Harvey Bennett is an experienced strategic communications professional specializing in public relations, marketing, media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement. He has 20+ years of experience leading communications for corporations, government agencies, and non-profits. His background includes launching a regional television news network, directing communications for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, and serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Membership for Florida TaxWatch. He is currently the Principal of his own strategic communications firm, TeleDirections.

1. HA R V EY B EN N ETT
12009 Cedar Bluff https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveylbennett Mobile: (850) 510-7185
Tallahassee, FL 32312 Email: HarveyLBennett@earthlink.net
DIRECTOR STRATEG IC COMMUNICATIONS & P UB LIC AF F AIRS
CORPORATE | GOVERNMENT | NONPROFI T | COMMUNI TY
“I h elp organ ization s reach th eir goals th rou gh better com m u n ication s !”
Dynamic, articulate communications leadership professional with successes in program development and
implementation, strategic campaign planning, creative development, and multi-faceted communications
strategies designed to advance the organization’s interests, support its clients, and achieve growth. Skilled
strategist with expertise in vision leadership for internal and external communications. Solutions-oriented
marketing professional skilled in promoting programs in association, business, and government environments
to reach broad or specific targets. Proficient in relationship building, media relations, public relations,
business development, and networking. Diverse experience in creative and administrative management.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
 Communications Management
 Strategic Analysis, Planning
 Media & Public Relations
 Marketing, Promotions
 Crisis Response,Diplomacy
 Internal/External Communications
 Event & Program Development
 Campaign Creation
 Project Design, Management
 Relationship Management
 Fundraising
 Writing, Presentations, Editing
 Research,Analysis, Publishing
 Stakeholder Engagement
 Team Leadership
KEY SKILLS ASSESSMENT
 Ability to effectively communicate the impact public policies have on business, consumers, citizens, and
the economy.
 Highly skilled in fostering productive collaboration among diverse parties to solve complex issues.
 Public policy development and implementation experience on tax, fiscal, insurance, social service, and
economic development matters including testifying before the legislature and serving as a spokesperson.
 Ability to cultivate valuable relationships with major business leaders,corporate and association C-Suite
Executives, and leaders of governments, colleges, school districts, and community groups.
 Creativity in developing events and leading dynamic panels to facilitate public engagement and
collaboration.
 Expertise in message development, pitching, and constructing pertinent information to news & media
organizations and achieving effective promotional results.
 Know-how to spot opportunity and generate revenue.
 Excellent presentation, oral and written communication skills with the ability to present complex issues in
comprehensible and relative context. (view: http://bit.ly/1Pgdjmp )
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
TELEDIRECTIONS
Principal July 2015 – present
Founded this strategic communications firm focused on helping clients capitalize on their content and utilize
public engagement and facilitation programs for complex business and public policy issues. View
www.TeleDirections.com
FLORIDA OFFICE ofINSURANCE REGULATION
Director ofCommunications March 2014 – June 2015
Directed the activities of the Office's communications business unit to ensure the generalpublic, insurance
industry, and news media were provided pertinent and timely information.

2. HA R V EY B EN N ETT, P A G E 2
 Developed media, communications, and public relations strategies; advised the Commissioner and
senior staff on plans of action. This included traditional and new social media.
Key Accomplishment:
 Reinforced industry confidence in the Office at a crucial period by implementing key op-editorial
columns on Florida’s homeowners market published in major newspapers.
FLORIDA TAXWATCH
Senior Vice President ofMarketing & Membership January 2007- March 2014
Oversaw business development and the statewide membership initiative for this nonprofit, nonpartisan
taxpayer research institute to successfully garner new members, retain and upgrade current donors, and grow
corporate sponsorships and contracted research.
 Served as point person to an outside brand assessment and working with the Executive Committee,
led the subsequent effort to formulate and execute improvements, including redevelopment of the
website, increasing site visits and donations.
 Part of senior leadership team that developed the quarterly research and policy agenda in conjunction
with members and Centers of Excellence advisory boards; assisted in development of annual budget.
Key Accomplishment:
 Consistently achieved a 90%+ retention rate during especially challenging years for Florida’s
businesses and economy.
Vice President ofCommunications & Marketing October 2003 - December 2006
Managed all aspects of internal and external communications; identified and expanded outreach and education
to various audiences with tailored communications products across different platforms.
 Developed an annual program of 14 regional briefings along with statewide community campaigns
and forums on critical statewide issues.
 Organized the TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance & Accountability, created its first
communications and marketing plan, and recruited the advisory board.
 Negotiated and supervised outside vendor and independent contractors.
Key Accomplishments:
 Achieved greater member engagement, media mentions, legislative awareness and action, and
revenue. This included corporations, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and individual donors.
 Recipient of the Florida TaxWatch President’s Award for “extraordinary commitment to the
TaxWatch mission and tireless efforts at messaging and successfully engaging new members” in role
in association management.
FLORIDA’S NEWS CHANNEL
Vice President ofNews January 1998 – September 2003
Headed the team that created and launched the nation's first 24-hour multi-channel regional television news
service.
 Managed a division of 105 employees with an annual operating budget of $3 million.
 Developed the strategic plan, brand positioning, programming, promotion, and key messages for the
network.
Key Accomplishments:
 Attained a 1.2 rating within three weeks of launch, a significant measurement of success in the cable
television industry.
 Created FNC News Services providing message development, VNR production, and interview tours.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Bachelor of Journalism, Emphasis in Marketing, University of Missouri-Columbia
School of Public Communication, Boston University
Tax Executives Institute - Florida Chapter, CPE Credits
Certificate in Public Involvement – Florida Department of Transportation
Certificate in Social Media in Business – Southern Regional Technical College
Certificate in Grant Writing - MCDG, Inc.