New York Times: Thom shares a list of must-reads
In today’s New York Times, Thom Serafin shares his list of must-reads ahead of today’s Illinois primaries.
His tip sheet outlines Illinois’s long and recent history of backroom dealing, its economic struggles, the broader implications of Tuesday’s primary and its political geography.
Betsy Sales named to River North Business Association Board of Directors
Betsy Sales, Chief Financial Officer of Serafin & Associates, Inc., was recently named to the River North Business Association Board of Directors for 2012.
The River North Business Association is made up of hundreds of local business owners who work hard to keep River North a top destination for residents and visitors. It offers members opportunities to help their business grow and thrive in this unique place to explore, shop, dine, and stay.
More information about the River North Business Association is available here.
Congratulations Betsy!
Crain’s Shia Kapos: A-list names in business, politics…
Crain’s Shia Kapos on the Chicago holiday party scene:
…The best parties are those that bring together A-list names in business, politics, philanthropy and culture. (more…)
Big John & Amy Goes BIG THOM & Amy
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If you think you hear a strange voice on the air – you are. That’s our own Thom Serafin filling in for Big John Howell with Amy Jacobson on Chicago’s AM 560 WIND. Tune in 5am-9am 12/21 and 12/22. On the dial at 560 AM or www.560wind.com.Serafin on FOX Chicago
Thom Serafin on the final Republican presidential debate before the Iowa caucus. Check him out on FOX Chicago.
Northwest Municipal Conference taps Serafin again
On Aug. 25, Serafin & Associates’ Kelly King, Angela Heuer and Scott Burnham were dispatched to Highland Park to administer the highly competitive putting contest at The Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) Annual Golf Outing.
In May, Serafin & Associates helped the NWMC and a broad coalition of municipal groups from across the state stop efforts to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars from local communities to help pay down the state’s budget deficit. NWMC represents over 1.3 million citizens residing in 41 municipalities throughout Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Nine-time Emmy award winner joins Serafin team
Veteran television journalist and communications professional Lissa Druss Christman has joined the Chicago-based public relations and public affairs firm Serafin & Associates, Inc., company president and CEO Thom Serafin announced today.
A nine-time Emmy award winner, Christman spent decades in Chicago television before beginning a career in public affairs. As a communications strategist, Christman has worked with top businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations and sports executives.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Lissa join our team,” said Thom M. Serafin. “Lissa’s credentials in this market and her energy will serve our clients well as we expand our client services in Chicago, Springfield and beyond.”
Christman was one of the principals who launched the newsroom of Comcast SportsNet Chicago, which won the 2009 Chicago Journalism Award in sports. She served as senior sports producer at WBBM-TV/CBS, where she produced two weekly shows for the Chicago Bears. She also coordinated sports departments under the direction of sports anchors Mike Adamle and Tim Weigel.
Christman worked locally and nationally for CBS, Fox and NBC both in Chicago and Los Angeles and has written and produced news, entertainment and sports segments. During the 1990s, she covered headline stories including the Persian Gulf War, the Oklahoma City bombing and the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Christman also has a unique experience serving as a media consultant and strategist for the U.S. Department of Justice in El Salvador. Most recently, she served as chief creative officer at the communications firm of Culloton Strategies, LLC.
Christman is an adjunct professor at DePaul University, where she teaches television production. She sits on the board of directors of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Chicago Chapter) and the Bears Care Executive Committee of the Chicago Bears. Christman is also a member of the National Italian American Foundation. She lives in River Forest with her family.
Serafin on FOX: What’s next for Mayor Emanuel
How will Mayor Emanuel interact with the new City Council? What should Chicago expect from its new mayor? Thom Serafin was on hand to provide these insights and more throughout Inauguration morning at FOX Chicago studios.
Newest member of S&A gets the job done at every level
Serafin & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that Mr. Gyata Kimmons, former Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Walmart Stores, Inc., has joined S&A as a senior account executive.
Mr. Kimmons is well imbedded in Chicago’s communications, political and civic arenas with experiences ranging from his service in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, to his work as the Director of Community Relations for Chicago’s 2016 Olympics bid.
That experience provides him with unique insight and an ability to understand and communicate with Chicago’s many diverse communities.
Mr. Kimmons also worked as a contract negotiator for the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services, and as deputy director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for Chicago Public Schools.
“Mr. Kimmons brings one of a kind experience and insight to our team,” said Thom M. Serafin, President and CEO of Serafin & Associates. “We’re happy to have Mr. Kimmons on our team.”
Responsible for outreach and communication with community groups, advocacy groups and elected officials, Mr. Kimmons has been especially effective working with grassroots constituents to give them a voice in political spheres at all levels.
As part of Serafin & Associates, he’ll apply that knowledge to initiatives that demand an ongoing synergy between Chicago’s communities and the organizations that represent them.
“Bringing Walmart to our city can enable the kind of substantive changes that so many areas are hungry for,” Mr. Kimmons said. “Just the idea of walking to a neighborhood grocery store has a lot of people enthusiastic and we’re excited to make that a reality for them.”
During his time serving as the Assistant to the Mayor in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Kimmons acted as the bridge between community and religious leaders and their elected officials.
“Not only is Mr. Kimmons a great communicator, he knows the city,” said Serafin. “He knows the neighborhoods, he knows the people and he knows the inner-workings of City Hall. He’ll prove to be a great value to us and to our clients.”
“There are good people working for this city,” said Mr. Kimmons. “When we work together, we do great things for the people and the city of Chicago.”
Former Giannoulias adviser joins S&A
Serafin & Associates, Inc. announced today that Scott Burnham – former director of communications to former Illinois Treasurer and U.S Senate Nominee Alexi Giannoulias – has joined the communications firm as a senior account executive.
A communications professional and reporter for the past 15 years, Burnham brings a broad range of experience and insight into politics, government and the media to the Chicago-based firm.
During his five years as a senior adviser to Giannoulias, Burnham helped the Illinois State Treasurer ascend from a first-time candidate, to a statewide elected official and, ultimately, to U.S. Senate Nominee. He directed communications for Giannoulias’ administration as well as his 2006 State Treasurer’s campaign and for his 2010 U.S. Senate campaign, one of the highest-profile campaigns in the nation.
“I have long followed Scott’s career as a journalist and as a communications professional,” said Thom M. Serafin, President and CEO of Serafin & Associates, Inc. “He has an impeccable reputation and we’re excited to have him on our team.”
Serafin added that Burnham’s strategic communication skills and political acumen will prove valuable in serving the firm’s corporate and non-profit clients seeking counsel on public affairs, public relations and crisis matters in Illinois and across the region.
Burnham noted that the firm’s unparalleled success over the past 25 years, commitment to gold-standard service and capacity to deliver results for its diverse clientele is what attracted him to the premier communications firm.
“Working as part of the Serafin team will provide me the opportunity to use my experience and skill set in a professional, fast-paced and high-stakes environment that will contribute to the firm’s longstanding success,” he said.
Prior to joining Giannoulias during his 2006 campaign for State Treasurer, Burnham served as the communications director for Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office. He also worked for several years as a journalist, most recently as the political writer for the Daily Southtown newspaper, covering federal, state and county politics and government.
Burnham earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
