ray pokorny

Masterworks is a specialty marketing, fundraising, communications and branding agency helping faith-based clients grow and increase their life-changing impact. I serve in multiple roles including client account strategy and leadership, new business development, agency product development and agency corporate strategy. Clients include Compassion International, Focus on the Family, Alliance Defending Freedom, Mission Aviation Fellowship, and IgniteAmerica, Responsible for c-level client relationships and oversight of the development of client short- and long-term fundraising strategy and operating plans, annual plan implementation, ongoing performance evaluation and plan updates. Lead cross-functional teams in new client opportunities.

A specialty marketing, communications and fundraising agency serving both faith-based and general market non-profits. Served in two primary roles: client account leadership and new business development. Agency clients included Nashville Rescue Mission, Moody Radio, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Ligonier Ministries, Wycliffe Associates and Star of Hope. Responsible for c-level client relationships and oversight of the development of client short- and long-term fundraising strategy and operating plans, annual plan implementation, ongoing performance evaluation and plan updates. Led cross-functional teams in new client opportunities.

Responsible for the development and management of all online activities including core content development, weekly enewsletters, online donor acquisition and online fund raising for IFCJ.org, IFCJ.ca and our Spanish site. Also responsible for online new donor acquisition programs. Also responsible for the development, production and distribution of the Ask The Rabbi Spanish radio program which aired on over 100 stations in 11 countries.

TLN is a Christian media company that owns and operates four local television stations, produces and distributes films and video programs in both the Christian and general market and distributes home video products. Responsibilities included corporate strategy planning, audience development and cable television relationship management. Represented the organization at community events and in radio interviews. Also responsible for management of film and video project investments.

Member of the senior management team that launched this startup commercial strength training equipment company. The Free Motion strength training line was the most success commercial fitness brand launch in the past 20 years. I was responsible for the development and implementation of integrated marketing communications programs that launched the company.

A niche market foundry with approximately $7,500,000 in annual sales and a staff of 85 people that I managed through six direct reports. Developed the business strategy and directed operations that helped the company avoid bankruptcy and return to profitability. Assumed personal responsibility to restore relationships with the company’s top two client accounts that represented approximately 30% of the company’s total sales. Re-engineered project management processes that resulted in improvements in manufacturing operations, on-time deliveries to client that led to increased customer satisfaction, retention and growth. Partnered with the head of production and operations to expand our production capabilities and increase low-volume production client base that helped stabilize and grow a consistent revenue base.

Reported to the COO and served in three primary roles. Responsible for facilitating the development of an integrated, ministry-wide strategic plan including broadcasting, fundraising, publishing and over sixty other marriage, parenting and family ministry units. Focus on the Family published approximately fifty new book titles/year and contracted with Word Publishing for retail distribution. Led teams responsible for marketing, PR, direct sales, management of the Word sales relationship and sales support. Also served on the new book acquisition committee that was responsible for reviewing manuscripts and selecting titles to be published. Responsible for onsite bookstore and resource center which was one of the highest Christian book retailers in the U.S.

Joined as summer intern, moved into client service training program and served in multiple client service roles. Account assignments included: Philip Morris Direct Marketing, Merit Cigarettes, Samsonite Luggage, Virginia Slims, Keebler Cookies, United Airlines and Camay Soap. Developed ground breaking advertising, promotion and direct marketing campaign that reversed a 5-year sales and share decline for Merit Cigarettes. Led the successful new business pitch for Philip Morris’ database marketing account. Led the development of the product concept, advertising, consumer and trade promotion for the launch of Chips Deluxe which became Keebler’s largest cookie brand. Developed advertising and promotion plan which helped the Virginia Slims brand recover from its first ever sales decline. Assigned to the Samsonite account after their corporate parent dictated the firing of Samsonite’s long-term agency. Established a strong working relationship that served as the foundation for a 20+ year partnership. Developed an innovative in-flight promotion program for United Airlines.