High Priority Partners (HPP) is led by a journalist with over 20 years of newsroom experience, offering unparalleled media insight. Founded as a public information and crisis communication firm, HPP emphasizes community building, collaboration, and empowerment. We specialize in B2B and B2C marketing and messaging management, providing tailored solutions to government entities, politicians, nonprofits, and businesses. Our goal is to craft and deliver precise, impactful messages to clients, customers, and constituents.Our approach is based on transparency, authenticity, and meaningful engagement. We excel in crisis communications, working with journalists to convey compelling narratives with clarity and integrity. This strategic approach not only saves organizations time and resources but also enhances trust and credibility.Our team, with over 20 years of collective newsroom experience, understands the power of storytelling. We leverage social media, photography, videography, and aerial imaging to amplify our clients' messages. Our expertise extends to podcast production, having created and produced several influential local podcasts.At the heart of our work is the belief that everyone's story matters. Our mission is to uncover and communicate narratives that inspire, inform, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

I'm an experienced candidate who ran for Congress in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District during the winter of 2023-2024. With a background as a former journalist and a strong commitment to our community, I'm dedicated to bringing positive change and representation to our district.Key Responsibilities:🌟 Advocating for Southern Ohio: Leading efforts to address the concerns and needs of our community members, ensuring their voices are heard on the national stage.📢 Amplifying Voices: Leveraging my experience as a journalist to hold elected officials accountable and promote transparency in government.💼 Policy Development: Collaborating with experts, stakeholders, and constituents to develop policies that promote economic opportunity, affordable healthcare, quality education, and environmental sustainability.🤝 Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with constituents and local organizations to understand their priorities and work together for a brighter future.🗳️ Campaigning: Running a dynamic and inclusive campaign, connecting with voters, and rallying support for our shared vision.✨ Join Me on This Journey: Let's work together to make Southern Ohio an even better place to live, work, and thrive. Join me in our mission for positive change!

Based in the Library's communications department, I worked directly with local media (of all types) to share the great things going on with one of the United States' largest and most-used library systems, CHPL! My goal was to connect customers with all the Library has to offer, and one of the best ways to do that is through media—in all its many forms. My duties as the public information officer for the entire library system included writing press releases, editing content, writing content for our various social and online platforms and constantly communicating with the amazing librarians to help them share with customers (and future customers) all the many, many wonderful things they do each and every day. I was also the backup staff photographer and videographer, assisting with internal communications, marketing initiatives, and new ways to live and share the Library brand—For Minds of All Kinds!

I founded Loveland Local News to bring quality, independent, and balanced reporting to Loveland, Ohio, and surrounding areas, utilizing my expertise in analytics, content management, digital marketing, SEO, digital content, and advertising. Drawing from my experience as a full-time journalist, I created and report on events, businesses, government, families, and politics in and around the Loveland area.Once regular publishing began, I strategically utilized my skills in digital marketing, SEO, and content management to grow Loveland Local News' footprint in less than one month. Surpassing four established media brands covering Loveland, we became the most-read media organization based on Facebook reach and engagement. Within a short span, the site's daily visitors grew from just a handful to averaging more than 1,000, with continuous growth.

During my tenure at Mobilcomm, I led the company's successful entry into the unmanned aerial vehicle (or drone) field, overseeing critical aspects such as hardware sales, software application development, drone detection and mitigation, specialized flight and operational training, and government advocacy. This strategic move diversified our offerings and positioned us as a prominent player in the rapidly evolving drone technology sector.In parallel, I spearheaded the creation of the "Public Safety Drone Podcast," a pioneering platform tailored for public safety drone operators. Collaborating with a fire chief, firefighter, police lieutenant, a drone geek YouTube star, and myself, this podcast was a groundbreaking initiative that provided valuable insights and expertise to the industry. It was the first of its kind and garnered significant attention within the public safety and drone communities.Furthermore, I was key in cultivating community through Mobilcomm, organizing in-person meet-ups and offering free training sessions. This initiative fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities among professionals in the field. I represented the company publicly to high-level customers, government officials and the media, leading the company's public affairs initiatives. Additionally, I developed an e-commerce application using WordPress, streamlining the online sales process for parts, accessories, and related items catering to the two-way radio market, drones, and associated products. This digital platform contributed significantly to our revenue growth and market presence.Moreover, I strategically crafted and executed comprehensive marketing and communications plans, encompassing content production such as writing, photography, video shooting, and editing. These efforts strengthened our brand identity, amplified our market reach, and effectively communicated our offerings to our target audience.

