Comm Grad Spotlight Old

Olga Haygood has been an integral part of J. Walter Thompson (JWT) INSIDE for over a decade, leading multi-million-dollar employee marketing and communications programs for major global brands. She was recently promoted to Director of Client Services for the firm. JWT INSIDE is a global, full-service agency creating pioneering ideas in employer branding, employee communications, and recruitment advertising. In her new role at JWT Inside, Haygood leads national account management and media team oversight, evolution of the client services model for JWT INSIDE, business development partnerships, new client onboarding, and maintenance of key client relationships.

Haygood credits her Communication degree for providing her with a generalist entree into the field, noting that her “degree provided a foundational framework, beginning with understanding how to go from insights to strategy and eventually to execution.” She adds that “studying communication has enabled me to ask the right questions, read the room, lead the discussion, and offer insights into tangible recommendations that meet client needs. At the core of each engagement with a client,” she continues, “is the ability to forge meaningful relationships and become an advisor vs. order taker, a soft skill necessary for any communications professional.”

Prior to joining JWT INSIDE, Haygood was the Associate Director of Communications for Voices for America’s Children. At American University, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was part of the Honors Program. She minored in Spanish in college and is fluent in the language.

Bridget Lowell has 20 years of communications and leadership experience across the nonprofit sector, on Capitol Hill, and in broadcast journalism. She is currently Chief Communications Officer and Vice President at The Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC, where she oversees a 50-person department and leads an organization-wide effort to increase the visibility of The Urban Institute’s research. Prior to joining Urban in 2012, she served as Director of Strategic Communications at The Nature Conservancy, the largest environmental organization in the world. She has also served as a Communications Director for North Carolina Congressman David Price and as a broadcast reporter.

Allison Weiland is the executive director of the Sioux Falls State Theatre Company. She has been working on the State Theatre Renovation Project since 2017. Weiland is a Madison, S.D. native. She attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and theater, and a master’s degree in communication studies and journalism. She also taught communication studies and theater for two years. After her college experience, she spent five years in Minneapolis, where she worked for companies as a product coordinator, digital product manager and account executive. Her husband, David Mercer, is a music teacher. The couple has a 3-year-old daughter.

Linda Boulton is a graduate assistant at Seton Hall University earning her Master’s degree in Strategic Communication. In her administrative role at the university, Boulton works for the Center for Graduate Studies building online resources for graduate students and planning, executing, and evaluating email-marketing campaigns. In addition, Boulton works as an instructional designer, creating online courses for a Chicago-based real estate school. Before pursuing graduate school, she earned her B.A. in Communication from Saint Xavier University.

Catherine received a B.A. in Communication from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2015. She began her involvement with the American Writers Museum that same year as the Administrative Assistant. Since then, she has been involved in general operations, event planning, and fundraising efforts, and is now the Assistant Director of Marketing & Private Events. This position has allowed her to use her event planning and salesmanship skills while learning more about the event industry. When she isn’t attending one of the many public programs offered at the AWM, you can find her chairing the NPH USA Midwest Region Associate Board.

At MGA, Inc. a leading tenant representation firm in Washington, DC, Brian provides expert real estate consultation to leading nonprofits and associations in the region. He says he uses the skills and lessons he learned as a Communication major every day, “From pitching new business to speaking in front of member boards and negotiating sale and leasing contracts.”

At Columbus, Ohio’s ABC 6/Fox 28 news station, Giustino works as a News Editor, where he edits video content for various news programs. He also produces the station’s high school football highlight show, “First Scores.” He says, “At WSYX/WTTE, we use communication in every action and interaction of our day. From communicating with producers to communicating to the masses, the messages we send out as a team aim to engage our viewers, keeping them informed and entertained every day. Communication is the key!”

Dawn Staley is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time All American at the University of Virginia, Sports Illustrated Player of the Year 1991, and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Staley is head coach at the University of South Carolina, and head coach of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team through 2020. She has played in the American Basketball League and the WNBA. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 1992.

