Dave Barthmuss Email & Phone Number

Thousand Oaks, Ca And Northville, Mi

PR Strategies That Turn Haters into HuggersIndependent consultant/senior counsel for clients and agencies. Designs and implements public relations and communications strategies to improve image and reputation, build brands, engage stakeholders, and change conversations. Compelling storyteller accomplished in media relations, executive communications and thought leadership, environmental and sustainability communications, public policy, clean tech (electric vehicles), social media, digital content creation, and product and experiential marketing.

Van Buren Township, Mi

Global corporate communications lead for Visteon, an automotive electronics technology enterprise dedicated to creating a more enjoyable, connected and safe driving experience. Manage internal and external messaging to position company as a place employees are proud to be part of and talent wants to join.

Irvine, Ca

Crafted corporate narrative to showcase brand’s emergence as a high-tech incubator and provider of engineering, design, customization and contract manufacturing resources to other OEMs and start-ups looking to speed product development.Created communications strategy used by CEO and C-Suite team to engage workforce and build trust and buy-in of strategy to move company beyond traditional B2C automotive retail model into B2B tech space.Built alliances with key civic, business and policy organizations to earn important third-party credit for Karma’s local investment and commitment to the region.Corporate wordsmith; CEO speechwriter and creator of news releases, key message/Q&A documents, internal news posts, etc.

Crafted corporate narrative to showcase brand’s emergence as a high-tech incubator and provider of engineering, design, customization and contract manufacturing resources to other OEMs and start-ups looking to speed product development.Created communications strategy used by CEO and C-Suite team to engage workforce and build trust and buy-in of strategy to move company beyond traditional B2C automotive retail model into B2B tech space.Corporate wordsmith; CEO speechwriter and creator of news releases, key message/Q&A documents, internal news posts, etc.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Crafted award-winning grassroots programs to improve image and reputation of GM brands that helped increase sales and market share. Served as GM’s chief storyteller, humanized the company, and built an Advotocracy to turn the most determined detractor into a proactive advocate of GM’s electrification story. Molded a team of engaged Millennials, positioning them for upward management growth. Pioneered new lifestyle-oriented digital story-telling strategy that was emulated as a corporate best practice. Managed seven-figure annual budgets, designed to create identities in the west for four brands, advanced technologies (electric vehicles), and new connectivity stories. Improved credibility and respect for GM’s advanced technology story in key regulatory climate. Tirelessly defended GM’s decision to end production and marketing of the EV1, including speaking roles in two acclaimed documentaries – and managing the crisis of the negative fallout. Improved visibility and support for GM hydrogen fuel cell technology demonstration program, hybrid technologies, and national bio-fuel programs. Drove the key messaging and thought leadership of GM’s Chief Environmental Officer and policy staff. Developed consistent messaging and responded to contentious media and stakeholder questions concerning Corporate Average Fuel Economy debates; global climate change discussions; California’s ZEV mandate; national energy security issues; hydrogen fuel cell technology & hydrogen economy development; and corporate transparency/accountability efforts. Earned multiple industry awards for grassroots and digital storytelling programs, influencer campaign, and was named PR Professional of the Year by PRSA LA. A frequent speaker on the topics of alternative fuels, communication best practices, and various business topics at community and business events, universities, and major environmental conferences.

Greater Detroit Area

Provided on-site strategic communications counsel and tactical support for various GM communications executives and staff. Worked on-site at Chevrolet as a member of the communications team, coordinating sales, service and brand publicity efforts. Managed public relations agency activities and Chevrolet’s sales, service and marketing support staff. Monitored and maintained annual sales, service and marketing budget. Represented and managed regional GM Corporate Communications offices in Chicago and Atlanta. Planned and executed regional product-exposure events, and enhanced GM's national marketing efforts with localized regional publicity activities.