Ross Self Storage, located in Ross Township (Butler County), Ohio, a family business founded 1981, specializing in secure, discount storage solutions - from the outdoors to various sizes indoors.

Covering local news, issues, politics and concerns in Cincinnati and the surroundings area important beyond our geographic region. Work for Reuters is seen throughout the world, and now, more frequently, in the United States.

I managed Cincinnati Development Fund's communications, information technology resources and oversaw administrative functions, including the office staff. My job at CDF included maintaining the nonprofit organization's Web site and establishing new and improving current online media presence, including new social media channels, newsletters and other initiatives, plus photography and videography, shooting and editing. I was 24/7 media contact person who handled all of the organization's public relations and event planning, including a very successful, well-attended, high-profile 25-year anniversary celebration.I managed improvements to and coordinated all aspects of CDF's technology infrastructure - including office computer networks, hardware and software purchases and troubleshooting, plus telephone and office equipment, including selection, budgeting, implementation and employee training. In addition, I headed CDF's highly-successful and numerous grant applications, reports and other functions related to grants received, and handled all government applications, including the annual critical new markets tax credit application. I also oversaw administrative functions for the organization, including employee supervision, workflow improvement and office efficiency, among other tasks.

During my tenure as a substitute teacher at Cincinnati Public Schools, primarily at Clark Montessori, I mainly taught social studies and English for longer-term assignments, while filling in wherever needed at other times.Clark Montessori, known for its unique educational approach and strong community, provided an enriching environment where I delivered engaging and effective lessons to diverse student groups, ensuring continuity in education during teacher absences. I was recognized for my dedication and effectiveness in the classroom, leading to an offer for full-time employment. Additionally, I substituted at other schools within the district when Clark Montessori did not require my services.This period also included balancing my professional responsibilities while being the primary caregiver for my ailing grandmother, demonstrating my commitment to both my family and my profession. This also allowed me to continue to work as a freelance journalist.

In 2005, the Brian & Joe Radio Show, originally heard on WAIF-FM, became Cincinnati's inaugural podcast, accompanying its initial success as a radio show. Hosted by writer and graphic artist Brian Mueller and journalist Joe Wessels, two lifelong close friends, the hour-long show delved into various topics, from politics and education to community involvement, comedy, entertainment, and more.The show featured interviews with local personalities and extended its reach to cover stories and events in Louisiana and Texas, highlighting stories often overlooked by mainstream media.Recognized for its groundbreaking approach, the show was awarded "Best New Show" by the WAIF-FM board of directors in 2005 and later received an SPJ Award of Excellence in the radio program category. Today, the complete archives of the show are accessible online at www.brianjoeshow.com, offering a rich tapestry of insights and entertainment for listeners from this critical period in Cincinnati's history.

Awarded "Best Journalist in Cincinnati" in 2007 by the readers of Cincinnati CityBeat, a local alt-weekly newspaper for my coverage in The Cincinnati Post. Known for regularly scooping Cincinnati Enquirer reporters (and their two beat reporters) while covering Cincinnati City Hall and Hamilton County government for The Post and The Kentucky Post. My coverage also spilled out into breaking news, business news and features. I also regularly shot photos for my stories. In addition, I originated locally the use of a personal blog with background information on the stories I cover that did not make it into the paper.To promote my work at Cincinanti's smaller daily paper I co-hosted City Talk Radio Sunday evenings on SuperTalk FM 96.5 in Cincinnati. City Talk was a community affairs show with news, interviews and information about happenings in the community.

