Kate Wilhelm steps into Chief Operating Officer
Brian Dries becomes Director
Anthony Campisi, Elise Corbett and Drew Murren each earn promotions
Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy is proud to announce Kate Wilhelm now serves as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer after two years as Director. Kate came to the firm after over a decade as one of the leading professionals in the region’s business and non-profit community, bringing substantial executive and reputation-management experience.
Kate quickly made her mark on the firm, implementing an organizational structure that maximizes the diverse talent of our team. As Chief Operating Officer, Kate will continue to work with firm clients while overseeing business development efforts and leading strategic planning in conjunction with Principal Larry Ceisler.
“I am honored by the opportunity to work alongside Larry and our talented team as we start 2020,” Kate said of the change in responsibility. “As the media and political landscape evolves, I look forward to supporting the firm’s continued growth and expansion. I am also excited to continue to support our clients as they tackle key issues and bring them to the forefront for the public.”
Kate’s practice has always been to cultivate partnerships with leading local and national businesses. As Senior Vice President of Business Development & External Affairs at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, she built and managed relationships with national and local partners to raise awareness, engage new audiences and provide financial support for the legacy organizations. As a consultant, Kate developed strategic plans for clients including the Philadelphia Film Society and the Please Touch Museum.
Her executive career began when Kate served as Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy. There, she oversaw efforts to increase and diversify financial support for the park system. She directed completion of an $8.1 million campaign to finish restoration of the Water Works South Garden and Cliffside; facilitated development of a master plan for Hunting Park in North Philadelphia; and negotiated the reopening of the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center with the City of Philadelphia and Stephen Starr Catering.
“Since joining Ceisler Media a few years ago, Kate Wilhelm has been at the forefront of our growth and expansion,” said Larry Ceisler. “With our larger staff and broader capabilities, Kate’s experience and dedication came at the right time as we look toward a bright future. What I have learned in this business is that it is constantly changing and it is important we have leadership that can foresee and implement the strategies our clients need to compete. And with this title, it is important all the sectors we serve realize Kate has ascended to this position of responsibility.”
In addition, Brian Dries was promoted to the position of Director. Brian leverages over a decade of government communications experience and unparalleled local policy expertise in his new role. He is an expert at crafting a communications strategy from idea through implementation – incorporating marketing, advertising, media relations and public affairs outreach. Whether it is a corporate, non-profit or issue-based campaign, he develops messaging to manage each situation and specific audience – no matter the size.
“Brian has brought the twin competencies of top level work product and a sense of calm to our firm,” Larry Ceisler said. “Since he joined us from government service, I have watched how he has handled intense situations for a variety of clients with a great results that have earned him the confidence of some of our nation’s and region’s finest companies. He has earned this position of leadership in his next step with our firm.”
Ceisler Media is happy to announce three additional promotions:
Anthony Campisi was promoted to the position of Associate Director after expanding the firm’s practice into New Jersey and assuming strategic leadership of several accounts.
Elise Corbett was promoted to the role of Senior Associate for her stewardship of a slate of corporate accounts, strategic communications skills and adept press pitching ability.
Drew Murren was promoted to the role of Senior Associate for his excellence in writing, business development and expertise with utilities and health care issues.
