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ROSS H. WLADIS
253 Brookside Avenue || Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
C (630) 730-2536
rosswladis@gmail.com || https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ross-wladis/4/a1/b7b
SUMMARY
A results-driven and highly accomplished senior communications executive with extensive international and domestic
experience in internal and external communications; public relations; public affairs; brand awareness; corporate social
responsibility and sustainability; consumer insights; and internal engagement activities. Additional strengths in marketing,
program management, and strategic planning. Possesses strong communication, leadership, and strategic abilities.
Collaborates cross-functionally to achieve shared objectives. Thrives on analyzing situations and devising solutions to meet
current and future needs.
EXPERIENCE
ROWL COMMUNICATIONS, Ridgewood, New Jersey
Communications Consultant 2016
Lead clients in developing strategic communication priorities and plans that help drive business results and build brand
awareness. Work collaboratively to identify and implement tactics that will generate results and create a competitive
advantage. Construct a narrative that will define and direct the activities of an organization or individual. Leverage diverse
communication vehicles to most effectively disseminate key messages to targeted audiences in a timely manner.
• Consult with an entrepreneurial venture in the fashion industry to facilitate start-up conversations and capitalize on
business opportunities with select partners.
• Develop the narrative for an introspective view of World War II as conveyed through the personal letters of an
American soldier stationed in England with the Royal Air Force.
MCDONALD'S CORPORATION, Oak Brook, Illinois
Director of Global Internal Communications 2012-2015
Developed comprehensive and strategic internal communication plans that engaged company’s 1,900,000 employees,
franchisees, and suppliers while supporting corporation’s values and business priorities. Oversaw company’s internal
communication vehicles, including worldwide intranet, with focus on building understanding of key business strategies and
drivers. Directed cross-functional editorial board that developed content to inform key constituencies and enhance brand
awareness. Managed individuals responsible for intranet, brand awareness, and executive speaker series.
• Implemented internal communication plans and provided communication counsel to key functional areas, including
the corporate social responsibility and sustainability, consumer insights, and human resource disciplines, as well as
Ronald McDonald House Charities.
• Planned and implemented internal communication activities related to launch of company’s first global corporate
social responsibility and sustainability framework/report. Developed collateral global toolkit for worldwide use by
company communication leads.
• Designed strategic internal communication campaign for innovative new dining platform to complement company’s
menu offerings.
• Provided executive leadership with communications support on system announcements, speechwriting, message
positioning, and website content.
• Implemented all internal engagement activities for company’s worldwide convention, leading 2014 convention task
force and working across diverse functional teams to develop overall strategic plan; convention website and mobile
app; on-site engagement center; and related content. App drew 750,000 views.
• Created internal communication plan for management related to resourcing for growth initiative to reallocate
company resources to best address key business priorities.
• Oversaw launch of leadership speaker series designed to highlight personal interests and professional
responsibilities of key global executives.
Director of Communications 2007-2012
Created strategy and executed communication activities to inform key internal constituencies (home office, field staff,
franchisees, suppliers, and customers) about U.S.-based initiatives, within framework of company’s plan. Ensured
alignment between U.S. Business Integration and cross-functional partners (communications, information technology,
operations, human resources, marketing, consumer insights, supply chain, customer service, and restaurant development)
to enhance presentation of information on key initiatives to U.S. and franchisee leadership.

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• Designed comprehensive internal communication model and integrated with accelerated deployment initiative.
Coordinated strategic communication planning for U.S. initiative alignment council.
• Orchestrated all internal communication activities for launch of blended ice beverages in U.S., including McCafe
drinks (frappes, smoothies, and shakes).
• Directed strategic internal communication activities related to development and deployment of key U.S.-based
initiatives, including mobile; Arch Cards; cashless processing; breakfast segment; redeployment of fountain
beverages (including introduction of Dr Pepper); and implementation of WiFi in restaurants.
• Developed communication processes and protocols to ensure consistency within department and across functional
disciplines.
• Created materials to educate key internal constituencies about mission and related activities of U.S. Business
Integration department and program management function.
Manager/Director of Communications, East Division
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1999-2007
Directed all internal and external communication activities for company’s largest division, which included 5,000 restaurants
between Maine and Florida. Developed and implemented targeted communication strategies and related messaging on
behalf of division president. Designed and launched division’s website and oversaw content management.
• Enhanced communication outreach to divisional, regional, and franchisee leadership by providing counsel and
support on messaging related to key initiatives within U.S. plan.
• Worked directly with U.S. communications and U.S. media relations to facilitate dissemination of information,
respond to media inquiries, and provide anticipatory issues management support.
• Promoted public relations and government relations initiatives to enhance brand among key external
constituencies.
• Established and directed network of eight regional communication leads to disseminate information to key
internal/external audiences.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
PENNSYLVANIA INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Manager of Communications, 1993-1999
Led all communication, media, and public relations activities. Served as managing editor and production coordinator for 40
publications, including launch of award-winning magazine. Directed staff of eight employees and activities of 10 statewide
committees. Negotiated all member service contracts, increasing number of services by 100% during tenure. Oversaw
year-long (1996-1997) centennial anniversary celebration, including production of 100-page commemorative text and
collateral video, as well as organization of statewide gala.
Spent 1991-1993 earning master’s degree.
FRAMINGHAM UNION HOSPITAL
Framingham, Massachusetts, Assistant Director/Director, Public Relations, 1986-1991
Directed all communication, media, and public relations activities, including promotion and marketing of 40 hospital
programs and services. Managed writing, editing, and design of 25 health care publications, including hospital’s community
magazine; biweekly employee newsletter; and monthly physician report. Oversaw development and implementation of
$1,000,000 image advertising campaign.
ITHACA COLLEGE
Ithaca, New York, Staff Writer/Interim Editor, 1984-1986
Served as staff writer for all college publications and interim editor for Ithaca College Quarterly.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE WHARTON SCHOOL
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
M.B.A., Marketing Management, 1993
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Ithaca, New York
B.S., Communications; Minor in Business, 1984