Words * Ideas * Analysis * Connections * Directions
About Keith Twitchell
With an extensive background in communications, community engagement and facilitation, policy development, and nonprofit management, I have the ability to take in information from disparate sources; analyze and synthesize it; turn it into actionable concepts; and then communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. I am a “big picture” person who can still keep an eye on the details, a skilled problem-solver, always focused on generating meaningful results and mutual benefits. I have worked in a variety of capacities with a variety of organizations, including nonprofits, for-profits, neighborhood associations, community groups, government agencies, and professional associations.
About Keith Twitchell
With an extensive background in communications, community engagement and facilitation, policy development, and nonprofit management, I have the ability to take in information from disparate sources; analyze and synthesize it; turn it into actionable concepts; and then communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. I am a “big picture” person who can still keep an eye on the details, a skilled problem-solver, always focused on generating meaningful results and mutual benefits. I have worked in a variety of capacities with a variety of organizations, including nonprofits, for-profits, neighborhood associations, community groups, government agencies, and professional associations.
Professional Experience
2000 – 2020: Committee for a Better New Orleans
Consultant, Vice-President (2002) and President (2004) for this diverse community organization working on community empowerment, leadership development, open and accountable government, and systemic change. During initial planning phase, assisted with action plans and wrote final document, “Blueprint for a Better New Orleans”. Developed major initiatives including Community Participation Program, City Planning Neighborhood Participation Program (NPP), Police Recruitment and Retention Paper, Asset-Building-Based Employee Benefits Model, Rental Property Codes and Inspection System, Orleans Public Education Network, and Greater New Orleans Water Collaborative, among others. Also participated in development of and outreach for Unified New Orleans Plan process. Responsible for organizational management, fundraising, financial management (eliminated inherited organizational debt of over $100,000), coalition and partnership building, communications, and public engagement. In this position, I have worked with virtually every segment of the New Orleans community as well as national partners, often bringing diverse voices and interests together. CBNO is committed to inclusiveness and to finding and building on common ground, to creating enduring change that revitalizes our city and offers opportunity to all its residents. It was my privilege to guide and implement this vision.
1982 – 2002: Pendragon Promotions
Independent writer/producer working primarily in business communications, including
* Print, Radio and Television Advertising
* Brochures and Catalogues
* Newsletters and other internal and external business communications
* Web Sites
* Video, Slide Show and Power Point scripts
* Business Letters, Reports and Position Papers
* Press Releases, Community Information pieces, other publicity pieces
* Training Manuals and Videos
Clients have come from virtually every business sector, including financial, medical, hospitality, retail, cultural, and communications, as well as the public, nonprofit and education sectors.
1985 – 1987: Shelly Berman Communicators
New Orleans branch office of this national advertising firm. Hired as copywriter, promoted to creative director. Accounts included First NBC/First Commerce Corporation, The Fair Grounds, Checker Auto Parts, Darcor, Delta Queen Steamboat Lines.
Awards
Urban Hero Award, Urban Conservancy (2016)
Role Model Award, Young Leadership Council (2014)
Citizen Diplomat of the Year Award (CBNO), New Orleans Citizen Diplomacy Council (2013)
Best News Blog, Press Club of New Orleans (2022)
Multiple local Addy awards and a regional Addy, American Advertising Federation
Numerous Bronze Quill awards, International Association of Business Communicators.
Affiliations
The Advertising Club of New Orleans. Board of Directors, 1987 – 1992.
Advertising League of Louisiana. Founding Board Member, 1988 – 1992. Secretary, 1988 – 89.
The Wild Dolphin Project , Founding Board Member. 1988 – 1996. Secretary, 1989 – 1996.
StayLocal!. Founding Board Member, 2003 – 2008.
Historic District Landmarks Commission (CBD). Member, 2007 – 2016.
Broad Community Connections. Founding Board Member, 2008 – 2015.
Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association. Board Member, several terms over several years.
Urban League, National Convention Honorary Host Committee, 2012.
National Council of La Raza, National Convention Honorary Host Committee, 2013.
Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan. Advisory Council, 2011 – 2013.
The Water Collaborative. Co-founder/Board member, 2014 – 2016, Board member 2018 – 2019.
New Orleans Citizen Diplomacy Council. Board Member 2016 – present, Chair 2017 – 2019.
Other Accomplishments/Experiences
* Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America.
* Produced and promoted music concerts in Ohio and New Orleans.
* Produced and promoted graduate-level seminars for the Institute for Self-Actualization.
* Produced and promoted fundraising events for various organizations and institutions.
* Wrote two novels and numerous articles, for publications including USA Today, New Orleans Times-Picayune,
Adventure Travel, Inside Radio, Wavelength, Resources, New Orleans CityBusiness, New Orleans Tribune, Catalyst,
Tribe. Includes regular column on entrepreneurship for Biz New Orleans.
* Achieved top Louisiana ranking in 4.5 division in tennis in singles (twice) and doubles.
* Poobah of Publicity, Krewe du Vieux, 1987 – 1998, 2001 – present; Captain, 1998 – 2001.
* Participated in field research with free-ranging dolphins with the Wild Dolphin Project.
Education
B.A. (English), Washington College (Maryland), 1977.
Honors: ODK National Leadership Honor Society; Fox-Spedden Student Athlete Medal.
M.A. (English), Bowling Green State University (Ohio), 1979.
Interests
Cetacean (whale and dolphin) research, tennis, swimming/snorkeling, music, gardening, conservation and the environment, travel, the ancient world, people.
Kind Words
