ValDeWitt.com

With nearly 35 years of communication consulting experience in corporate, organizational, retail, service, entrepreneurial, non-profit, and start-up settings, I have worked with Fortune 500 companies, one-person

start-ups, fledgling community-based organizations, and everything in between. I have learned that they all have one thing in common: the need to create change. Whether the goal is to guide, teach, influence, entertain, explain, persuade, comfort, confront, or reinforce — strategic communication is central to achieving your goals.

WRITING, EDITING & CONTENT DEVELOPMENTCONSULTING & CREATIVE SERVICES

Consulting & Coaching • Project & Team Management • Writing, Editing & Publishing Creative Development • Training & Capacity Building • Video Production • Events Management • Script & Speech Writing • Speaker & Bureau Management • Web Development / SEO • Direct Marketing • Advertising • Resource Development

RECENT CLIENTS

Jacobs Family FoundationJacobs Center for Neighborhood InnovationActing as the foundations' director of communication for nearly 20 years, my consulting work included development and management of all media, marketing, and communications efforts. Over time, the foundation grew from a two-person grant-making organization to an innovative neighborhood-strengthening organization employing 200 people and spawning 18 related entities. I led all communication efforts for non-profit and for-profit entities, assisted in raising more than $350 million, and helped take the foundation from a small, local charity to a worldwide innovator and leader in its field.

The Village at Market CreekThe Village at Market Creek is a place-based network of related non- and for-profit entities focused on social enterprise and community ownership. I directed and developed media and materials in numerous languages for festivals, talent contests, cultural events, and weekly entertainment. These activities helped increase foot traffic and revenues for community businesses and bolster resident involvement in reclaiming their neighborhoods. As a consultant, I directed all network communication, built a supporting consulting team, helped develop 32 businesses resulting in 716 new jobs, and contributed to economic activity of over $72.5 million.

Market Creek PlazaBuilt by and for the community on a former brownfield, Market Creek Plaza is a destination providing critical services and catering to the unique needs of the multicultural community. I developed and implemented marketing and public relations plans, wrote and published a newsletter, led direct-mail campaigns, and produced TV and radio spots. Market Creek Plaza reclaimed $50 million in retail leakage, created 250 new jobs with 84% of them filled by minorities, outperformed sales benchmarks by 55%, and awarded 79% of its contracts to community businesses. A groundbreaking Community Development Public Offering was also developed to make all stakeholders eligible to buy ownership units in Market Creek Plaza. I developed the communication and recognition plans, wrote and edited technical financial documents, developed campaign materials, managed media, produced DVDs, and handled campaign communication. The ownership goals were met, including attracting 425 stakeholder investors and raising $1.7 million. Resident investors have benefited from a 10% return on investment every year since.Market Creek Events & VenuesA for-profit social enterprise designed to bring a major conference and learning center to an underinvested area in San Diego, MCEV serves as a training facility for careers in the fields of events and hospitality. I conducted and analyzed market research, determined key audiences, helped build the business plan, developed the marketing plan, and created marketing and sales materials. The business broke even in its first year of operation and is

positioned to continue that trend, adding jobs and economic activity in the community.

Hewlett Packard CompanyMy consulting work with HP grew from publishing a weekly employee newsletter to consulting on a worldwide communication initiative. In addition to the internal newsletter, I helped develop and communicate an employee safety program, writing and producing all supporting materials. Working with the marketing department, I developed tradeshow promotions, wrote and published customer and technical newsletters, developed sales training programs and materials, and coordinated third-party vendor communications. The worldwide communication initiative involved research, surveys, focus groups, and analysis for use in developing strategy for reaching employees in all countries where HP does business. Working from the top down, the team helped executives and managers understand how effective communication can motivate employees, inform marketing, and increase sales.

Fairfield PropertiesAs Fairfield improved and remodeled rental properties in California and Nevada, I worked with the management team to develop promotions, advertising, and materials to attract tenants. My work included consulting on property names, brand, and image, writing and producing supporting materials, training sales agents, and measuring impact of the marketing efforts.

Elementary Institute of Science Founded as an after-school enrichment program more than 40 years ago, EIS asked for help in developing and implementing program, capital, and endowment campaigns to build state-of-the-art facilities and serve children throughout San Diego County. As their communication consultant, I partnered with the small staff and a team of campaign consultants on feasibility studies, visioning, strategic planning, communication strategy, major events, media and materials. We surpassed all campaign goals, partnering with the institute until it became a self-sustaining, nationally known hands-on science center.

Child Abuse Prevention FoundationI worked with the board and staff to take the foundation from an unknown entity to a multi-million-dollar organization serving abused children throughout San Diego County. I developed and implemented a multi-prong communication strategy that increased visibility and attracted thousands of new donors. The foundation took on the challenge of leading a capitol campaign to replace the aging and overcrowded Hillcrest Receiving Home, bringing in the lead donors for the new Jessie Polinsky Children's Center. My work included developing resource and communication strategy, initiating proactive media relations, producing video and printed materials, and expanding staff capacity.

EDUCATION

Bachelors Degree at San Diego State University with major in journalism and public relationsMasters Degree at University of San Francisco with major in Organizational DevelopmentNumerous certificates, continuing education units, and professional development programs

CONTACTVal DeWitt3344 Rancho Miguel RoadJamul, CA 91935619-840-4899ValDeWitt@ aol.com

Work samples at ValDeWitt.com