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bburges@burgesandburges.com
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 In 1983, Dr. Bill Burges founded Burges & Burges Strategists. Today, it is one of Ohio’s leading strategic marketing, communications, elections, crisis communications and public affairs firms. Burges & Burges is a versatile, nimble and goal-oriented organization that clients value for its focus, creativity and stamina.
Bill is an established success in achieving results for clients via strategic research, planning, communication, management and execution. These are the foundation of the firm’s approach, success and reputation. An expert in Ohio’s communities and regions, as well as in strategic processes, Bill leads projects across the state for a wide variety of clients, such as:
- Chief executives, planners, communicators and others at leading colleges and universities
- Leaders of major local and county government organizations and service districts [parks, ports, etc]
- School boards, superintendents, coalitions and citizen leaders concerned about education
- Quality real estate developers with worthy economic development goals
- Major corporations, major law firms and other businesses
- CEO's and project leaders at hospitals and health and human service organizations
- Campaigns for important ballot issues [state, county, local] promoted by public and private entities
- Campaigns for high quality excellent candidates for local, state and federal office
- State and regional professional organizations
- Not for profit organizations, foundations, civic coalitions, PACs and private individuals who make a difference
Bill 's focus is on helping these leaders, organizations and individuals make a difference. He is known as is a proven strategist, project leader and change agent at the community, organizational, regional and statewide levels because he is able to work effectively on a wide variety of teams. As a team leader or member, his commitment to excellent customer service, ongoing communications and client/community feedback is a true hallmark of our practice.
Before founding Burges & Burges Strategists, Bill was a senior executive at Cuyahoga Community College; a planner and researcher at the Center for Community Solutions in Cleveland and Institute for Responsive Education at Boston University; and a teacher and program coordinator at the Brockton, [Ma.] Schools. Bill has written books and articles on community change and education, and presented at major conferences.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Government from Colby College, a master’s degree in Urban Affairs and a doctorate in Systems Development and Adaptation from Boston University; and completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program of George Washington University. He lives on Lake Erie in Euclid, Ohio with his wife and business partner, Charlene Moskal Burges. top of page |
cburges@burgesandburges.com
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 Charlene Moskal-Burges leads Burges & Burges Strategists in media direction, television production, and presentation planning. She has produced hundreds of commercials for winning issue campaigns, successful candidates, public institutions, and private firms-literally changing the way the public sees Ohio. In addition, she has worked as a presentation coach to many of Ohio’s elected and private industry leaders, as well as various community groups.
Previously, she was a tenured faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College, where she directed the district-wide television center. She traveled to China to provide media and educational consultation to educational and broadcast systems in Hubei Province. She was designated a “Leader for Junior Colleges,” and was chosen for a special institute for leaders in educational television in Seattle, Washington by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
She has a bachelor’s degree from University of North Carolina and holds a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University. She also studied at the University of London, the American University of Cairo, and the Jagellonian University in Poland. In 1968-69, she worked at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
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jbenedict@burgesandburges.com
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 Jon focuses on media relations and crisis communications across the spectrum of Burges & Burges clients. He works with clients from the corporate, political, educational, and non-profit sectors to enhance their public images and further their goals.
Jon graduated from Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s degree in English. Jon was formerly the director of public relations for a social services agency. Prior to that, he served as the deputy press secretary for the City of Cleveland under Mayor Michael R. White. He was responsible for media relations for all City departments, with an emphasis on crisis communications and message development.
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nchernett@burgesandburges.com
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 An expert in developing media strategies, targets, and budgets, Nancy Chernett is involved in all aspects of media planning and resource allocation. She has been the key media planner and coordinator for Burges & Burges since 1986. Her analytic skills and excellent rapport with media outlets add significantly to the quality of client media buys, as does her political, promotional and public relations experience. She has budgeted, planned and executed statewide buys for major political and judicial races.
Nancy’s background includes serving as deputy press secretary for Metzenbaum for U.S. Senate, starting a private media buying service, director of promotions for a Cleveland radio station, public information officer for the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners and for the City of Cleveland Community Development Department.
Nancy studied at the University of Pittsburgh and holds a bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.
