Jay Kraker

The Empowered Caregiver Network fosters understanding of the needs of family caregivers worldwide and supports the fulfillment of those needs however we can. Our primary service is to provide robust support groups -- facilitated conversations -- for caregivers. ECN hosts powerful support sessions in Web-based meet-ups that can help as many as 10,000 participants simultaneously. This technology allows us to conduct "breakout support groups" of five caregivers each. We combine large-group learning with breakout sessions that can ease the most critical stresses and pain points that today's caregivers face. Following each breakout session, participants return to the "grand ballroom in the sky," where they share the most powerful lessons learned with the full audience.

I have served numerous clients under contract as a director or strategic consultant for corporate marketing, investor and donor communication, and change-management communication to engage employees, suppliers, nonprofit donors, and other stakeholders. I combine leading-edge technologies and traditional tools to execute winning campaigns to exceed clients' goals. I have enjoyed success on long-term and project assignments for global companies, nonprofits and small businesses alike.

I taught MBA students, corporate executives and other purpose-driven people to deliver more effective presentations and written communications. In the process, I help each individual to "own their power", in part by effectively using their voice and body language. I also emphasize and explain how to become a superb listener, so anyone can educate, negotiate and achieve win-win solutions.

Served as chief architect and builder of communication channels for change management across the 2,000-person, global supply chain organization that is charged with buying and delivering $29 billion worth of products and services to field operations.

I helped companies design, develop, operate and manage social media programs that delivered a measurable return on investment. Working with AccelSocial, we: * Used social media channels to build online communities -- from 10,000 to 1 million members -- on behalf of organizations seeking to attract and retain their ideal customers. We cultivated and engaged these audiences with continuous engagement, and guided them through the buying cycle, by building credibility as thought leaders in high-value business disciplines. * Provided clients with high-potential, qualified leads for their businesses. * Trained client representatives to manage their online communities directly, or assist with that process for continued growth in quality and quantity of sales leads.

I rebranded this 70-year-old public company to enhance awareness, credibility, and preference in the marketplace to pave the way for its acquisition. Tenaris and GE acquired Hydril's two business lines for $2.2 billion in 2007. A top executive said my work raised the acquisition price.

Developed and directed the first corporate marketing function for this provider of engineering and construction services that then had revenue of $3 billion annually and 60,000+ employees. This occurred at a time when E&C companies were just learning that marketing and sales are not the same thing.

Responsible for editorial content of Engineering News-Record, the world's leading news magazine for engineering and construction industry readers. Directed day-to-day operation of headquarters editorial staff of 25 and managed $3-million editorial budget. Promoted four times in nine years . • Determined content of each weekly issue. Wrote extensively. Edited and approved copy and illustrations. • Coached reporters on article development methods and resources. Managed editorial production. • Reduced staff turnover while budget declined by 33%. • Selected at age 25 to direct coverage of business, management and labor relations issues.

I took advantage of the spectacular breadth of courses available to tailor my own MBA while I cleared the high hurdle of 72 required credit hours: 50% higher than for a typical MBA. In the process, I gained expertise in a range of skills that has served me in my roles as big-business executive, marketing and management consultant, finance, and in all forms of communication.

Journalism and music fanatic. Played with the Marching 110 in Carnegie Hall -- an experience of a lifetime -- edited Athens Magazine, held a paid position with the campus daily, the OU Post, while enjoying small-town life.