a corporate list broker
with a widely-respected seminar production company, she was responsible for a $3
Million per year target marketing budget for International direct mail. She
negotiated the acquisition of domestic and international mailing lists for
seminars in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and other
countries. Communication and building rapport with clients was
accomplished almost entirely via phone, fax and computer. She received many
company awards for her cost savings and company
contributions.
A retired
Soccer Mom, Teresa has fostered her ability to read adventure novels while
poised in a canvas sling back chair on a grassy field. While she is known for
her gourmet cooking and grand entertaining style, it is perhaps her secret
recipe barbeque that has kept her husband of over twenty years close to
home.
Quinn Law RESIDENT WEB MASTER Some people's brains are wired for technology. Happily, Quinn is one of those gifted few. Serving as Impact's Resident Web Master, Quinn is in charge of setting up and maintaining client Web sites. He's lightning fast, always on the go, with fingers and brain a-flying. Whenever possible, Impact prefers to utilize the basic Web Templates and robust back office capabilities provided by a business ally. Our award-winning graphics department will create a stunning custom banner and signature home page graphic for your site, our professional writers will help you develop the content and navigational structure if you wish, and our Resident Web Master (that's Quinn!) will pull it all together and implement the plan. The result? A beautiful site for a fraction of the cost of a traditionally-built custom site. It's the best of both worlds. Check Our
Services
to access a list of links to sites we have built using the semi-custom process
just described.
When you need updates to your site, you can make them
yourself or just let us know what you need done. Quinn will serve as
your personal Web Master, leveraging your staff's time and reducing problems. In
addition to having an eye for detail (and young nubile wrists), Quinn also has a
knack for visual arts. When it's time for Team Impact to brainstorm logo ideas
or graphic solutions, we can count on Quinn for fresh ideas and insights.
Before joining Impact
Communications, Quinn worked for his father’s company framing
multi-million dollar custom homes. His eye for design and aptitude for computer
aided design (CAD) came in handy on home addition and renovation projects. He
was an ace soccer player beginning at the age of six, playing at the
state’s top competitive level and varsity soccer in high school. Quinn
is interested in the computer sciences and is currently earning an
associates degree in Multimedia Graphic
Design and Visual Communications.
Janet Hull GRAPHIC DESIGNER Janet Hull has been interested in art
since she was old enough to pick up a drawing tool … 1st a crayon,
then a pencil, then a computer mouse. She approaches graphics and art like she
approaches life – a wondrous adventure. With each new project comes an
experience of discovery and knowledge. This approach follows her philosophy of
being a lifetime learner. She believes that knowledge is a personal treasure
that can’t be taken away and is to be used
forever.
Janet grew up on a farm in rural Iowa
and has since worn many hats in life. She has been an EMT-B, an administrative
assistant, worked in production quality control and quality assurance, been a
security guard, receptionist, and school teacher working with at-risk teens.
Although she has had many challenging and rewarding roles in life, none have
been more rewarding or important to her than being a wife, mother, and now
grandmother! She has been married for a long time and has 2 grown boys, 2
grandsons, 1 cat and 1 dog.
A student of Gestalt, Janet finds
amusement in the idea that her life has brought her full circle – back
to her art. Recently earning an Associate of Science degree in graphic design
she now includes digital mediums in her wide artistic repertoire. Her
contributions to the Impact Communications Design team include: logo concepting,
collateral design, brochure layout, and Web image
production.
 From left to right: Yella Werder, Juliette Swift, Mary Ellen Banta Mary Ellen Banta Mary Ellen Banta is an executive assistant par excellence, perfecting her skills throughout a 20-year career with government agencies and private businesses in Florida. With experience in agencies such as the Department of Corrections, the Medical Examiners Office and Animal Control, as well as in law offices, graphics firms and homebuilding companies, she has seen it all. She also understands the challenges of being an entrepreneur, having owned two antiques/collectibles shops and been on the show circuit. Her extensive expertise and “get it done” attitude ensure that Impact functions as well behind the scenes as it does in the PR and marketing arena. Outgoing and personable, Mary Ellen loves working with people, making sure that both colleagues and clients have a smooth, glitch-free experience in all of their interactions with her. (We sometimes wonder if it has anything to do with her many years of raising and training show dogs, but whatever it is, we’re grateful for her abilities!) While she loves hiking, biking sailing and yoga, her quiet passion is auto racing (spectator only), which she shares with her son. But mostly, she loves spending time with her many friends and giving back to the community through her volunteer activities.
Yella Werder As a freelance entertainer, tailoring performances for the
event, she found herself recording two albums of music, writing and performing
the material while juggling studio time, production finances and
sales. Yella also worked for many years as a music director, managing
musicians, which is akin to herding cats. She has a strong background
as a teacher and facilitator, authoring and presenting workshops while managing
enrollment and tuitions.
Success in such a wide variety of areas has always been
grounded in Yella’s passion for people and her natural flair for
support. Her absolute commitment to knowledge of one’s true
essence gets translated into assisting our team and clients in daily tasks that
become infused with peace and joy. One doesn’t often think
of scheduling a phone call as a task that can offer enjoyment, but
Yella’s expertise is the genuine appreciation of every moment, and she
is determined that this appreciation become infectious.
Having raised two children
into successful adulthood, Yella and her husband of 34 years now enjoy a life
filled with new horizons. Still performing as a singer, Yella also
uses her Spiritual education to offer gatherings for
Self-Inquiry.
Juliette Swift GIRL FRIDAY Juliette Swift has worked as a Girl Friday for Impact Communications since 2005. Duties include filing, shredding, collating and stapling, errands, research on the Internet, illustration, layout and design. “When
I grow up, I want to be like my mom,” says Juliette.
“Because she has an important job and helps people. I also hope to
publish a book one day.”
In her free time, Juliette
enjoys practicing soccer, playing basketball, jumping on the trampoline, making
crafts and jogging while watching TV. She is in advanced instruction at Liz
Kelly Dance Studio and has just completed her third big recital. An animal lover
and environmental activist, Juliette is active in the junior Girl Scout troop
and loves to camp.
Additional team members work behind the scenes to
ensure the success of each client project.The firm retains the services of a
Powerpoint Specialist, a Web Master, an Excel Expert, an Operational Efficiency
and Management Consultant, a Technology Consultant, and has
access to a bank of other talented Writers and Corporate Communications
Specialists.
|
©2010 Impact Communications. All rights reserved. |
