Oct 27, 2020

Mark Thomas is an accomplished communications professional, with a proven track record of delivering results through strategic efforts for brands in a variety of industries. Currently Director of Marketing and Communications for Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) in North Haven, Connecticut, Mark utilizes his expertise in strategy, public relations, crisis communications and audience segmentation to effectively reach the diverse audience that education provides.

A Missouri native, Mark received his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, where he majored in marketing and journalism. He combined his education, his strong work ethic and passion for learning and set out for an exciting and successful career in marketing. He has since led communication efforts for a variety of brands, including Du Pont Sporting Goods, Continental Airlines and Invisible Fence before transitioning into his current position. When he is not navigating the uncertainties of COVID in education, Mark can be found gardening and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Hear more from Mark and Cliff on the importance of a well-structured crisis communications plan, utilizing audience segmentation to effectively communicate with a diverse audience and how marketing tools and platforms continue to evolve while strategic marketing principles remain the same. They also discuss the importance of continuing to learn, remaining curious and how rural American roots run deep, regardless of where you’re at.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• The importance of being prepared to navigate the unexpected
• Insight into how to effectively develop and implement a crisis communications plan
• More on how the COVID pandemic has affected educational institutions and businesses across the country
• Identifying audience segments and preferred communication channels, generational differences and more
• Adapting messaging strategies to best communicate with unique audience segments
• Mark’s experiences driving creative solutions for clients in a variety of industries
• The importance of being actively involved in conversations surrounding your brand
• How digital technologies and marketing tools have changed the ways that brands communicate with customers
• Achieving results through effective strategy, information and direction
• The rural American and midwestern work ethic and core values that are recognized across the country