Strategic Communications Executive | Employee Reports | Speechwriting | Community Outreach

Summary

Jim Callahan
"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness to just be happy." -- Guillaume Apollinaire
Communications strategist with experience directing internal and external communication efforts. As a valued provider of communication deliverables, I have focused on creating solutions that address customer needs, while fostering trust and building engagement. I have worked closely with CEOs and senior management teams, as well as front-line employees, and have always enjoyed the challenge of helping disparate groups appreciate the perspectives of others.

Key contributions have included developing and executing communication plans, speechwriting, creating mission and vision statements, managing crisis communications, producing annual reports, overseeing communications during union negotiations and reductions in force, developing public relations campaigns, producing videos, and developing and coordinating community outreach efforts. Diverse industry background from consumer products to biotechnology for such iconic brands as Maxwell House, Welch's, IBM and Pfizer.

Looking to enable interactions that enhance collaboration, innovation and engagement.

Opportunity could be short- or long-term. Willing to relocate for the right opportunity, and overseas positions will also be considered.

Career Timeline

  1. Interviewing Olympian Dan Jansen
    I worked at Maxwell House at the time (1988) and Maxwell House was a sponsor of the Winter Olympics in Calgary that year. Jansen was a favorite to take home several medals that year but fell twice while coming down the stretch. It was an especially tough time for Jansen, who only moments before his first race found out that his sister had died from cancer. I met with Jansen after the Olympics and wrote an article about his experience for our special Olympic publication.
  2. -
    Bachelor of Arts (BA), History, Duke University
    Describe this experience
  3. -
    Communications Manager, General Foods (Maxwell House division)
    As Communications Manager, Maxwell House division, I had responsibility for communication activities that focused on connecting employees to the strategic objectives of the business.

    These activities included recognition and reward activities, meeting planning, publication management and executive communication support.
  4. -
    Manager -- Publications, IBM
    Managed all aspects of two Business Partner publications, including writing, editing, design and production. IBM's business partners accounted for more than $500 million in annual revenue during that time.
  5. -
    Director -- Corporate Communications, Welch's
    Provided strategic communications guidance with a special focus on grower and employee communications, public relations and community outreach. Directed high-level projects from concept to completion. Edited global content. Created messaging/materials for the President & CEO. Co-led crisis communication team.

    Key accomplishments included:

    *Developing communication programs that engaged employees
    *Providing communication support to executive management team
    *Overseeing production and editing of award winning Annual Report
    *Updating of crisis communication plan
    *Assisting in creation of Consumer Affairs group department
    *Developing targeted public relations campaigns
    *Promoting Welch's in the community as the official Snack Stop Sponsor for Project Bread's Walk for Hunger
  6. -
    Associate Director - Communications & Public Relat, Pfizer
    As a member of the site leadership team, I managed internal site communications, public relations, community outreach efforts and contributions. Supervised seven direct reports who supported the site's key departments. Also provided support for corporate communication efforts.

    Key accomplishments included:

    *Developing and implementing communications plan
    *Creating bi-monthly newsletter
    *Creating and writing monthly site leadership column
    *Producing Employee Report
    *Producing site video
    *Assisting with creation of Mission and Vision statements
    *Developing mentorship program

Results

  • 30
    Non-profits engaged with for outreach efforts.
  • 300%
    Increase in consumer contacts at Welch's.
  • 14
    Marathons run, marathons completed.

Skills

  • Government Affairs
  • Media Relations
  • Intranets
  • Communications Planning
  • Communications Training
  • Community Outreach
  • Annual Reports
  • Employee Engagement
  • Management
  • Publications
  • Internal Communications
  • Strategic Communications
  • Corporate Communications
  • Speechwriting
  • Public Relations
  • Strategic Planning
  • Event Management
  • Crisis Communications

Questions & Answers

What are some of the books that you have read recently?
I just finished John McPhee's "The Crofter and the Laird," which prompted me to buy The John McPhee Reader. No one paints more vivid pictures of people and landscapes than McPhee. Another recent read, "The Longest Road" by Philip Caputo, details his trip from Key West to an island off the Alaskan coast with wife Leslie and their two dogs. He discusses the diversity that binds America together and brings you along for the ride with humor and warmth.  I'm currently reading Paul Theroux's "Riding the Iron Rooster" about his 1986 trip trhough China via railway.  Theroux's a great observer, especially of those thngs that we often take for granted.
Who are some interesting people you've met during your career?
This question led to a pretty lively discussion at a communications conference I attended a few years ago. Let's see, in no particular order, they would include: John Denver, Hillary Clinton, Evander Holyfield, Gene Stallings, Deval Patrick, Scott Brown, Dan Jansen and Tom Menino. Also, Clare Francis, a General Foods executive who served in FDR's cabinet back in the '40s, and another GF executive, Lee Archer, a WW II ace who flew with the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. My favorite personality overall, however, was someone I had the great pleasure of meeting while not working, and that was Arnold Palmer. Our family was visiting Wake Forest for my older son's graduation, and we just happened to bump into Arnie late one day while he was being given a tour by his Wake Forest escort. Arnie was to deliver the commencement address the next day.
Is there any particular aspect of corporate communications that you especially enjoy?
I've always taken pleasure in helping to foster conversations that build a better understanding between senior management and other employees, both salaried and non-salaried. Talking and getting ideas and feelings out on the table is the best way to create a stronger bond and help a company reach its goals. All sides need to be genuine, willing to share and courageous enough to be candid. These conversations can be difficult, but when approached in the right way can be incredibly worthwhile.
Why did you choose your current profession?
Corporate communications has allowed me to work with some wonderful companies and wonderful people. In my view, nothing is more important to a company's success than building -- and strengthening -- engagement among its employees, and communications is the foundational piece to get that done. Working in the corporate communications arena has allowed me to engage both tactically and strategically in a variety of businesses and to interact with interesting and talented people. Through the years companies have become increasingly aware of the value of communications and it's exciting to be a part of that evolution.

Images

  • Fly fishing at YWCA Summer Camp
    Fly fishing at YWCA Summer Camp

Videos

Links

Files

Blog

Let's Not Be Too Choosy
Someone for everyone

A friend of mine wants to get a dog, and I’m trying to help him in his search. The main criterion is that the dog does not shed, or, at worst, sheds very little.

 

Then, it should not be too big…or too small. Cute, but not too cute. Can bark, but only on rare occasions…or if my friend’s life is being threatened…or if some unknown person is trying to sneak something from his refrigerator. And, of course, the dog has to be good with kids, even though my friend’s kids are all over 30.

 

Yeeesh,...

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Location

Greater Boston Area