General Robert B. Neller is the 37th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Commander, Marine Forces Command from July 2014 to September 2015 and Commander, Marine Forces Central Command from September 2012 to June 2014. General Neller received a joint degree in History and Speech Communication from the University of Virginia, and was commissioned in 1975. He also holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University.

As a U.S. diplomat, Lucija Straley works to advance U.S. interests and to tell America’s story to the Lao public. She serves as the spokesperson for the U.S. government in Laos. In this role, she manages Embassy Vientiane’s relationship with Lao and international press. In addition, she oversees the Embassy’s website and social media platforms. Over the past year, Lucija worked on press logistics for several high-level visitors to Laos, including President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry.

Mike “Doc” Emrick is a four-time Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer, and is the lead voice for NBC Sports Group’s NHL coverage. Emrick has covered professional hockey for more than 40 years, calling more than 3,000 games, and was the first broadcaster to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, in 2011. In addition to his work on television and radio broadcasts, Emrick has contributed to NHL.com, and provided voice-overs for Hockey Week, NHL Power Week, the NHL’s Stanley Cup video, Sony NHL video games, and EA Sports video games. His other sports broadcasting credits include covering the NFL, NCAA men’s basketball, track and luge. Emrick has been the vice president of the NHL Broadcasters Association since 1985.

B.S., Speech, M.A., Radio/Television, Ph.D., Communication

Sierra Lowe works as a Regulatory Communications Coordinator, responsible for the timely reporting and investigation of stakeholder complaints, including Adverse Event Reporting. At a company specializing in the development of minimally invasive medical devices, Lowe is continually managing sensitive information and assessing situations to determine effective forms of communication. Her role requires her to be informed of current regulatory laws and safety practices and also to present information to diverse audiences, including both corporate and government officials.

Since winning “American Idol” in 2005, Carrie Underwood has become a successful country music star. The Top Country Artist of all-time, Underwood was inducted into the Grand Old Opry in 2008. In her decade-long career, she has won seven Grammy Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Association Awards, nine American Music Awards, and the prestigious CMT Artist of the Year award three times. As a songwriter, Underwood has received a Golden Globe Award nomination and won 10 BMI Awards. Additionally, she has been repeatedly recognized for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, animals, arts education, and disaster relief.

Richard Sherman is a cornerback for the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks. Despite being drafted 154th in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft, Sherman made his presence in the NFL known immediately and made the All-Rookie Team. Today, he is considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Sherman has made three Pro Bowl rosters, three All-Pro teams, and won a Super Bowl title. He was the 2014 NFC Defensive Player of the Year.

Oprah Winfrey is best known for hosting “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which ran for 25 years and received three Emmy Awards. After the show ended in 2011, Winfrey launched her own television network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Winfrey’s company produces content specifically targeted to women, including “O: The Oprah Magazine.” Winfrey is also an accomplished actress, having been nominated for an Academy Award for her role in “The Color Purple,” which she later co-produced on Broadway. Winfrey is an active philanthropist, raising millions for various causes through her charitable organizations. She received the first Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Bob Hope Humanitarian Award and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Winfrey can currently be seen in the OWN television series “Greenleaf.”

Katherine Healey is a program facilitator for Challenge Day, a nonprofit program that helps teens and adults learn and connect in their schools and communities. Healey’s role as a facilitator takes her into high schools all over the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, where she leads workshops aimed at breaking down barriers between students and creating understanding, community, and compassion while empowering individuals.

Peyton Manning is a former NFL quarterback who played 18 seasons before retiring in 2015. After 14 seasons and one Super Bowl victory with the Indianapolis Colts, Manning spent his last four seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he captured his second Super Bowl win in 2015. Widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Manning holds numerous NFL records, including records for career and season passing yards and passing touchdowns. Manning has been named Super Bowl MVP and is a five-time NFL season MVP and a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He has made 14 Pro Bowl rosters and 10 All-Pro teams. Manning also runs his charity, The Peyback Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children. He sustains a relationship with St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, where the children’s hospital is named in his honor.

