About John Fries John Fries is a writer, graphic designer, filmmaker and marketing and communications professional with 30 years of strategic, creative, consultative and leadership experience and a long list of results. His experience encompasses print and broadcast journalism, marketing communications, brand development and positioning, public relations, crisis communications, advertising, screenwriting, web design, social media, online communications, employee communications, direct marketing, B-to-B, B-to-C and POP. He has led the communications departments at UPMC Passavant, Shadyside Hospital, The Washington Hospital, the Port Authority of Allegheny County and Butler Gas Products Co., achieving significant, measurable results.

He also served as manager at Burson-Marsteller, one of the world's largest communications firms, and has provided strategic, writing and/or graphic design services as a subcontractor for some of Western Pennsylvania's top advertising, marketing and public relations agencies.

John provides strategic and creative communications services to organizations of all sizes and types, from major corporations, mid-sized companies and small businesses to medical practices, consultancies, non-profits and entrepreneurial ventures.

He has contributed articles to numerous publications, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Magazine and has written for, produced and hosted a number of radio and television programs and podcasts.

He also writes and directs film projects, and is an award-winning photographer and web designer.

John holds a B.A. degree in communications and marketing from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA.

Management / Leadership Experience

Frick Art & Historical Center
The Washington Hosptal
Burson Marsteller
UPMC Passavant
Port Authority of Allegheny County
Forbes Health System
Butler Gas Products Co.

Notable Accomplishments / Results

• Developed and implemented national public relations effort for Pizza Hut. Results: Several million media impressions, including ABC-TV, CBS-TV, NBC-TV, CNN, MTV and feature articles in nearly all major newspapers.
  
  
• Developed and implemented strategy for branding, marketing and launch of Qualitech, an innovative technology company. Results: Successful penetration of new markets, sales growth in excess of $1 million, and preferred status among customers.
  
  
• Led branding, marketing and communications initiatives and created name and identity for CYLTRAK, a technology-based service pioneered in western PA by Butler Gas Products Co. Results: Significant trade media attention and sales growth.
  
  
• Led communication of Port Authority of Allegheny County customer service initiatives to 75 million annual riders, authority employees and the public. Also, designed new logo and identity system and led redesign of all collateral materials and publications.
  
  
• Developed and executed public relations strategy for the UPMC Passavant Festival of Lights, which drew an estimated 10,000+ visitors annually for three consecutive years and received substantial media attention.
  
  
• Supervised development of award-winning website and Internet communications strategy for UPMC Passavant that resulted in the generation of patient referrals from across the U.S.
  
  
• Developed and coordinated successful public relations initiatives for opening of Shadyside Medical Center-Squirrel Hill (professional building) and rebranding and reintroduction communications Shadyside Hospital Maternity Suites.
  
  
• Led development and launch of an innovative communications initiative to alert Duquesne Light customers about the utility's summer storm readiness plans.
  
  
• Supervised development of the Pennsylvania Utility Choice website, which enables consumers statewide to choose their telephone, electricity and gas suppliers. Site has received more than 10 million hits.
  
  
• Co-developed and oversaw implementation of marketing plan for the Ruth York Morgan Health Education Learning Place at The Washington Hospital, resulting in the center receiving its 1,000th visitor in a matter of months.
  
  
• Developed and implemented successful publicity initiatives for Pittsburgh benefit premiere of Desperate Measures, a movie shot in Pittsburgh starring Michael Keaton and Andy Garcia. Event received substantial media attention.
  
  
• Served on the management team that developed branding and positioning for Highmark, Inc., the nation's eighth largest health insurer.
  
  
• Played a key leadership role in developing Highmark's multiple award-winning website, which served to bring the brand to life.
  
  
• Developed PR, marketing and web site for Midlife Crisis Comedy Tour, a national tour featuring four nationally known stand-up comedians. The tour has been featured in a range of local, regional and national media.
  
  
• Handled PR and marketing for Comedy Relief-Pittsburgh, a benefit event for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Events drew large audiences and raised well in excess of $10,000.
  
  
• Led development of new website and identity program at the Frick Art & Historical Center, resulting in 100% growth in web visits in less than a year. He also launched and significantly grew the museum's social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.