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MY STORY
Originally from Philadelphia, I moved to Georgia in 2006 to study for a career in communications, enrolling at the University of Georgia. In May of 2010, I graduated with a B.A. in newspapers, and worked for nearly a year in the field of public relations. With a solid grounding in the fields of journalism, public relations, fundraising and event planning, as well as passion for new media and technology, I developed a unique professional skillset that proved useful in transitioning to a career in the commercial insurance industry.
I have also had the rewarding experience of leading a non-profit organization. I am the co-founder and current Director of PR for The Team Burns Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organization that began raising money for cancer research following my father’s passing from colon cancer in 2008 — since then, we’ve raised more than $20,000 dollars for cancer research and awareness programs by hosting various fundraisers, including our largest annual event, SpringSing: Voices United for a Cure, a three-day a cappella music festival.
In addition to Team Burns, I’ve led several other organizations. As PR Chair for the UGA Accidentals, as well as former Director of PR for the Maroon Tiger newspaper, I developed and maintained long-term strategic campaigns that made use of social media, in addition to managing and motivating large teams of individuals. As Director of Communications at Terrapin Blue, LLC, a nationally-recognized full-service consulting firm for motorcoach companies, I worked within the private transportation industry, using a strategic combo of traditional and new media PR approaches. Touching each piece of the Terrapin Blue Family of Companies, including Community Spec, LLC, Plan of Action, LLC and Green Room International Productions, I had the unique opportunity to lead a production team that works with an diverse group of clients in areas including web design, traditional media and new media.
When I worked in PR, I always said that keeping up with cutting-edge new media and technology was crucial. In my opinion, I believe understanding new media should be one every professional’s top priorities. Now, I work in the commercial insurance industry, and I still work with technology — and in my role, it’s still more important than ever.
As a technology underwriter with The Hartford Insurance Group, I provide consultative risk management expertise and business insurance policies for technology and life science companies. My current role is a satisfying mix of technical insurance expertise and consultative selling — as underwriters are responsible not only for assessing a risk’s potential exposures, but also serving as a “trusted advisor” to the agent, who ultimately sells the insurance policy to the businessowner. I am enjoying the challenges presented by the underwriter position, and look forward to growing my expertise within this field.
My blog, “PR & New Media Today,” explores some of the current trends driving the industry. My posts have been featured on Social Media Today.com. You can read my posts by clicking the “Blog” tab above. If you’re looking to get in touch with me, visit the “Contact” tab. Thanks again for visiting my site!
About Me:
I'm Robert - a Technology Underwriter at The Hartford Insurance Group, one of the nation's top 10 carriers. Having worked in the communications and risk management industries, I've become passionate about the fields of PR, tech and new media. Thanks for visiting my website!
Linkedin.com/in/RobertBurnsII
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