During my internship in 2000, I honed my journalism skills by covering numerous breaking news events and crafting compelling news features. My ability to break news stories that consistently made it to the front page of the paper highlighted my knack for impactful storytelling and staying ahead of important developments.In my previous role as a news assistant, I became the linchpin of the newsroom, seamlessly handling a diverse range of tasks to ensure smooth operations. From efficiently managing telephone calls, sorting through faxes, and warmly greeting newsroom visitors, I cultivated a welcoming atmosphere conducive to productive work.One of my significant contributions was reviving the lapsed (and very popular) birth and wedding announcement features, where I showcased my attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate information to our audience. Additionally, I remained vigilant by monitoring emergency communication reports, ready to respond swiftly to urgent news developments.I also had the privilege of showcasing my writing prowess by crafting engaging feature obituaries that honored the lives of individuals in our community. Beyond that, I played a pivotal role as the editor's right-hand person, handling errands, and ensuring the polished quality of our content by collecting proofs from the Enquirer's printing plants before publication.

As a staff reporter at the Cincinnati Business Courier, Cincinnati's premier business newspaper, I had the honor of writing several cover stories that delved into critical issues shaping our region's business landscape. My ability to beat all other media outlets to breaking news stories demonstrated my agility and dedication to delivering timely and exclusive content to our readers.One of my key strengths was my significant inroads in source development, allowing me to access insider information and provide in-depth analysis on complex topics. Whether covering technology, real estate, manufacturing, or other sectors, I navigated multifaceted subjects with precision and clarity, earning the trust of industry insiders and readers alike.

I joined Tax Centers of America (TCA) when it had eight locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. I played a key role in its rapid expansion to 28 locations across the Cincinnati-Dayton region. As part of the executive management team, I contributed to growing the company into the Dayton, Ohio market and extending its footprint to several cities across the United States, including establishing 15 offices in the Indianapolis area and more than 200 locations across the United States. During this time, I managed a team of over 50 employees, ensuring operational efficiency and high performance. Annual revenues grew from under $1 million to more than $8 million annually in three years, with my region increasing revenues more than doubling during a two-year period.I oversaw new market development initiatives, successfully launching 18 new stores in Las Vegas, Fresno, and Sacramento. My efforts significantly contributed to the company's growth and market penetration in these regions.Following these accomplishments, I returned to Dayton to spearhead the company's foray into national online tax-related bank products and income tax preparation services. In its inaugural year, we completed close to 2,000 tax returns, showcasing our ability to diversify and excel in new business ventures.

Supervised male counseling staff at a preeminent coed residential summer camp. Provided guidance and support to staff members as they served campers who lived with them in two-week sessions, including helping to direct time off, camper discipline, staff management and other duties.

Counselor at Kennolyn Camp, one of the world's leading summer camps. Worked two summers as a cabin counselor in a cabin with eight young boys, teaching, sharing and providing leadership in a fun, outdoor setting. Responsibilities included teaching multiple photography courses, leading ropes course instruction, and being the chief campfire host. Duties included taking campers on a weekly no-frills overnight camping trip into the woods to prepare and cook our food over a wood fire, sleep under the stars and hike around the vast Kennolyn property, teaching outdoor skills, group management skills and leadership. Responsibilities grew in my final summer to the head camp counselor, managing and training a 100-member staff unit of people from around the world.

I began working as a day camp counselor at the Clippard YMCA, then pre- and post-camp coordinator. Worked as a swim lesson instructor before moving to the Gamble-Nippert YMCA. There, as the youth sports coordinator, I grew each sport season's participation an average of more than 250 percent - becoming the largest youth sports program in any Cincinnati-area YMCA. Also led the summer teen leadership program at the Richard Lindner Family YMCA. I built the teen leadership programs at the Columbia Parkway Branch YMCA, including forming the branch's first YMCA Leaders Club program. Volunteer initiatives included creating, with the Colerain YMCA ED, the first-ever teen Committee of Management board member (now utilized at all Cincinnati branches). Served two years on the YMCA board. Two-term YMCA Leaders Club president and advisor to Gamble-Nippert YMCA Leaders Club, including supervising trip to YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders School in Black Mountain, N.C. (where I also attended four summers).