Ashley Kronsell helps develop communication strategies and plans and helps coordinate media campaigns, creates trade show displays, manages social media and visual communication, and develops content for special events including workshops, conferences, and competitions. Previously, Kronsell was a university Communication instructor and served as a mentor for at-risk Communication students.

Brandi Chastain is a former women’s soccer player who retired in 2010 after a career that included stints with the Women’s Professional Soccer League, Women’s Premier Soccer League, and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. She has won two World Cup championships, two Olympic gold medals, and an Olympic silver medal. Chastain also served as a commentator for NBC Sports during the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, for ABC/ESPN during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and for regular season Major League Soccer matches. A 2016 selection to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Chastain is now an assistant soccer coach and a spokesperson for AbbVie pharmaceutical company, where she speaks on digestive issues.

David Letterman began his career as an announcer and newscaster at his college’s student-run radio station. Years later, he became the longest-serving late night talk show host in history, serving as a host for 33 years before retiring in 2015. He was the recipient of a 2016 Peabody Award, and has been nominated for 52 Emmy Awards, winning 12 times. He also won four American Comedy Awards, received the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence in 2011, and was a recipient of the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors. Letterman also owns a production company, Worldwide Pants, which produced his late night show as well as several prime-time comedies.

Dana Bash is a journalist and anchorwoman for CNN, currently serving as the network’s chief political correspondent. Bash plays a key role in election coverage, and served as a questioner in six of the network’s seven 2016 primetime primary debates in addition to co-anchoring CNN Election Center. Since joining CNN upon her college graduation 23 years ago, Bash has served as the network’s White House and Capitol Hill correspondent and as an editor in CNN’s Washington bureau and producer for several of the network’s public affairs shows including “Late Edition” with Frank Sesno, “Evans & Novak,” and “Inside Politics Weekend” with Wolf Blitzer.

As an attorney, Robert Lampley investigates civil rights-based claims of harassment and discrimination that occur within the university community. He also advises a student-based organization that encourages students to voice their opinions and actively engage in campus activities. Lampley also provides training on university policies involving civil rights and equity.

Boreanaz is an actor, producer, and director. As an actor, he is best known for his roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” and his 12 seasons on the drama series “Bones.” For his work on “Angel,” Boreanaz received three Saturn Awards for Best Actor. He has also done voice work for several television shows and video games, including the shows “Family Guy” and “American Dad!” Boreanaz is also an entrepreneur. In 2013, he helped found the cosmetic company, Chrome Girl, which produces vegan nail polishes that are free of common toxins.

Jessica Berlin is a social media manager and digital marketing strategist with a background in public relations. She currently oversees the influencer capabilities of Yahoo, working to identify and create relationships with influencers to enhance awareness and engagement of Yahoo products through organic social media. Previously at Yahoo, Berlin developed creative global social media programs that led to increased awareness, use, and engagement.

Al Roker is a television host, weather forecaster, and book author. Best known for his weather reporting on NBC’s “The Today Show,” Roker is also an award-nominated author of a murder mystery book series. He has frequently guest-starred in television shows and has voiced a number of television and movie characters. Roker serves as CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc., a multimedia development and production company, and is founder of Roker Labs, which delivers digital and live streaming content across media platforms. Roker has received 13 Emmy awards, and was inducted into the New York Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Brandon Weathers works as a federal government contractor specializing in IT support solutions, finance, and government regulations. He provides system support for travel programs, helps arrange travel, troubleshoots IT issues, and analyzes business processes to create more effective practices. Weathers is also working toward his yoga teaching certification and is continuing his fine arts education.

Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award winning actor, known for both his comedic and dramatic roles. McConaughey first gained attention for his role in “Dazed and Confused” in 1993. However, it was McConaughey’s role in the 2013 film “Dallas Buyer’s Club” that earned him both an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. He also received a Critics’ Choice Award for his role in the television drama series “True Detective.” McConaughey founded the “just keep livin” Foundation to empower high school students to lead active lives and make healthy choices. In addition to acting, McConaughey co-teaches film classes at his alma mater in conjunction with film directors and university lecturers.

