About James G. Patterson
Mr. Patterson, the founder, and CEO of Patterson Partners LLC has over forty years of experience planning and directing public relations and marketing communications for a vast cross-section of domestic and international clients. Mr. Patterson's career has also included service as a senior-level college administrator and as a Utilities Commissioner for the State of North Carolina.
Mr. Patterson has authored many white papers on public relations, advertising, marketing, nonprofit foundation relations, and public policy issues such as energy, health care, and race issues.
Barry Saunders is an award-winning journalist with more than 40 years in the newspaper industry. He has worked at newspapers in Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, Gary, IN, and Raleigh, NC. He also worked at his hometown newspaper, the Richmond County Daily Journal in Rockingham, NC, and published his weekly newspaper there, The Richmond County North Star. During his 24 years at the News & Observer in Raleigh, Mr. Saunders won several awards for column writing from the North Carolina Press Association. He has mentored journalists across the country and is a member of the mentoring organization 100 Blacks of America.
Ralf Waters has 30 years of experience writing content for various clients in print, digital, and broadcast media. He began his career writing advertising copy for the Chicago Sun-Times. He transferred his writing skills to news reporting, later becoming managing editor and editorial writer with Community Newspaper Holdings and Media General.
In 1999, he won a Public Service Award from the North Carolina Press Association for his outstanding editorial leadership during Hurricane Floyd and the 500-year flood.
Dr. James R. Gregory is chairman emeritus, Tenet Partners, and senior fellow of The Conference Board. With 40 years of experience in advertising and branding, he is a leading expert on brand management and the impact that brands have on corporate financial performance. Most notable of the tools that Dr. Gregory pioneered in the CoreBrand Index®, a quantitative research vehicle launched in 1990, continuously tracks and correlates the reputations and financial performance of over 800 publicly traded companies across 54 industries. Dr. Gregory has written five books on creating value with corporate brands: Marketing Corporate Image; Leveraging the Corporate Brand; Branding Across Borders; The Best of Branding; and Powerhouse – The Secrets of Corporate Branding. He is currently working on a new book, The Theory of Intangible Capital.
Louis T. March, J.D. is a seasoned veteran of the Washington scene, initially serving as a U.S. Senate aide and later working as a public affairs consultant in the nation's capital. Described by one news source as a "consummate networker," he transitioned to corporate finance as a mergers/acquisition's intermediary. In that capacity, he specialized in representing closely held companies to structure "win-win" scenarios through private placements, joint ventures, and other mechanisms.
A former radio talk show host, occasional speaker, and philanthropic fundraiser, his government, business, and philanthropy background have provided an in-depth understanding of the public policy process and widespread public impact.
Dennis R. Pittman is a hands-on human resource professional with a keen sense of public relations implications of human resources decisions. As an H.R. executive at Smithfield Packing, he led communications efforts targeting both internal and external publics. He has a reputation for building trust with community groups and advancing corporate social responsibility.
Mr. Pittman holds a B.S. degree in Management Studies from the University of Maryland and facilitator certifications for Managing Total Quality, Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and SPHR.HRH
Mr. Pittman's activities outside the office have included Board memberships with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Center for International Understanding.
Michaela Cephas Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in founding and growing a successful insurance adjusting community, driving substantial revenue. Expertise spans commercial insurance claims, real estate acquisitions and Airbnb property management. Proficient in leveraging data analytics, communication skills and strategic planning to achieve organizational goals.
Dana Adams Dana Adams is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in creating value for enterprise stakeholders and partners in the development and delivery of marketing and growth initiatives. He brings deep experience across sales, relationship management, new business development, and product development. Dana applies a seasoned blend of strategic and operational skills rooted in virtues that elevate teams toward delivering strong business outcomes. He is a graduate of Harvard University, as well as having been committed to a wide variety of civic volunteer activities throughout his career.
William Cash As an award-winning veteran in the field of advertising and marketing, William has honed his skills as art director, writer, photographer and radio and video director. Among numerous awards, his work has garnered two ADDYs (one best of show) for television, a National Silver Microphone for radio, and his work has been published in "American Corporate Identity," volume 12. Clients range from global Fortune 100 corporations to startups. Need results-driven creative? He's your go-to guy.
