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Resume

Ron Schmidt, LEED AP

Experienced professional who applies communications strategy to successfully build technology brands. Proven ability to plan and execute programs that raise visibility of products, services, executives, initiatives and organizations. Successfully drives collaboration across functions and with business partners. Creates and distributes compelling written and multimedia content that engages stakeholders and drives awareness. Passion for deploying social media and sharing best practices in the communications field.

Core Strengths

  • Analyst Relations
  • Channel Communications
  • Green Technology
  • Content Development
  • Corporate News
  • Developmental Editing
  • New Media Strategy
  • Positioning & Messaging
  • Presentations
  • Press Tours
  • Product Launches
  • Project Management
  • Public Relations
  • Web Content & Strategy

Experience

Rosswood Communications, Inc., San Jose, CA

Managing Director                                                                                                                      2001-Present

Plan and execute strategic communications campaigns to raise visibility of technology products, services, initiatives and executives. Client list includes Cisco, Guidant, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Secure Computing, Securify, NetManage, TollBridge Technologies, BNIM Architects and Rumsey Engineers.

Cisco, San Jose, CA

PR & Corporate News Consultant                                                                                               2006-2009

Developed comprehensive communications plan and conducted media/analyst relations for Cisco Capital, the company’s financing subsidiary. Worked closely with Investor Relations and business units to secure press coverage in business, trade and channel publications. Developed, managed and edited content for News@Cisco website, including feature articles, podcasts, videos, executive Q&As to promote product launches, company initiatives and relevant technology trends.

Guidant, Santa Clara, CA

Communications Consultant                                                                                                          2004-2006

Raised employee awareness of key company policies through redesign of diversity and inclusion website and global campaign launch. During Boston Scientific pre-acquisition period, wrote and edited employee communications content including customer video testimonials, executive interview and feature articles. Executed annual Circle of Champions employee awards event.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, San Jose, CA

Public Relations Consultant                                                                                                                    2004

Enhanced Dell relationship and generated industry excitement for Hitachi 1.8-inch hard drive by driving media relations campaign for Dell’s first Digital Jukebox portable MP3 player.


Secure Computing, San Jose, CA

Public Relations Consultant                                                                                                          2001-2004

Developed comprehensive strategic communications plan, developed product launch plans, organized and staffed press tours, organized PR team and company positioning offsites. Wrote press releases, backgrounders and other press materials. Managed small PR team.

Ramp Networks, Santa Clara, CA

Public Relations Manager                                                                                                                                                                                       2000-2001

Executed press/analyst tours, briefings, speaking engagements and other PR activities, resulting in more than 100 stories or mentions in business, IT, channels and vertical publications. Helped establish Ramp as a leader in small office Internet connectivity. Received Employee of the Quarter award.

Cunningham Communication, Palo Alto, CA

Associate                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1999

Supported Hewlett-Packard’s Data Warehousing, Technical Server, High Availability, HP-UX and VerSecure organizations. Developed PR launch plans, press releases and other materials.  Conducted media relations including press tours and trade show briefings.

Neale-May & Partners, Palo Alto, CA

Associate                                                                                                                                                1998

Media and analyst relations for multiple clients including Attachmate, Blue-Line/On-Line, Entrust Technologies, Magnifi, Santa Cruz Operations and Sterling Software. Organized product launches and press/analyst tours.

Experience prior to 1998 includes writing end user documentation and marketing communications collateral for La Cie, Farallon Computing, SuperMac, Dantz, Macromedia and SonicWall.

Education

University of California, Berkeley, CA

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Accolades and Affiliations

  • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council
  • Past president of the International Association of Business Communicators, Silicon Valley Chapter
  • Leadership Development Merit Award, IABC 2007 Chapter Management Awards
  • Society for Technical Communications Merit Award
  • Past speaking engagements include MacWorld, Co-op America Green Business Conference, San Jose State University and Santa Clara University
  • Co-led Social Media Crash Course with High Tech Connect

Content Development

  • PowerPoint Presentations
    • Created deck to explain Cisco Capital’s business and key messages to employees
    • Edited decks used for press tours and briefings by CEOs and executives at Cisco, Secure Computing and Ramp Networks
    • Created deck “7 Steps for Building and Managing an Executive Reputation,” which is posted on SlideShare
    • Press Documents
      • Wrote 100+ press releases for Cisco, Guidant, Hitachi, Secure Computing, Ramp Networks, Hewlett Packard, and other organizations
      • Wrote PR plans for Hewlett Packard, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Ramp Networks, Secure Computing, TollBridge Technologies, and green businesses
      • Extensive portfolio of reports, press pitches, bios, backgrounders, Q&As, messaging documents, etc.
    • Developmental Editing
      • Managed and edited content for News@Cisco website, including feature articles, podcasts, videos, executive Q&As to promote product launches, company initiatives and relevant technology trends
      • Edited and produced customer video testimonials and executive interviews for Guidant
      • Edited IDC white papers while consulting with Cisco Capital
    • Web Copywriting
      • Wrote copy and redesigned intranet site for Guidant’s diversity and inclusion policies, programs and resources
    • Blog Development and Writing
    • Newsletters
      • Wrote feature articles and executive profiles for Guidant employee newsletter
      • Developed newsletter content for La Cie
    • Data Sheets
      • Created data sheets for PC peripherals for La Cie
    • User Guides
      • Wrote more than 50 end user guides for hardware and software products for Dantz, Macromedia, Farallon, SonicWall, SuperMac and La Cie
      • Wrote/edited release notes, online help, quick start guides for hardware and software
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