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dcowling@burgesandburges.com
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 Dorigen conducts our community research campaigns, providing our clients with the vital information that lets them make long-term strategic decisions and ultimately learn to better connect with their constituencies. In addition to in-depth research, she also adds her considerable skills to our Media Planning & Buying service.
Before coming to Burges & Burges, Dorigen worked as an assistant-teacher and academic counselor at Baldwin-Wallace. She also traveled and studied in Denmark and Australia before returning to the Cleveland area.
Dorigen has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Baldwin-Wallace with emphasis in research methods and analysis. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Masters of Arts in Sociology at Cleveland State University. Her community involvement includes volunteering with the Red Devils, an organization that helps provide everyday tasks for women and men with breast cancer.
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agowens@burgesandburges.com
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 Ashley combines research communication with her prior public relations and interpersonal communication experiences to ensure comprehensive and detailed understanding of each Burges & Burges client. She assists with internal and external research projects including findings summaries, community reports, and demographic research, creating a broad awareness for clients and consultants.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from The Ohio State University with emphasis in Strategic Communications and public relations. During her undergraduate studies, Ashley served in numerous academic and university organizations, including Public Relations Students Society of America and the university’s Student Affairs department.
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vtey@burgesandburges.com
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 Vanessa creates and manages communication campaigns, election campaigns, and strategic planning for Burges & Burges clients.
Her years of consulting experience have honed her skills in designing, coordinating and executing community research projects for organizations so they can better understand and serve their constituents. She has worked with school districts across the state, local universities, community colleges, non-profit organizations, municipalities and local candidates to help them achieve their short and long range goals, including identifying and securing capital and operating needs. Vanessa has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State University. She is a professionally trained focus group moderator and speaks fluent Spanish. Her community service includes serving as a committee member for the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.
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krichmond@burgesandburges.com
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 Katherine bridges politics and public administration, lending expertise to candidate and issue campaigns, public sector marketing programs, research programs, community networking and grassroots organizing.
Since coming to work with Burges & Burges in 2000, Katherine has worked as a consultant to public agencies, school districts, national non-profit organizations, community colleges, local and national candidates across the state to help them achieve their goals.
Katherine holds Masters in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a minor in criminal justice/sociology and a certificate of Applied Politics from the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics all from the University of Akron.
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kmuthig@burgesandburges.com
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 Kristen joined the Burges & Burges staff with diverse experience in writing and research. Currently, she is conducting community research campaigns focusing on interviewing community members and leaders, and compiling best practices research. This research helps organizations make long-term funding decisions, design and carryout strategic plans, and improves community communications.
Kristen also works with clients from the corporate, political, educational, and non-profit sectors to enhance their public images and further their goals through media and public relations.
She recently graduated cum laude from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism and Political Science. While at Miami, she reported for The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Norwalk Reflector in the Sandusky, Ohio area and was a copyeditor for Knight Ridder Tribune news service in Washington D.C. Kristen also spent a summer studying media and politics in Washington D.C.
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npecko@burgesandburges.com
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 Nick is our resident video producer, in house editor, and media buyer. He performs all facets of production for video and audio “spots” or commercials. His wide range of duties include: screenwriting, scouting locations, shooting, editing and selecting internet, radio and cable buys for many Burges & Burges clients.
His experience includes familiarity with Macintosh and Windows platforms, Final Cut Pro 4, Avid Express DV and Sony DVCam. Nick joins us from NBC News Channel in Charlotte, NC, where he worked as a video editor, intake technician, and video on demand operator. He also performed freelance work for companies including Nascar Images and Bill Barnes Video Productions.
Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts, with an emphasis in video production, from the University of South Carolina and continuing education certificates in his chosen field.
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gschuerlein@burgesandburges.com
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 Galen joined Burges & Burges in early 2005 after gaining extensive experience at the higher levels of local government and the public sector. She provides senior counsel to Burges clients on matters relating to government relations, communications, community outreach, fundraising and marketing. She works with a broad range of clients including political campaigns, libraries, non-profits, school districts, corporate clients and public sector entities.
