Blake Cole

IT Director Strategy & Planning @ Elevance Health

About

Executive leader with 20+ years of experience designing and delivering enterprise events, executive and Board-level engagements, global sales incentive programs, and customer experiences for Fortune 500 organizations. Known for full end-to-end ownership — from strategy and site selection to content, tone, atmosphere, and flawless execution — in highly visible, zero-fail environments. Trusted partner to CIOs, Boards, and senior leadership teams, with a reputation for calm, decisive leadership under pressure and for building high-performing teams. Experience spans healthcare, technology, financial services, and enterprise platforms, with deep expertise aligning executive experiences to business strategy, revenue growth, and brand impact. Recently completed an 18-week executive certification in Generative AI for Business Transformation through Purdue University. Senior executive and agency partner recommendations available below. My recent certification in Generative AI for Business Transformation through Purdue University/Simplilearn reflects my commitment to harnessing AI and emerging technologies to simplify complexity, optimize creative workflows, and amplify enterprise impact. Passionate about the intersection of strategy, creativity, and technology, I unite vision with flawless execution to inspire audiences, elevate brands, and drive meaningful organizational transformation.

Country

United States

City

Atlanta

Industry

Insurance

Skill

Communication, Strategic Communications, Planning and execution, Visual Communication, Creativity Skills, Digital Marketing, Strategy, Account Management, Business Development, Process Improvement, Vendor Management, Business Analysis, Product Management, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Product Marketing, Project Management, Program Management, Competitive Analysis, Budgets

Experience

IT Director Strategy & Planning

Elevance Health

2023-1 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

• Lead executive communications and narrative development for tower initiatives • Produce rich-media storytelling (video, motion graphics, digital campaigns) to amplify strategy and innovation • Partner with senior leadership on keynotes, town halls, and board-level presentations, ensuring alignment and impact • Drive integration of AI-enabled solutions into communications, content production, and workflow optimization • Serve as an integral member of the Digital Health Platforms (DHP) team, leading the Amplifier team to amplify Product Development and Engineering initiatives, solutions, and successes through rich media and multi-channel storytelling • Led executive engagements, keynotes, and events, ensuring impactful storytelling and seamless execution.

Director Workplace Digital Product Management

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

2021-5 - 2023-2 · 1 yr 10 mos

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

• Designed and implemented an omni-channel digital front door simplifying associate experiences • Introduced a digital meeting concierge system to streamline collaboration • Ensured branding consistency across all platforms to enhance brand recognition and associate engagement.

Director Internal Communications

Prudential Financial

2020-9 - 2021-5 · 9 mos

Newark, New Jersey, United States

• Delivered executive communications strategy aligning employees with enterprise goals • Enhanced engagement through channel optimization and content strategy • Strengthened culture by ensuring consistent, transparent communication across platforms

Head of Creative Services & Experience Design

Consumer Society

2019-5 - 2020-9 · 1 yr 5 mos

Dayton, Ohio Area

• Directed design and production marketing materials for cloud-based healthcare solutions leveraging human-centered design • Elevated consumer engagement and streamlined operations through modern service practices

DIRECTOR - COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING EXECUTIVE: DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL, EVENTS AND CREATIVE SERVICES

Tennessee Valley Authority

2013-7 - 2018-10 · 5 yrs 4 mos

Chattanooga, Tennessee Area

• Oversaw $15M budget and led cross-functional 13-member team in digital, video, design, and events • Co-chaired $30M rebranding initiative inclusive of exterior and interior modernization • Drove corporate branding, executive communications, and strategic marketing initiatives • Represented communications/marketing technology priorities on TVA’s Executive IT Committee

DIRECTOR - COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING: GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA AND EVENTS

NCR Corporation

2007-7 - 2013-3 · 5 yrs 9 mos

Atlanta Georgia

• Built NCR’s global digital media and video production team from the ground up • Directed large-scale global campaigns, tradeshows, and executive communications • Delivered innovative media solutions driving customer engagement and internal alignment • Directed overall strategy, build and execution of state-of-the-art NY executive briefing center and ATL video production facilities. • Oversaw the research, acquisition, and implementation of key communication/marketing technology resources.

DIRECTOR - COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING: DIRECTOR OF DESIGN, MULTIMEDIA & MAJOR EVENTS

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

1993 - 2007 · 14 yrs

Dayton Ohio

Led corporate branding for multi-channel marketing strategies and major events, implementing key technology tools to drive revenue goals. Managed a 13-member creative team and oversaw major trade shows and investor meetings. • Led corporate branding, multimedia strategy, and major events execution • Managed 13-member creative team producing investor communications and national tradeshows • Oversaw major trade shows and investor meetings