Spike Lee is a film director, producer, writer, and actor whose movies are known for exploring race relations, urban crime, and political issues. His movies, produced by his production company, 40 Acres and Mule Filmworks, include the Academy Award nominated film “Do the Right Thing” and the documentary “4 Little Girls.” Lee’s film “Malcolm X” was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress because of its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Lee has also directed music videos for artists including Michael Jackson and Prince, among others. He serves as an Artistic Director and Professor, teaching graduate courses in film. In 2015, he received an Honorary Oscar for his contributions to film.

Tim Allen is a television and film actor. Allen rose to fame for his role as Tim Taylor in the television show “Home Improvement,” for which he received a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Since then, he has starred in the Disney trilogy “The Santa Clause” and voiced the lead character in the “Toy Story” trilogy. Also an accomplished author, Allen once has the top-rated television show, number one box office film, and best-selling book in the same week. He is currently on the television series “Last Man Standing” and has a thriving stand-up comedy career, performing regularly in Las Vegas. Allen also runs two companies, focused on filmmaking and design.

James Gandolfini was an actor best known for his role as Tony Soprano in the HBO series “The Sopranos.” Gandolfini received three Emmy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards for his depiction of Soprano,. He was also a successful theatre and film actor as well. He debuted on Broadway in the 1992 revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and his big screen debut followed in 1993 with the film “True Romance.” In addition to starring in a number of films, including the Oscar-nominated “Zero Dark Thirty,” Gandolfini produced two documentaries that focused on Iraq War veterans and the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on soldiers and their families.

Mark Harmon is a television actor whose breakout role came in the 1980s television series “St. Elsewhere.” While Harmon has appeared in a number of television series, he is perhaps best known as the lead character on the current CBS series “NCIS,” a role that has earned him three People’s Choice Award nominations. Harmon also received Emmy nominations for his role in the miniseries “Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years” and for his guest starring role on “The West Wing.” Other memorable television roles include stints on “JAG” and “Chicago Hope.” Harmon is an accomplished producer and serves as an executive producer on “NCIS” while also running his own production company.

Bob Costas is a primetime host and sportscaster for NBC Sports, and is the network’s longest-serving sports announcer. Costas plays a key role in covering multiple sports for NBC, including football, baseball, and basketball. He has served as primetime host for 11 Olympic games and six Super Bowl games. Costas has hosted myriad shows on NBC, HBO, and the MLB Network. He also contributes to “The Today Show” and “NBC Nightly News” and has contributed to several sports documentaries. Costas has won 24 Emmy Awards and is the only broadcaster in history to win Emmy Awards for sports, news, and entertainment. Costas has been named Sportscaster of the Year a record eight times and was inducted into the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2012.

Award-winning journalist, producer and director Hannah Storm is a pioneer in the field of sports broadcasting for women, a published author, an advocate for children suffering from debilitating vascular birthmarks, and most importantly, a mother of three. Storm holds various hosting duties at ESPN, most notably for SportsCenter. She also hosts sporting events around the world, is the founder of Brainstormin’ Productions film company, and the founder of the Hannah Storm Foundation, which advocates for children and parents of children suffering from debilitating vascular birthmarks. Storm is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.

Stephen Colbert is a comedian, author, and host of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” He began his current hosting gig in late 2015 after hosting nearly 1,500 episodes of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central. Colbert previously was a correspondent on “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart. Colbert has won nine Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Peabody Awards, and was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2006 and 2012. He graduated from Northwestern University with a concentration in theater.

Howard Shultz has served as Starbucks’ chairman and CEO for more than three decades, building it into one of the world’s most recognized and respected businesses. He is also co-founder of the Shultz Family Foundation with his wife, Sheri, helping to provide opportunities and professional pathways for young people and veterans. Shutz graduated from Northern Michigan University.