Brian Gunn Email & Phone Number

Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area

In my role as the Senior Engagement Manager at Measures for Justice, I spearhead a wide range of engagement strategies that empower, educate, and connect diverse stakeholders in the field of criminal justice reform.With a keen focus on fostering intentional relationships, I serve as a bridge between MFJ and our partners which include Commons Advisors, Community Advisory Board Members, Key Agency Members, and other justice-centered organizations. In my work, I ensure that all stakeholders are actively participating in and contributing to our shared mission of making criminal justice data accessible and actionable.Drawing on my deep well of experience in community engagement, I am responsible for the design and execution of collaborative workshops, retreats, and other forums that spark dialogue and build consensus around shared policy goals. Through these initiatives, I work towards addressing key community issues, promoting policies that align with our goals, and establishing an environment of inclusivity, equity, and shared ownership.As a community engagement practitioner, I am committed to keeping the voices of our stakeholders at the heart of our efforts. I believe in listening, learning, and leading with empathy. It's this ethos that allows us to move forward together, breaking barriers, and creating lasting, impactful change in the criminal justice landscape.In this ever-evolving field, I am thrilled to be part of a team that values collaboration, transparency, and innovative solutions. Together, we are driving progress towards a future where comprehensive, accessible, and reliable criminal justice data serves as a foundation for meaningful system reform.

The Birmingham Planning Commission is the official planning agency for the City of Birmingham. Under Title 11 of the Alabama Code, its broad responsibility is to plan for the orderly physical development and/or redevelopment of the City, including its transportation network, community facilities, and the arrangement of land uses. More specifically, the Commission is responsible for preparing and maintaining, on a current basis, a Comprehensive Plan which serves as an overall guide to coordinate private and public development within the City.

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

As a Senior Communications Strategist, I have had the opportunity to apply my expertise in public relations and community engagement to create lasting and meaningful impact for our clients and their communities. My passion for building strong connections between businesses, nonprofits, and local governments has driven me to develop and execute innovative strategies that elevate the voices of those we serve.Utilizing my skills in public relations, I craft compelling narratives and messages that resonate with diverse audiences. This has allowed me to effectively communicate our client's missions, values, and goals while fostering an environment of mutual understanding and trust among stakeholders. In addition, by employing targeted outreach campaigns and leveraging various media channels, I have raised awareness of critical issues and galvanized community support for our clients' initiatives.I have prioritized establishing authentic relationships with key stakeholders in community engagement, including advocacy groups, community leaders, and local organizations. This approach has enabled me to identify shared goals and synergies, resulting in collaborative efforts that drive positive change within communities. My public relations and community engagement dedication has allowed me to create meaningful partnerships and drive tangible results for our clients. From increasing brand recognition and securing earned media opportunities to successful political campaigns, my work has consistently demonstrated the power of strategic communications and community engagement in enacting change.As I continue my journey in this dynamic field, I remain committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve by championing the causes that matter most and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within our communities.

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

As a Senior Account Manager at Direct Communications, I focused my public relations efforts on coalescing stakeholder groups for local, state, and national clients. My efforts aimed to raise awareness of pivotal issues in education, healthcare, and economic development, ultimately enhancing the well-being of communities through intentionally engaging community partners.In this capacity, I developed and managed multiple successful marketing campaigns, carefully tailored to each client's unique needs. These campaigns significantly boosted brand recognition and generated valuable earned media opportunities, further amplifying the clients' messages and fostering positive change.My proactive approach to engaging with various advocacy groups across the state helped forge meaningful relationships and identify synergies between clients' interests and the missions of these groups. By effectively bridging the gap between diverse organizations, I facilitated the alignment of goals and created collaborative partnerships that empowered communities.One of my proudest accomplishments at Direct Communications was coordinating the efforts of a national company to collaborate with state and local organizations. Through effective communication and strategic planning, I enabled the successful implementation of public relations strategies that resonated on a broader scale. This ultimately resulted in the sponsorship of federal legislation, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of community engagement and the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Birmingham, Alabama Area

At the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), my role as a Program Officer centered on community engagement and fostering positive change. I provided essential technical assistance to project sponsors and monitored grant data to ensure compliance with performance measurement requirements. My expertise in planning, designing, and submitting grant applications empowered sponsors to access CNCS resources and guidance.By meticulously maintaining portfolio records in adherence to federal regulations, I ensured the smooth progress of community initiatives. I also played a crucial role in reviewing and implementing updated CNCS program guidance with various stakeholders, promoting effective collaboration and achieving shared goals.My research and problem-solving skills enabled me to address and resolve issues related to AmeriCorps VISTA and Senior Corps program management, ensuring the success of community programs. In addition, I worked closely with supervisors to devise and implement solutions that improved the overall effectiveness of these initiatives.My ability to establish and maintain strong collaborations with civic and nonprofit organizations was instrumental in securing over $12 million in federal investments for the State of Alabama. These funds drove community development across various sectors: education, job creation, crime reduction, city revitalization, veteran support, senior care, and disaster recovery. Through this work, I demonstrated my unwavering commitment to community engagement and positive social impact through these efforts.

Birmingham, Alabama Area

As District Manager at REV Birmingham, I was deeply involved in community engagement work, which laid the foundation for the revitalization and economic development of multiple neighborhoods across the city. In addition, I actively managed projects to increase commercial districts' economic vitality by filling vacant spaces and cultivating a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors.My collaborative approach with stakeholders enabled the successful execution of innovative initiatives that attracted and retained hundreds of jobs, contributing to an average of ten new businesses established annually within these communities. These collective efforts not only bolstered the local economy but also enhanced the overall quality of life for the residents.In addition, I designed programs that consistently increased visitor numbers, driving revenue growth for local businesses ranging from 10% to 15% quarterly. In addition, I played a pivotal role in managing district-wide work plans, uniting businesses, residents, politicians, and other community members to realize a shared vision.Additionally, I managed communication strategies centered on public awareness and education, fostering an appreciation for the community's architecture and businesses, and promoting an understanding of the Main Street program's goals. This approach strengthened connections and fostered pride within the community.Lastly, my efforts in securing grants enabled the successful implementation of strategies aligned with the community's mission and vision. This funding was crucial in driving community engagement work and positively impacting the City of Birmingham.

Birmingham, Alabama Area

Huntsville, Alabama Area

Distributed and coordinated assignments from crew leader to 20+ enumerators. Supervised enumerators ensuring they completed accompanying tasks using strict procedures and protocols. Learned the nature, scope, and objectives of each assigned field operation and specific procedures to be followed. Assisted the crew leader in analyzing work ensuring it was completed according to procedures and on schedule. Reviewed daily payroll forms for accuracy and completeness.