RITTER CONSULTING
TRUSTED THOUGHT PARTNER
Trusted Thought Partner ・ Experienced Communications Advisor
About
I have been in the public relations business for more than thirty years. Earlier in my career, I founded, grew or sold three public relations agencies with a particular focus on higher education and healthcare communication. I have been a managing director with Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, served on its U.S. Management Committee, and founded and grew its national education practice group to more than $20 million in contracts in less than two years.
For nearly a decade, I have been consulting with CEOs, boards and senior executives on the use of strategic communication to enhance an organization’s reputation and external positioning, and to advance its public policy, marketing, and advancement goals.
I am particularly passionate about community philanthropy, college opportunity, personal health and well-being, and lifelong learning. I am interested in working with smart, fun people who want make a difference, and positively impact the lives of students, seniors and dogs. Yes, dogs.
Trusted Thought Partner ・ Experienced Communications Advisor
Expertise
I ENJOY WORKING WITH CEOS, ORGANIZATIONS AND CAUSES THAT OPERATE WITH A SOCIAL PURPOSE OR IN THE PUBLIC GOOD.
I enjoy collaborating with thoughtful and innovative CEOs, boards and executives, listening to their concerns and challenges, and shaping communication strategies to advance their mission, and achieve their reputation management, public policy and social impact goals. The issues that are important to me are:
- Education
- Senior well-being
- Catholicism
- Animal companionship
- Wellness
Areas of Focus
After more than thirty years in the public relations business, I enjoy working with client partners who seek counsel and support in the following areas:
Strategic Communication & Reputation Management
Work with CEOs and senior executives to craft messages, and identify communication strategies and opportunities to build or change brand perception, enhance corporate reputation, and position organization for marketing, public affairs or fund development success.
Stakeholder Engagement & Community Relations
Identify opportunities to engage stakeholders in the work and mission of an organization to advance public policy, program and campaign goals. Includes listening tours, environmental scans, and quiet conversations to assess opinions, pinpoint opportunities, and surface concerns.
Non-Profit Capacity Building: Boards, Communication, Fundraising
Work with non-profit boards and CEOs to strengthen organizational capacity, and position for success and viability. Includes strategic planning, board retreats, coaching, business model refinement, board governance and succession planning.
Public Education Campaign Design & Outreach
Design and execute public education programs to raise awareness, shift attitudes and preferences, and create long-term community change and impact. Includes collaborating with internal staff (or identifying external support) to execute plan elements and achieve desired results.
Writing Support
Write public education materials, fundraising case statements and support materials, opinion pieces, white papers, and issue briefs.
Representative Clients
Board of Directors
I have a twenty-year track record of corporate and non-profit board service, and have served on two corporate boards and more than two-dozen community boards, often rising to the role of chairman or committee chair. My current board service includes:
Director, Blue Cross of Idaho, Idaho Care Plus, Inc.
Chair, Independent Committee
Director, Beaver Caucus Board, Oregon State University
Trusted Thought Partner ・ Experienced Communications Advisor
Contact
p . 208.830.6520
Contact
p . 208.830.6520