Mark Guess Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Greater Chicago Area

● Senior Communications Consultant (May 2021 - Present)● Corporate Communications Consultant III (July 2018 - May 2021)

Greater Chicago Area

Responsible for creating internal communications materials to promote employee awareness of business programs, initiatives and events, and reinforce a positive corporate culture among 3,500 employees. Details:— Partnered with line of business and administrative team leadership—especially Executive Leadership, Information Technology and Human Resources, to produce compelling communications that inform, instruct and drive action by employees throughout the organization.— Managed SharePoint-based intranet homepage content by writing and publishing daily news updates, feature stories, photo galleries, and more in addition to providing content for other digital communications vehicles, including branch and corporate office LCD screens.— Served as key communicator for large-scale change management projects including the divestiture of a major line of business and a pending merger with Fifth Third Bancorp..— Provided public relations support to VP, Corporate Communications, with press release writing and editing, media placement monitoring and coverage analysis.

Greater Chicago Area

Responsible for developing clear and consistent communications to educate, engage, inform and inspire JourneyCare staff and volunteers. Details:— Created and managed internal communication channels that advance the agency’s brand, facilitate organizational change and engage staff and volunteers in supporting the agency’s mission, vision and goals.— Leveraged internal communications opportunities to ensure consistent messaging during a three-way agency merger; roll out of new agency name and branding; and introduction of new mission, vision and values statements.— Wrote and distributed weekly email newsletter for employees, providing a consistent vehicle for executive communications, human resources announcements, organizational changes and event information.— Partnered with CEO, COO and other organizational leaders to write and edit executive communications including company-wide email announcements, memos and speaking points ranging from strategic to tactical initiatives.— Managed the planning and execution of 6-8 town hall-style meetings annually for 100-250 employees in attendance.— Worked closely with human resources teams to ensure all HR communications regarding benefits, compensation, training and other related topics were presented in an easily-understood yet thorough manner.— Created and managed 360-degree feedback system serving employees during agency’s merger with two other agencies, while also acting as a key voice on several committees and workgroups dedicated to ensuring a smooth integration.

Greater Chicago Area

● VP, Senior Public Affairs Manager (March 2010 - June 2014)● AVP, Public Relations Manager (March 2006 - March 2010)Managed local PR, internal and executive communications, marketing sponsorships, and corporate communications to drive brand awareness, favorability and consideration; engage colleagues; and support the community.Details:— Wrote executive communications, including bylined articles and speaking points, increasing bank president and other executives’ visibility among internal and external audiences.— Supported internal communications strategy by managing local monthly e-newsletter and contributing impactful content to national communications vehicles including intranet, quarterly magazine and daily business update.— Managed 3 major marketing sponsorships (Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights and Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks), expanding brand favorability and consideration, generating business leads, creating additional visibility opportunities and ensuring maximum integration of marketing assets.— Raised brand awareness via business-related and community-focused local public relations and social media activities throughout the bank’s Illinois footprint, including story pitching, press release distribution, and coverage tracking.— Created relationships with nonprofit partner organizations, leveraging internal and external communications vehicles across traditional and social media and driving awareness of charitable support and contributions.— Partnered with colleagues in planning, communicating and executing community activities from financial grant support and fundraiser event activation to employee volunteerism.— Enhanced relationships with local business organizations and managed presenting sponsorships of key events including Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Daniel H. Burnham Award Dinner and The Magnificent Mile Association’s Quarterly Membership Luncheons.

Greater Chicago Area

● Senior Communications Specialist (January 2005 - March 2006)● Digital Communications Specialist (March 2003 - January 2005)Grew brand and reputation among prospects, customers and colleagues by supporting traditional and online marketing efforts, creating internal communications and resources, and championing executive visibility initiatives.Details:— Led several internal communications initiatives and served in key roles including quarterly employee newsletter editor, corporate brand employee workshop instructor, and key contributor to sales case studies and other communications vehicles, enriching colleague awareness of company news, encouraging best sales practices and innovating process efficiencies.— Developed and maintained various Intranet applications including complete redesign of navigation and functionality, daily and weekly company news postings, and other information management, making necessary information more readily accessible to employees.— Positioned practice area consultants as industry leaders and subject matter experts through targeted public relations.— Converted website from generic online brochure, unveiling source for thought leadership from industry experts and enhancing consulting services positioning.— Managed B2B marketing programs targeted to IT decision makers, including direct marketing, email direct marketing, and trade show programs, launching Forsythe as a trusted advisor.— Secured high-profile visibility and thought leadership speaking opportunities for executive team and consulting services practice leaders, maximizing brand influence on prospects and customers.— Maintained and deepened relationships with business and civic associations, amplifying benefits and industry visibility.

Greater Chicago Area

● Marketing Communications Manager (June 2000 - February 2003)● Database Marketing Coordinator (September 1999 - June 2000)

Greater Chicago Area

Greater Chicago Area