Harvey Bennett

Experience

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  Various Florida, East Coast & MIdwest Radio and Television Stations

  Jan 1984 - Jan 1997

  Manager, Producer, Anchor, and Reporter

  Generated impactful lead stories and features for nightly newscasts in mid- to large-market stations. Developed and produced long-form segments for public affairs and public service programs.

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  Florida's News Channel

  Jan 1998 - Sept 2003

  Vice President of News

  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 division providing message development and production of Video News Releases and television interview tours to Florida clients. Show less

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  Florida TaxWatch

  Oct 2003 - Mar 2014

  Oversaw business development and the statewide membership initiative for this nonprofit, nonpartisan taxpayer research institute to successfully garner new members. Served as point person to an outside brand assessment and 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. Key Accomplishment:+ Consistently achieved a 90%+ retention rate during especially challenging years for Florida’s businesses and economy. Show less 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.Key Accomplishments:+ Achieved greater member engagement, media mentions, legislative awareness and action, and revenue.+ 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. Show less

  • Senior Vice President of Marketing & Membership

    Jan 2007 - Mar 2014

  • Vice President of Communications & Marketing

    Oct 2003 - Dec 2006
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  Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

  Mar 2014 - Jun 2015

  Director of Communications

  Directed the activities of the Office's communications business unit to ensure the general public, insurance industry, and news media were provided pertinent and timely information. 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. Show less

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  TeleDirections

  Jul 2015 - now

  Principal

  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