Bill Bonsiewicz
COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL
As a seasoned communications expert with more than 25 years of experience, I specialize in crafting and implementing strategic communication strategies, overseeing media relations, enhancing internal communication channels, and resolving complex challenges. Throughout my career, I've consistently delivered impactful solutions and built strong relationships across various levels of organizations, from ownership to frontline staff. With a proven track record of driving business goals through compelling messaging and storytelling, I excel in navigating market dynamics and safeguarding brand reputation. Feel free to explore further and connect with me to discover how I can contribute to your team's success. Thank you!
EXPERIENCE
2017- Current
Principal
BMB Strategic Communications
Consultancy across a myriad of disciplines, including sports, finance, hospitality and large retailers. Manage deadlines and budgets across several businesses to meet dynamic needs of multiple clients. Recent project highlights include the creation of an overarching communications plan for a hospitality group; a communications & digital content plan for the launch of a local sports radio station; a business development proposal for a multi-use, sports complex; and vendor project work for The Home Depot.
2010-2016
Chief Operating & Communications Officer
Brooklyn New York Holdings, LLC
Executive leader in a family office with diverse holdings including professional sports teams (NFL & EPL), as well as commercial and hospitality properties.
Spokesperson and point of contact for ownership and senior management, both domestically and abroad.
Grew media coverage incrementally each year through strategic placements with major news organizations including, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, The Sunday Times (UK), Financial Times (UK).
Created and maintained corporate communications strategy.
Provided media training as well as oversight of all executive related communications.
Created and executed targeted PR campaigns to raise awareness of organization and initiatives.
2005-2010
Vice President of Communications
Cleveland Browns
Led a team of 40+ through 7 direct reports spanning 8 different departments.
Member of executive committee and primary spokesperson for organization.
Oversaw content strategy to increase fan engagement and build distribution channels resulting in increased following and engagement by a minimum of 20% annually.
Negotiated and managed relationship with local rights holders. Built and led team that produced programming across broadcast media and owned assets.
Liaised with City of Cleveland on stadium upgrades and issues, as well as NFL office on league related matters.
Co-created messaging around team's vision for future; attended and presented on sales calls that resulted in growth in suite, ticket and sponsorship revenue.
Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.
Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of communications plans.
2000-2005
Vice President of Communications
Boston Celtics
Oversaw all aspects of communications and strategy. Member of leadership committee.
Created and executed strategic plans to introduce reinvigorate brand and strengthen ties to fanbase and city.
Managed Celtics communications department encompassing basketball and business public relations, community relations, broadcasting and digital media.
Increased brand awareness through development and implementation of successful public relations campaigns.
Collaborated with other departments to develop integrated branding and public relations strategies.
ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/BOARD EXPERIENCE
1996-2000
Media Relations Manager
1994-1996
Coordinator, Corporate Communications
1992-1994
Public Relations Assistant
Philadelphia 76ers
National Basketball Association
Cleveland Cavaliers
Ohio University
Bachelor's Degree
Sport Management
2012-2016
Board Member
2006-2010
Executive Committee
2002-2005
Leadership Committee
2001-2005
Board Member
M/G Transport Services
Cleveland Browns
Boston Celtics
NBA Public Relations Advisory Board
BRANDS I'VE HELPED
SKILLS
Overarching Communication Strategies
Position Papers & Issue Briefs
Digital Content, Messaging & Overall Storytelling
Microsoft Office
Corporate Communications
Long Lead Planning and Coverage Placement
Global Media Relations
Cision/Muck Rack
Position Papers & Issue Briefs
WORK
WORK
ISSUE/POSITION PAPERS
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I was charged by ownership prior to a league meeting with preparing a summary, impact and position paper regarding an ongoing dispute between the NFL Network and local cable operators. The document clearly and concisely summarized the issue with supporting data and provided a recommendation to ownership with a position for consideration. Full document available upon request.
EXECUTIVE COACHING/MEDIA PREPERATION
More than ever executives find themselves in front of the public in some shape or form. There are high expectations for transparency and clarity on any number of issues. Over the course of my career I have successfully counseled and collaborated with ownership, C-suite executives, managers and staff. Through a pragmatic approach, I have thoroughly prepared the subject for a myriad of forward facing appearances ensuring they achieve the goal of the event, stay on point and navigate through difficult conversations. Contact me for a full list of references.
PROJECT WORK
The Home Depot: Working on behalf of The Home Depot and its vendors, I have overseen the execution of projects that guides store associates through prepared project plans resulting in improved relationships and sales.
Legacy Sports: Consulted on business development proposal and press collateral for launch of multi-use sports complex.
Amagansett Hospitality Group: Oversaw the completion of construction on a high-end resort in the Hamptons, as well as staffing, operations, marketing and communications of business and sister properties.
M/G Transport Services: Spearheaded management assessment to identify areas of opportunity and advised on selection and recruitment of talent in key positions. Created monthly communications plan designed to attract new business.
COMMUNICATIONS PLANS
Serving as Chief Operating and Communications Officer for BNYH, LLC, I created and executed an overarching corporate communications plan that created a cohesive corporate culture by knitting together business domestically and abroad across a myriad of disciplines - including professional sports, finance, hospitality and transportation. The plan increased engagement and morale, and also created a management fellowship that resulted in idea sharing and measurable business results. Long lead, highly sought after coverage was secured including the The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, The Sunday Times (UK), Financial Times (UK) and BBC.
Serving as Vice President of Communications for the Cleveland Browns, I created an external plan that targeted specific audiences, both locally and nationally, with the sole purpose of creating meaningful connections between a loyal, passionate, fanbase and the organization while leveraging relationships with local and national press. The plan produced daily interactions among leaders, departments and employees across multiple office locations. Measured results showed increase following and engagement on digital platforms, as well as met or exceeded revenue goals including suite and ticket sales goals, despite an unsuccesful on-field season and offseason price increase.
As Vice President of Communications for one of the most storied franchises in all of sports, I developed and led multiple communications plans. Following an ownership change, I put together a plan to introduce the new ownership group and reinforce their commitment to returning the team to championship form and strengthening ties with fans and community. This included one-on-ones and meetings with opinion leaders and targeted press, and the launch of new charitable foundation aimed at giving back to local communities. The plan had measurable success in erasing pessimism in leadership, establishing trust, and positioning the franchise at the forefront of the Boston landscape. The team added revenue streams through new partnerships and put ownership among the thought leaders in town and around the league.