Galen is a former Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. She served as the Field Coordinator for Mayor Jane Campbell’s 2001 mayoral campaign. In 2002 she became Mayor Campbell’s Chief Counsel and was later named Executive Assistant for Communications and Labor Relations. Galen left her position with the City in 2004 and later served as campaign manager for Mayor Campbell’s 2005 reelection bid.
Galen graduated magna cum laude from Seattle University in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She earned her law degree from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1997.
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esmith@burgesandburges.com
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 With more than thirty years experience in retail and merchandise accounting, Ellen Smith came to Burges & Burges and took on two roles. Ellen’s duties include responsibility for accounts payables, accounts receivables, benefits management, cost controls, payroll and office management.
Ellen’s background includes seventeen years as a controller for Global Trading Industries. Her vast experience and education have allowed her to adapt her skills from the merchandising industry to the consulting field.
She received a degree in Accounting from Dyke College and numerous certificates from continuing education programs.
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jwilson@burgesandburges.com
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 Joy’s role at Burges & Burges is a diverse one, performing administrative tasks, research, and assisting with client projects. She ensures smooth office operation by maintaining executives’ schedules, coordinating materials for use in planning and presentations and completing projects or tasks as needed.
Joy brings extensive experience in office administration. She most recently joined us from Computer Science Corp. where she performed operational duties in the human resource, information technology, and development and training areas.
A graduate of Mount Vernon Academy, Joy has earned user certificates in Lotus Applications and PowerPoint presentations.
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dtorbert@burgesandburges.com
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 Prior to arriving at Burges and Burges, Darryle served as a commercial
representative for a major insurance company. The experience gathered
from his previous employer has enabled him to develop exceptional customer
service skills.
Darryle has a love for history and politics, so it's natural that he pursued
a bachelor's degree in the field of History while attending John Carroll
University. He also has a minor in Philosophy. With his liberal arts background,
he is used to "thinking outside the box". This characteristic will prove
necessary in conducting research and formulating strategies to address your
specific needs.
Darryle is committed to improving the local community, and believes that improving the community will require the improvement of all citizens, including young people. Darryle is heavily involved with the local schools, having worked with:
- Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools as an athletic tutor.
- Cleveland Municipal School District as an Outreach Coordinator.
- East Cleveland City Schools, as a mentor.
- Euclid Public Schools, also as a mentor.
Having accumulated and developed these relationships, Darryle is eager to build upon them and continue his service to the local community.
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 Jerry Austin earned a Pollie award from the American Association of Political Consultants. He provides strategic counsel for the firm in major practice areas such as strategic planning and communications, public administration, education, health care, grassroots mobilization, economic development, and issue and candidate elections.
Jerry Austin was principal consultant to Ohio Governor Richard F. Celeste and many other statewide officials from 1978 to 1990. He has served Senators, Members of Congress, and Presidential candidates including President Jimmy Carter and Rev. Jesse Jackson, as president of Gerald J. Austin & Associates and chairman of Austin-Sheinkopf. Mr. Austin was creative director of Chernoff-Silver in Columbia, South Carolina, one of the largest ad agencies in the Southeast. Prior to beginning his consulting career, he was a youth services and day care administrator, public school teacher, social worker, and VISTA volunteer.
Jerry Austin earned a bachelor’s degree in American History from City College of New York, a master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University, and a master’s degree in Urban Education from the University of Akron.
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 With over 14 years experience in broadcast journalism, Valeri Furst has unique insight into the working media. She uses her experience to help her clients get the most out of their media encounters. As Press Secretary for Congressman Sherrod Brown’s re-election campaign in 1994, she organized media coverage for President Clinton’s primary campaign in Ohio and helped coordinate the speaker’s bureau for Cleveland Mayor Michael White in 1993.
Valeri’s experience bridges media and politics. As a reporter with WJW FOX8 in Cleveland, Valeri covered hundreds of stories on topics including education, business and medicine. Her specialization is consumer advocacy and legal issues. In Youngstown, she anchored the top-rated noon news, and covered presidential campaigns, city hall, and numerous trials, both civil and criminal as a political and legal reporter. She practiced at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in labor and employment law.
Valeri has a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. In addition, she earned her law degree from Case Western Reserve University. She has had extensive dramatic and vocal training, having performed in professional and community theatre.
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