Speaker Bio:

Brian Ellis

Brian spent 32 years working in the public relations arena including 10 years as a senior partner at CRT/Tanaka. As a former journalist, Brian offers a unique perspective on how the media operates and the opportunity this creates for organizations to better control their message. Brian led the crisis practice helping clients all over the country to protect and enhance their brands including Mastercard, Winnebago, Markel, Mayo Clinic, and CarMax. Brian’s media training students are no strangers to national news outlets such as 60 Minutes, NBC’s “Nightly News,” The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, ABC’s “20/20,” and The New York Times.

 Brian has also orchestrated global media relations campaigns for major celebrations including the Centennial of Flight and the 50^th Anniversary of Mount Rushmore. For more than two decades Brian has been coaching CEOs and corporate leaders from organizations like Altria, Virginia Lottery, Capital One, and The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond to become more effective communicators and presenters.

 Brian has been invited to speak at numerous national conferences and universities on a variety of topics including crisis management in a digital world, dealing with the media in trying times, driving internal communication during mergers and acquisitions, and creative brainstorming. 

Prior to joining his work in PR, Brian worked for 10 years as an Emmy Award-winning television news reporter, anchor, and producer. In addition to assignments in Augusta, Georgia, Richmond, Virginia, and Tampa, Florida for local network affiliates, he also contributed to national networks like CNN, CBS, and ABC. 

Menu
Adobo Roasted Turkey Breast - Oven-roasted turkey breast basted with chipotle garlic honey cider rub served with grilled zucchini with coriander and saffron rice pilaf. Includes house-baked rolls served with butter, salad and dessert. 

(Vegetarian) Penne Pasta with Asparagus and Fontina - Penne pasta with asparagus, fresh basil and oregano in a fontina cheese cream sauce. Includes house-baked rolls served with butter, salad and dessert. 

RSVP Policy

Registration for this luncheon will close on the Friday prior to the event. After that time, members and guests wishing to attend in person will need to email the Chapter Administrator, [email protected] to see if space is still available or to be put on a waiting list if needed. Please RSVP early in order to ensure that you are included in the headcount for lunch! If you register as a guest and later determine that you cannot attend, please contact the chapter administrator, at [email protected]. You must cancel prior to three business days in advance of the meeting to be eligible for a refund. If you cancel after that deadline, you will still be responsible for the lunch payment and will be billed if you didn't already pay online. No-shows will be billed for the lunch.

Event Contact

Jay Ell Alexander, Chapter Administrator
[email protected]